§FMCSR.com
Historical textIn force on Oct. 1, 2003Source: annual CFR editions 1996–2008

§ 396.21 Periodic inspection recordkeeping requirements.

Wording first on file in the 1996 annual edition, superseded by the 2009 annual edition.

govinfo, 2003 edition ↗
Before Jan. 1, 2017 the record is one snapshot per annual CFR edition, revised as of October 1. This is the 2003 edition's wording. An amendment that took effect between Oct. 1, 2003 and Oct. 1, 2003 would not appear until the next edition, so check the citations below and the Federal Register for exact effective dates.
49 CFR § 396.21 — Periodic inspection recordkeeping requirements.. Text in force on October 1, 2003. This wording effective October 1, 1996 to October 1, 2009. Source: govinfo, 2003 edition, https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2003-title49-vol4/CFR-2003-title49-vol4-sec396-21. Retrieved from FMCSR.com, https://fmcsr.com/reg/396.21?asof=2003-10-01, on October 26, 2026. Unofficial compilation; verify against the official source.

(a) The qualified inspector performing the inspection shall prepare a report which:

(1) Identifies the individual performing the inspection;

(2) Identifies the motor carrier operating the vehicle;

(3) Identifies the date of the inspection;

(4) Identifies the vehicle inspected;

(5) Identifies the vehicle components inspected and describes the results of the inspection, including the identification of those components not meeting the minimum standards set forth in appendix G to this subchapter; and

(6) Certifies the accuracy and completeness of the inspection as complying with all the requirements of this section.

(b)(1) The original or a copy of the inspection report shall be retained by the motor carrier or other entity who is responsible for the inspection for a period of fourteen months from the date of the inspection report. The original or a copy of the inspection report shall be retained where the vehicle is either housed or maintained.

(2) The original or a copy of the inspection report shall be available for inspection upon demand of an authorized Federal, State or local official.

(3) Exception. Where the motor carrier operating the commercial motor vehicles did not perform the commercial motor vehicle's last annual inspection, the motor carrier shall be responsible for obtaining the original or a copy of the last annual inspection report upon demand of an authorized Federal, State, or local official.

[54 FR 50725, Dec. 8, 1989]

Amendment history

3 distinct wordings on file since Oct. 1, 1996
  1. Jan. 1, 2017 → presenteCFR, day-precisediff vs. previous
    [73 FR 76825, Dec. 17, 2008, as amended at 86 FR 57077, Oct. 14, 2021]
  2. Oct. 1, 2009 → Jan. 1, 2017annual editions 2009–2016diff vs. previous
    [73 FR 76825, Dec. 17, 2008]
  3. Oct. 1, 1996 → Oct. 1, 2009annual editions 1996–2008viewing
    [54 FR 50725, Dec. 8, 1989]

A new entry appears whenever the regulatory words change between government snapshots. Day-precise from the eCFR (2017 onward); before that, one snapshot per annual CFR edition (revised as of October 1). Bracketed citations are the Federal Register history printed with the section.