33333CommercialVehicleInspectionProgramInformation

May 2004

This booklet is intended as a guide only and as suchhas been written as a plain language summary to helpyou understand some of the laws affecting theCommercial Vehicle Inspection Program. You shouldrefer to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), the Motor VehicleAct Regulation (MVAR), and Relevant BC Motor Carrierlicensing provisions for a full statement of the law. Inthe event of a conflict between this booklet and anyprovision of the above acts and regulations, the actsand regulations shall apply. Acts and regulations aresubject to change without notice.

Commercial Vehicle InspectionProgram Information

Contents

British Columbia Commercial Vehicle

Inspection Program ............................................... 1-2

Vehicles – Inspection Programs .......................... 3-4

Inspection Facilities – Inspection Programs ....... 5-7

Authorized Vehicle Inspectors ......................... 10-12

Inspections ............................................................. 13

Decals – Inspection Programs ......................... 14-16

Fees – Inspection Programs ................................. 17

Vehicle Maintenance ............................................. 18

Enforcement ........................................................... 18

Contacts..........................................................19

Regional Offices............................................20-21

Illustrations

Decals ...................................................................... 8

Condemned Decal ................................................... 8

Interim Decal ............................................................ 9

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British Columbia Commercial/Private Vehicle InspectionProgram

Division 25 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations(MVAR) requires that certain commercial/privatevehicles be inspected either annually or semi-annually. A list of which vehicles must be inspectedis given later in this booklet under Which VehiclesMust Be Inspected? Division 25 also sets out therequired standards for inspections and vehicle-relatedrecord keeping.

Procedures have been set for out-of-provincecommercial vehicles and private vehicles that weighless than 3,500 kilograms and are entering BritishColumbia. These procedures ensure these vehiclesare maintained to B.C. standards of safety and repair,or to equivalent recognized standards established bytheir respective jurisdictions of registration. For moreinformation please refer to the pamphlet called MotorVehicle Inspection Requirements (MV3200 and toDivision 25 of the MVAR. This section of theregulations contains the requirements for out-of-province vehicles.

Random roadside inspections of all vehicles areperformed throughout the province. The results ofroadside inspections of commercial vehicles form thebasis of a report on the carrier that manages thosevehicles.

The Province of BC, Commercial Vehicle Safety andEnforcement Division (CVSE) has implemented asystem of inspections to monitor the designatedinspection facilities (DIF) that conduct requiredvehicle inspections. Peace Officers and personsauthorized by Commercial Vehicle Safety andEnforcement Division do this monitoring and theirreports are included in profiles of the DIFs.

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All vehicles must be inspected and maintained inaccordance with the Standards of Safety and Repair.These standards are listed in Division 25 of theMVAR. They are also summarized in the VehicleInspection Manual (Standards of Safety and Repair).Copies of this manual are available at all DriverService Centres, Government Agents, and AppointedAgents.

All vehicles that are being given a required inspectionmust be inspected in a designated inspection facility.An inspection facility may be any garage or otherpremises designated by CVSE for this purpose.Such designation requires a formal application toMinistry of Public Safety & Solicitor General,Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Divisionand the approval of both the facility and theequipment.

Designated inspection facility inspectors must beauthorized by Commercial Vehicle Safety andEnforcement Division.

Vehicles requiring inspection will be inspected byauthorized inspectors in accordance with proceduresestablished by the Director, responsible forCommercial Vehicle Safety & Enforcement Division ofthe Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General.These standards are listed in the Vehicle InspectionManual (Standards of Safety and Repair) and theregulations in Division 25 of the MVAR.

After inspection, a prescribed vehicle will have affixedto it one of three decals:

• APPROVAL where the vehicle meets all of therequirements

• INTERIM where it fails some of therequirements but is safe to continue operatingfor a period of 14 days, with or without load orpassengers as noted in the Inspection Report

• CONDEMNED, in which case the motor vehiclemay not be moved from the point of inspectionexcept by tow truck or transporter (See page 8identifying decals)

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Repairs, required prior to reinspection, may be madeat any facility or by the owner of the vehicle.

