Records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance must be retained. According to 49 CFR 396.3, required records include the following:
- Identifying information of the vehicle, including company number, make, serial number, year, and tire size; (See also, Marking of Self-Propelled CMVs and Intermodal Equipment.)
- A schedule highlighting the type and due date of inspections and maintenance to be performed; and
- Inspection, repair, and maintenance records indicating the date and nature of each.
Carriers must maintain records for each vehicle they control through ownership or lease for 30 consecutive days. These records must be retained for one year at the location where the vehicle is housed or maintained. These records must be retained for six months after the vehicle leaves the carrier’s control (sale, trade-in, etc.).
Passenger carriers must keep records of tests conducted on emergency doors, emergency door marking lights, and pushout windows, which must be inspected at least every 90 days as stated in 49 CFR 396.3.