What does 49 CFR 396.15 (Driveaway-towaway operations and inspections) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 396.15 requires motor carriers to comply with its requirements for driveaway-towaway operations, with exceptions for maintenance records, vehicle inspection reports, and periodic inspections for vehicles being delivered. Motor carriers must perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections.

The rule says

"Every motor carrier, with respect to motor vehicles engaged in driveaway-towaway operations, shall comply with the requirements of this part." (49 CFR 396.15(a))

"Before the beginning of any driveaway-towaway operation of motor vehicles in combination, the motor carrier shall make a careful inspection and test to ascertain that: (1) The tow-bar or saddle-mount connections are properly secured to the towed and towing vehicle" (49 CFR 396.15(b))

"Motor carriers shall maintain practices to ensure that following completion of any trip in driveaway-towaway operation of motor vehicles in combination, and before they are used again, the tow-bars and saddle-mounts are disassembled and inspected for worn, bent, cracked, broken, or missing parts." (49 CFR 396.15(c))

In plain English

For driveaway-towaway operations, motor carriers must ensure that vehicles are properly connected and functioning before the trip starts, and that tow-bars and saddle-mounts are inspected after each trip. Motor carriers should have procedures in place to verify compliance with these requirements.

What to do

• Assign a responsible party to oversee driveaway-towaway operations and ensure compliance with 49 CFR 396.15.
• Develop and maintain a documented procedure for pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Train drivers on the proper inspection and connection of tow-bars and saddle-mounts.
• Verify compliance through periodic self-audits and maintain records of inspections and maintenance.