A passed inspection report must accompany theapplication for vehicle licence or renewal. If a passedreport is not presented, the application may berefused or the licence or renewal of the licencesubsequently suspended or cancelled.

The cost of the vehicle inspection charged to theowner of the vehicle is set by the inspection facility.

Vehicles – Inspection Programs

WHICH VEHICLES MUST BE INSPECTED?

The inspection program is compulsory for thefollowing classes of vehicles:

• taxi

• bus

• bus or school bus for which a school bus permithas been issued

• truck or truck tractor having a licensed GVWgreater than 8,200 kg

• commercial trailer or semi-trailer

• any vehicle, other than a motorcycle, where theoperator is required to hold a motor carrierlicence

• any vehicle, other than a motorcycle, owned orleased by a driver training school

• any vehicle issued a notice and order number 1or 2 at a roadside inspection

• private vehicles newly licensing or registering inBC from another jurisdiction

Proof of inspection must be provided for all vehiclesincluded in the Vehicle Inspection Program prior toinitial licensing or renewal of a vehicle licence. A validcertificate of approval must also be displayed at alltimes while parked or operated on the highway.

Inspection certificates are valid for 6 or 12 months,depending upon the type of vehicle.

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WHAT VEHICLES ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDEDFROM THE INSPECTION PROGRAM?

The following vehicles are excluded:

1. a vehicle licensed under Section 8 of the MotorVehicle Act (MVA) as a farm tractor which isdefined as a motor vehicle designed and usedprimarily as an implement of husbandry fortowing agricultural equipment

2. a vehicle licensed under Section 9 of the MVAas a motor vehicle that is ordinarily used onlyon industrial property and occasionally on ahighway, or a vehicle licensed under a farm fleet

3. a vehicle licensed under Section 10 of the MVAas a tractor, grader, loader, shovel, roller, mixer,or other self-propelled road building or industrialmachinery not included in the Schedule toDivision 25 of the MVAR

4. any vehicle bearing a demonstration licence,transporter’s licence, manufacturer’s licence orrepairman’s licence under Sections 38, 41, 42or 44 of the MVA

5. any vehicle owned and operated by the federalgovernment

6. any vehicle duly registered outside the provincethat carries the number plates for its jurisdictionand is in the province for touring purposes onlyfor a period not greater than 6 months or forpurposes other than touring for a period notgreater than 30 days

7. a trailer or semi-trailer not registered or licensedin British Columbia and bearing a trailer floaterplate issued under Section 6(7) of theCommercial Transport Act

8. a vehicle exempted by CVSE on establishedconditions (e.g., establishment of an approvedpreventative maintenance program)

9. a farm vehicle, other than a bus, having alicensed GVW of 17,300 kg or less

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10. a commercial vehicle operating under theTemporary Operating Permit

ARE VEHICLES REGISTERED OUT-OF-PROVINCEINCLUDED IN THE INSPECTION PROGRAM?

Where a bilateral agreement with another jurisdictionhas been made in accordance with Division 25 of theMVAR, commercial vehicles registered in such ajurisdiction which have proof of inspection in thatjurisdiction will be exempted from the BritishColumbia inspection requirements. However, a peaceofficer retains the right to direct any out-of-provincevehicle to an inspection facility for inspection.

Inspection Facilities –InspectionPrograms

ARE THE INSPECTION FACILITIESGOVERNMENT-OWNED?

No. Garages and service facilities in the privatesector are designated by Commercial Vehicle Safety& Enforcement Division, of the Ministry of PublicSafety & Solicitor General to perform vehicleinspections.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS AN INSPECTION FACILITYREQUIRED TO HAVE?

The required equipment includes: automotive handtools, headlamp alignment device, wheel assemblyremoval device, brake drum/caliper measuring tool,hoist or lifting device, tire tread depth gauge, tirepressure gauge, torque wrench, digital voltmeter(pressure fuel vehicles), gauges for fifth wheelkingpin/jaws/pintle hitch (trailers 5,000 kg and up)and steering/suspension free play measuring device.

