The Hidden Risks of the Annual MVR

Companies are only required to check the motor vehicle record (MVR) of their CDL drivers annually (49 CFR 391.25). As a result, if a driver does not self-report, it could be up to 364 days before a company obtains this information. In the interim, the driver may have been operating illegally on the roadways.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sponsored a study conducted by the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). The purpose of the study is to demonstrate how reducing the time between a driver’s conviction and notification can provide opportunities for employers to take action and reduce consequences. The study also highlights the feasibility and safety benefits of an MVR Monitoring Program.