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Bus Maintenance – What you need to know to stay safe and compliant

Vehicle and bus maintenance is an ongoing part of any commercial fleet, but is even more demanding in the world of limo and bus providers. As one truck driver told me, “Freight don’t talk!”

Ongoing fleet maintenance record keeping and repairs is a lengthy, complicated subject, so this post will only cover part 396 of FMCSA regulations.

REQUIRED MAINTENANCE
Systematic maintenance is required by 396.3. This means the motor carrier must have a maintenance plan, and show adherence to the plan. FMCSA does not regulate maintenance intervals or best practices. The only requirement about lubricants is that the vehicle is “properly lubricated” and free of leaks.

90 ­DAY INSPECTIONS
The motor carrier must test all push-out windows, emergency doors and emergency door marking lights at least every 90 days. As a best practice, such checks should be done monthly or alternating months in order to ensure 90 days is not exceed.

REQUIRED RECORDS
Bus maintenance records must include markings with make, VIN, year and tire size, as well as leasing company if applicable.
Records should also include evidence of 90 ­day inspections, as well as records of inspection, repairs and maintenance performed.

DVIRs
Driver vehicle inspection reports for each vehicle must be kept on file for 3 months. More information on these reports can be found HERE. As a best practice, evidence repairs were completed may be attached to the original report as well as the required certification by the motor carrier. Technological advances are allowing companies to perform better daily vehicle inspections, and be more efficient in tracking not just mechanical damage, but body damage as well.  To learn more about this visit Pocket Fleet Manager or Limo Logs.

ANNUAL INSPECTION
Annual inspections are required for all DOT vehicles. Originals are part of the required vehicle record and must be kept for 14 months.

UNSAFE OPERATIONS
Part 396.7 spells out that no motor vehicle shall be operated in such a condition likely to cause accident or breakdown. The only exemption is if it less hazardous to proceed to the nearest safe place to conduct repairs.

ROADSIDE INSPECTIONS
If a roadside inspection finds any violation or defect, the motor carrier has 15 days to certify that the violation has been corrected and return it to the issuing agency. Copies must be kept by the motor carrier for 12 months.

BRAKE INSPECTORS

Brake inspectors utilized by a motor carrier must meet the requirements outlined in 396.25. Evidence of inspector qualifications must be kept on file for at least one year after the inspector’s last date of work or utilization.

Systematic bus maintenance is not only a best practice, it’s the law. Limo & Bus Compliance can work with you to create a plan that minimizes your downtime, keeps you compliant and extends the life of your vehicles.

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