This required equipment is listed on the CommercialVehicle Inspection Program (CVIP) OriginalApplication (MV3205) and is to be checked off by theapplicant when the form is completed.

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HOW DO I APPLY FOR A FACILITYDESIGNATION?

An original application (MV3205) for the CVIP mustbe completed and signed by the owner/operator ofeach facility. Along with the application, the followingdocumentation must be submitted to CommercialVehicle Safety and Enforcement Division, PO Box9250 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9J2, forapproval:

• a current business licence stating that thebusiness is auto repair and/or inspection

• a copy of the first page of the ICBC garagepolicy or equivalent, in the name of the legalentity, showing the policy number, expiry dateand validity stamp

• the applicable fee

• the application form must identify the authorizedinspectors

A Motor Vehicle Inspector will inspect the facility toensure that the facility meets the criteria under theMVA and MVAR.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I HAVE SENT IN MYAPPLICATION?

If your application is approved, you will receive afacility designation and facility identification, alongwith an information package.

If the application is not accepted you will be notifiedand, where applicable, the initial fee will be refunded.

WHAT DUTIES MUST THE OPERATOR OF ADESIGNATED INSPECTION FACILITY PERFORM?

The general duties of operators of facilities aredescribed in Section 25.05 of the MVAR. Theoperator is required to:

• display the facility licence and the inspector’sauthorization certificate(s) in a conspicuousplace in the designated facility (AuthorizedInspector must also have a valid AuthorizedInspector’s Identification card).

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• ensure that only authorized inspectors inspectvehicles

• keep a record of each inspection carried out atthe facility for a minimum of 18 months

• maintain safe custody and control (and free fromdamage) of unused decals, and report bytelephone any loss or theft to CommercialVehicle Safety and Enforcement Division

• ensure that the facility is equipped with therequired tools, appliances, imprint machines,manuals and documents, including a current copyof the Vehicle Inspection Manual (Standards ofSafety & Repair) and the MVAR, that enableefficient management of the facility, and ensurethat the inspection of vehicles comply with therequired standards

• ensure that each authorized inspector at thefacility conducts the inspections methodically inaccordance with good trade practices andfollows the required procedure during and afterevery inspection

• permit Peace Officers and persons authorizedby Commercial Vehicle Safety and EnforcementDivision to enter the inspection facility duringnormal business hours for the purpose ofexamining equipment necessary for inspectionsuch as records of inspection and unissueddecals, and permit them to make copies ofdocuments relevant to the facility’s functionsunder Division 25 of the MVAR

An operator of a facility who does not carry out theduties and responsibilities as required by Division 25of the MVAR may be the subject of a hearing todetermine whether the designation of the facilityshould be suspended or cancelled by the Director, ofCommercial Vehicle Safety and EnforcementDivision.

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Authorized Vehicle Inspectors

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY TO BE ANAUTHORIZED VEHICLE INSPECTOR?

Any holder of a Certificate of Qualification issued bythe Industry Training Centre, Ministry of AdvancedEducation in Automotive Technician Repair,Commercial Transport Vehicle Mechanical Repair, orHeavy Duty Mechanical Repair and who hassuccessfully completed an Inspector’s AuthorizationCourse is eligible.

An Inter-Provincial Certificate, issued by a jurisdictionother than B.C., is not acceptable, but a B.C.Certificate may be obtained without furtherexamination from the Industry Training Centre,Ministry of Advanced Education. See back of bookfor contact information.

Inspection of propane or natural gas fuel systemsmay only be carried out by a person holding anappropriate special purpose licence endorsed forLiquid Propane Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gasand Liquid Propane (CNLP), or Compressed NaturalGas (CNG), issued bythe Gas Safety Branch, BC Safety Authority.

WHO AUTHORIZES VEHICLE INSPECTORS FORTHIS PROGRAM?

