Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding what MVRs are and why checking them often will reduce your risk. Because past behavior is a good predictor of a driver’s future actions, your drivers’ motor vehicle records (MVRs) are a vital piece of your safety management program. By identifying risky behaviors now, you can help prevent crashes tomorrow.

What is an MVR?

An MVR is a report of a driver’s driving history as reported by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Information on this report can include:

• Driver’s license number
• License issue date and expiration date
• Type of license
• License suspensions
• Driving restrictions
• Accident reports
• Traffic violations
• Driving record points
• Vehicular crimes
• Medical certification status for CDL drivers

Who needs an MVR?

Anyone who drives a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on a highway in interstate commerce is required to have an MVR, with few limited exceptions. Intrastate-only drivers must follow their state’s driver qualification file requirements, which may be the same or different than the federal requirements.

When do I need a driver’s MVR?

For new non-CDL drivers, you must have the MVR within 30 days of hire. For new CDL drivers, you must have the MVR showing their medical status before the driver can operate a CMV. If you’re sending the CDL driver for a new medical exam, you must have the MVR within 15 days following the exam.

In order to make sure all of your drivers continue to be properly licensed, you’re required to request an MVR once every 12 months starting at their one-year hiring anniversary. Someone within your organization must document the annual review of the driving record, looking at convictions in both personal vehicles and CMVs. This alerts you to patterns of unsafe driving despite their still being licensed.

For CDL drivers, you also need a new MVR within 15 days of every medical recertification to make sure the most recent medical exam has been added on to the record.

Reduce your MVR risk — Learn More Here or call 888.473.4638 to speak with a Compliance Specialist.