Simplifying California EPN Compliance
If you operate vehicles in California, you’ve likely heard of the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program and experienced the headache that comes with it.
The good news? Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. With Embark Safety as your authorized EPN agent, you can meet state requirements and simplify driver monitoring through automated alerts, easy-to-read reports, and complete visibility into your drivers’ records. Let’s take a closer look at what it looks like.
What is the California Employer Pull Notice (EPN)?
California’s Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program is a state-mandated system managed by the DMV under California Vehicle Code §1808.1. It requires employers who hire drivers, such as trucking companies, contractors, government agencies, and businesses that operate company vehicles, to enroll in the program.
When an enrolled driver experiences a qualifying event (such as a suspension, DUI, medical restriction, or new violation), the DMV sends a pull notice to the employer. The goal is to ensure companies are aware of driver record changes that may affect safety, compliance, or legal eligibility to operate a vehicle.
While the EPN fulfills this compliance requirement, it’s limited in scope and speed. Here’s why:
Key Limitations of the EPN Program
While the EPN program is valuable for meeting state requirements, it was designed decades ago for a paper-based era. Modern employers often face these challenges:
- Delayed updates: Employers may wait weeks or months before being notified of license changes or violations.
- Limited detail: Reports provide minimal context about violations, driver behavior and the overall risk picture.
- Manual management: Adding or removing drivers requires forms and manual submissions.
- Limited access: Employers have limited access and control over their EPN accounts.
- California-only coverage: EPN only tracks drivers licensed in California. Out-of-state drivers or multi-state operations are not included.
These limitations leave companies with blind spots that can increase risk, administrative burden, and liability.
How Embark Safety Automates and Enhances EPN Compliance
Embark Safety’s Continuous Driver Record Monitoring platform automates California compliance, eliminates manual processes, and expands visibility across all 50 states. Here’s how:
Streamlined EPN compliance
Embark Safety connects directly to the California DMV to ensure all enrolled drivers meet state requirements. As an authorized EPN agent, Embark Safety handles the technical and administrative side of compliance.
Automated Enrollment & Driver Updates
Embark Safety makes managing your EPN driver list simple. You can add, remove, or update drivers with just a few clicks, ensuring your records remain accurate at all times. For larger fleets, bulk upload tools enable quick enrollment of multiple drivers simultaneously.
Near real-time alerts
Instead of waiting for delayed EPN notifications, Embark Safety delivers daily alerts when something changes in a driver’s record, such as suspensions, violations, or expired licenses. Acting quickly helps prevent unlicensed or high-risk drivers from operating vehicles, reducing liability and improving safety.
Full MVR Decoding and Risk Scoring
Embark Safety transforms complex DMV data into easy-to-understand reports. Every MVR pull is decoded to show the violation type and overall driver risk score. This provides managers with a clear picture of who needs coaching, retraining, or further review.
Centralized Compliance Dashboard
Access all driver records, alerts, dq files and compliance documentation from one secure dashboard. HR, Safety, and Compliance teams can quickly generate reports for audits, renewals, or insurance reviews, saving hours of manual tracking.
Multi-State Monitoring
While the EPN program only covers California-licensed drivers, many organizations have employees licensed in other states. Embark Safety expands your visibility to all 50 states, ensuring every driver is continuously monitored, no matter where they’re licensed.
California EPN Vs. Embark Safety EPN Agent
| Feature / Requirement | California EPN Program | Embark Safety EPN Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Legal compliance in California | Required by DMV under Vehicle Code §1808.1 | Authorized EPN agent by the DMV |
| Coverage area | California drivers only | All 50 states |
| Alert frequency | Periodic | Daily alerts for California |
| Violation detail | Basic event notifications | Full MVR decoding with risk scoring |
| Administration | Tedious driver management | Easy driver enrollment |
| Compliance tracking | Paper-based | Digital dashboard with insights and reporting |
Simplify EPN Compliance and Strengthen Fleet Safety
Managing EPN compliance shouldn’t slow you down. With Embark Safety, you can automate your EPN process, eliminate paperwork, and gain real-time visibility into every driver’s record—all while staying fully compliant with California regulations.
Want to learn more? Contact us or book a demo.
*We are not lawyers. Consult with your legal counsel to ensure your processes and procedures meet/ or exceed safety standards and compliance regulations. Please read our legal disclaimer.