Director, Commercial Vehicle Safety & EnforcementDivision authorizes inspectors for this program.

WHO CARRIES OUT THE ACTUAL VEHICLEINSPECTION IN A DESIGNATED FACILITY?

Those vehicle inspectors who are issued a certificateand Authorized Inspector’s Identification card byCVSE for this purpose carry out the actualinspection. (See the section of this brochure headedAuthorized Vehicle Inspectors.)

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WHAT VEHICLE CLASSIFICATIONS CAN AFACILITY BE LICENSED TO INSPECT?

There are eight vehicle classifications:

1. motor vehicles with a GVW of 5,000 kg or less

2. truck and truck-tractors with a licensed GVW ofgreater than 5,000 kg

3. trailers without air brakes

4. trailers with air brakes

5. buses greater than 5,500 kg GVW

6. buses 5,500 kg GVW or less

7. school buses

8. motorcycles

The classifications requested should be checked atthe time of application in the space provided on theCommercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP)Original Application (MV3205).

In addition, there are two endorsements:

1. air brake inspection

2. pressure fuel (propane, natural gas or both)

HOW ARE THE VARIOUS FORMS, DECALS ANDTHE VEHICLE INSPECTION MANUAL OBTAINED?

All of the materials required by an inspection facility,other than the MVAR, may be obtained from anyDriver licensing office, Government Agent, andAppointed Agents offices.

To obtain a copy of the MVAR contact CrownPublications Inc. by writing to 521 Fort Street,Victoria, B.C., V8W 1E7 or by calling 250-386-4636or download from our website at:

www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/cvse

WHERE MAY AN AUTHORIZED VEHICLEINSPECTOR CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS?

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An inspector may only carry out inspections in afacility designated by CVSE. In rare, exceptionalcircumstances an “on-site” permit may be issuedfrom Commercial Vehicle Safety and EnforcementDivision (e.g., fire trucks in remote areas).

WHAT ARE A VEHICLE INSPECTOR’SRESPONSIBILITIES?

1. After every inspection, the inspector mustcomplete and sign an Inspection Report and:

• give one copy to the vehicle operator (whichmust be carried in the vehicle)

• send one copy to Commercial VehicleSafety & Enforcement Division within 10days (for address information, see the backcover of this booklet)

• keep one copy in the facility’s records for18 months

2. The inspector may add comments on theInspection Report regarding the probability ofthe vehicle continuing to comply with all theapplicable standards for the term of theinspection decal.

3. If the vehicle complies with all of the standards,the inspector shall place the APPROVAL decalon the vehicle, in the location noted in theDecal section of this information booklet.

4. If the vehicle does not comply with all thestandards, and the inspector is satisfied that itis not a hazard to other road users, a 14-dayINTERIM decal shall be placed on the vehicle.The inspector must state on the inspection formwhether the vehicle may be operated with orwithout load or passengers.

5. If the condition of the vehicle is such that itsoperation would be dangerous, a CONDEMNEDdecal shall be placed on the vehicle. A motorvehicle bearing a condemned decal may only bemoved by a tow truck or transporter.

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6. To read and understand the inspection manualstandards, and MVAR requirements.

7. To ensure that inspections are methodical inaccordance with good trade practices andconducted in accordance with the standardsprescribed in the inspection manual (Standards ofSafety & Repair) and MVAR.

8. To report any loss/damage or changes to theAuthorized Inspector’s Identification card within (1)business day to Commercial Vehicle Safety &Enforcement Division.

Inspections

WHICH COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS MUST BEEXAMINED?

The Vehicle Inspection Manual (Standards of Safety& Repair) lists all the inspections that must becarried out by an inspector prior to applying a decalto the vehicle.

The manual is divided into separate sections thatcover pressure fuel; light commercial vehicles of5,000 kg and under - such as taxicabs and lightbuses; trucks and truck tractors; trailers and semi-trailers; buses and school buses; and motorcycles.

IS THE VEHICLE INSPECTION MANUAL AREGULATION?

