Anytime you drive a commercial vehicle in Canada, you may be subject to regular inspections. Certain types of vehicles must pass these inspections to drive on the road in Canada legally. These are required by the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program or see CVIP for short.
What is a CVIP?
CVIP is short for a commercial vehicle inspection program. These inspections should be performed in addition to your monthly and annual maintenance routines. They are mandatory and required by law under the Vehicle Inspection Regulation.
All commercial vehicles must have this inspection, along with certification and a decal for their vehicle that serves as proof.
The CVIP is designed to ensure that all fleet vehicles traveling on Canadian highways are being operated safely and are properly maintained. During one of these inspections, a certified inspector will check the vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate on highways. Everything from the steering to the brakes, the lights, the suspension, and the electrical system are checked.
How often do I need a CVIP?
In most cases, you will need to have a CVIP check conducted once per year. With that being said, these regulations can vary from province to province and often depend upon the weight and type of vehicle you are driving. Vehicles that carry more than ten passengers, such as a bus, generally inquire inspections more often – usually twice per year.
Where can I get a CVIP inspection?
To obtain a CVIP inspection, you can take your vehicle to any Licensed inspection station. These stations can be found throughout Canada and are familiar with the regulations set within their province to safely operate commercial vehicles.
If your vehicle passes the inspection, you will be safe to drive it off the lot. If there are any concerns or repairs that need to be made, you will need to have these dealt with before operating your vehicle on any Canadian highways.
How much does a CVIP inspection cost?
The cost of a CVIP inspection will vary significantly from Province to Province, and inspection station to inspection station. Price can range anywhere from $250 to $500 per inspection, plus any repair fees.
What will happen if I do not get my vehicle inspected?
If you fail to comply with these regulations and choose to drive without having your vehicle inspected, you could be subject to harsh penalties and fines if you are pulled over. Penalties and fines may differ depending on which province you are driving through, as well as if there is anything wrong with your vehicle.
Keep in mind that CVIP inspections are not designed to be a replacement for regular maintenance and upkeep. When you drive a commercial vehicle, you should still perform your own inspections regularly, or at least every 90 days.
Failure to do so could result in injury or accident and could leave you liable in the case that your negligence injures someone else.
Let’s all do our part in the upkeep of our vehicles, and let’s keep our roads safe!