Yes. The Vehicle Inspection Manual (Standards ofSafety & Repair) is a regulation brought into forceunder the authority of the MVA.

IS THE VEHICLE INSPECTION MANUALIS THE VEHICLE INSPECTION MANUALIS THE VEHICLE INSPECTION MANUALIS THE VEHICLE INSPECTION MANUALIS THE VEHICLE INSPECTION MANUAL

UPDATED PERIODICALLY?

Updates will automatically be mailed to alldesignated inspection facilities, PreventativeMaintenance Program Managers, those trainingschools providing Commercial/Private VehicleInspection Program training, and the key contact

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person responsible for commercial vehicle inspectionin other provincial jurisdictions.

Decals – Inspection Programs

WHAT DECALS ARE USED IN THE INSPECTIONPROGRAM?

There are three decals: APPROVAL, INTERIM andCONDEMNED.

1. The APPROVAL decal indicates that the vehiclecomplies with all of the applicable inspectionstandards in the inspection manual.

2. The INTERIM decal indicates that the vehicledoes not comply with all of the applicablestandards (commercial vehicles only).

3. The CONDEMNED decal indicates that themotor vehicle is unsafe and therefore may onlybe moved by a tow truck or transporter to aplace of repair or scrap yard (commercialvehicles only).

Every prescribed vehicle in the InspectionProgram shall display either a valid APPROVALor a valid INTERIM decal at all times whenoperated or parked on the highway. Thecorresponding inspection reports must becarried in the vehicle.

The APPROVAL, INTERIM and CONDEMNED decalsare illustrated in this booklet. (See pages 8 and 9.)

WHO AFFIXES THE DECAL TO A VEHICLE?

Only an CVSE authorized vehicle inspector canplace a decal on a vehicle that has been inspected,

and only after first completing and signing theInspection Report.

WHERE IS THE DECAL TO BE AFFIXED?

New requirements adopted by the Canadian Councilof Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) requireapproved decals be placed as follows:

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• for truck and truck/tractors - on the left-handside as close as practicable to the front of theequipment

• for trailers and converter dollies - on the left-hand side as close as practicable to the front ofthe equipment

• for buses - on the lower right-hand corner of thewindshield, or to a fixed side window as closeas practicable to the right front of the vehicle

MVAR 25.02(1) requires the following:

• in the case of a motor vehicle - to the outsidelower right-hand corner of the windshield or thefixed glazed surface to the right of the operator

• in the case of a trailer - on the outside of theright-hand lower corner

Until such time as the MVAR has been amended,decals placed in accordance with the current regulationor with the CCMTA requirements will be acceptable toCVSE.

The INTERIM INSPECTION decal is to be placed asfollows:

• in the case of a motor vehicle, on the outside ofthe windshield in the lower right corner, or on thefixed glazed surface to the right of the operator

• in the case of a trailer, on the outside of thelower right front corner

The CONDEMNED decal, when used, is to be affixedon the outside of the windshield directly in front of thedriver, in the case of a motor vehicle; or, in the caseof a trailer, in the same position as APPROVAL andINTERIM INSPECTION decals.

HOW LONG IS A DECAL VALID?

1. A semi-annual APPROVAL decal expires on thelast day of the sixth calendar month followingthe date of inspection (e.g., a semi-annualinspection being performed April 4 will expire thelast day of October).

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An annual APPROVAL decal expires on the lastday of the twelfth month following the date ofinspection (e.g., an annual inspection beingperformed April 4 will expire the last day of Aprilone year later).

2. The INTERIM decal, and the Inspection Report,are valid for a period of 14 days.

3. The CONDEMNED decal may not be removeduntil such time as the vehicle has been repairedand has passed reinspection.

Fees – Inspection Programs

WHAT IS THE FEE FOR DESIGNATING AFACILITY?

The fee for an initial application is $200. There is anannual renewal fee of $100. The fee is subject tochange, without notice.

WHAT IS THE COST OF MATERIALS REQUIREDFOR AN INSPECTION FACILITY?

The costs are shown on the Commercial VehicleInspection Order Form (MV3054), and are subject tochange. At the time of writing the costs are:

Vehicle Inspection Manual $25.00Report forms $4.00 per pad of 25Report forms $8.00 per pad of 50Approval decal $3.00 eachInterim decals $4.00 per book of 25Condemned decals $10.00 per book of 25Replacement facility sign $6.00Facility decal (small) $2.00

GST is applicable.All fees are subject to change.

Additional Costs

Imprint machine rental/lease/ownership upon approvalof application. Cost to renew or replace AuthorizedInspector’s Identification cards.

The cost of inspection is not specified and may be

WHAT IS THE CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER FORTHE VEHICLE INSPECTION?

set by the inspection facility.

The cost of repair prior to reinspection is notspecified and may be set by the repair garage.

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Vehicle Maintenance

Yes. Division 25 of the MVAR requires that all vehicleowners maintain their vehicles to the standards found inthe Vehicle Inspection Manual (Standards of Safetyand Repair).

In addition, records of inspection, maintenance andrepair must be kept for the last three years ofownership and for six months after the vehicle hasbeen sold. Also, a carrier shall retain records inaccordance with Division 37 of the MVAR.

The vehicle’s records may be transferred to a newowner of a vehicle.

Enforcement

WHAT AUTHORITY DOES THE MOTOR VEHICLEINSPECTOR HAVE?

CVSE inspection staff may exercise certain powersand duties of a Peace Officers for the purpose of theMVA and MVAR. This authority is required for thepurposes of enforcing the inspection programs aswell as auditing the record keeping requirements.

IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE REGULARINSPECTION PROGRAM?

Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Divisionhas the authority to approve an alternative inspectionprogram to the regular inspection program describedin this booklet. For more information on alternateinspection programs, please refer to the CommercialVehicle Safety and Enforcement Division’s Booklet#4, Preventative Maintenance Programs.

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Contacts______________________________Commercial Vehicle Safetyand Enforcement Division• Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP/PVIP)

• Commercial Transport (Weights and Dimensions)

• National Safety Code (NSC)

• Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

• Dangerous Goods

Mailing AddressPO Box 9250 Stn Prov GovtVictoria, BC V8W 9J2

Phone Mainline: 250-952-0577NSC Mainline: 250-952-0576Fax: 250-952-0578Website: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/cvse

Industry Training CentreToll Free 1-866-660-6011

Website: www.learnandearn.bc.ca

Enquiry BCToll Free in BC 1-800-661-8773 (will transfer to

any Government phone number)

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Regional Offices

Please contact the following offices for regionalenforcement queries:

Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast

3rd floor, 2100 Labieux Road

Nanaimo, BC V9T 6E9

Phone: 250-751-7136

Fax: 250-751-7176

Fraser Valley

104 - 5460 - 152nd Street

Surrey, BC V3S 5J9

Phone: 604-575-3442

Fax: 604-507-3447

Lower Mainland

#102 - 4240 Manor Street

Burnaby, BC V5G 1B2

Phone: 604-575-3443

Fax: 604-453-4203

Okanagan

937 Concordia Way

Kamloops, BC V2C 6V3

Phone: 250-851-3711

Fax: 250-851-3722

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Kootenays

100 Cranbrook Street, N

Cranbrook, BC V1C 3P9

Phone: 250-426-1262

Fax: 250-426-1251

Northern Interior

3990 - 22nd Avenue

Prince George, BC V2N 3A1

Phone: 250-561-5627

Fax: 250-561-5629

Peace River

3rd Floor 1201 103rd Avenue

Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4J2

Phone: 250-784-2245

Fax: 250-784-2280

* All phone numbers and address are subject tochange without notice.

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For further information write:

Commercial Vehicle Safety

and Enforcement Division

PO Box 9250 Stn Prov Govt

Victoria BC V8W 9J2

www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/cvse

MV3065 (052004)