LOCAL RULES: N.S. REG. 26/2018

Nova Scotia driver vehicle inspection report requirements

Your Nova Scotia driver vehicle inspection report has 5 rules to meet. ReportDraft puts every one on your checklist and checks your draft before you sign.

  • An inspection at least every 24 hours on the regulation's schedule
  • The most recent report in the vehicle
  • Debris, snow and ice cleared before driving
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Nova Scotia's Commercial Vehicle Trip Inspection Regulations set out the daily inspection for trucks, tractors and trailers over 4,500 kg and for buses, the defect and major defect lists to inspect against, and exactly what the written report must say. Here is each rule with a link to the official text, and what a Nova Scotia trip inspection report should record.

Last reviewed October 13, 2026 against the official sources listed below.

Driver vehicle inspectionNOVA SCOTIA / SAMPLE

Sample notes, 82 words

Carrier: Ridgeline Freight
Driver: Marcus Hale
Date: 10/06/2026, 6:40pm, end of day at the Elm St yard
Unit 214, trailer 5310
Odometer 412,883
...
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We sorted 12 items into 3 sections and flagged 1 to fix soon.

  • Fix soonParts and accessories

    Audible air leak at the trailer gladhand seal

  • Worth watchingParts and accessories

    Right steer tire worn to the wear bars on the outer edge

5 Nova Scotia rules on your checklist, including an inspection at least every 24 hours on the regulation's schedule.

Still to add

  • Nova Scotia lawDefects found
  • NeededPlate number, VIN or unit number
  • NeededTime of inspection

Filled in for you

Carrier's nameRidgeline Freight
Vehicle or unit number214
Trailer number(s)5310
DriverMarcus Hale
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What Nova Scotia requires

  • Each inspection is written up by the designate or licensed technician who did it, with the plate number, VIN or unit number, the odometer reading if there is one, every defect and every major defect found (or a statement that none were found), the carrier's name, the date and time, the city, town, village or highway location, and the inspector's printed name and, on paper, signatureCommercial Vehicle Trip Inspection Regulations, N.S. Reg. 26/2018, s. 7 (1)
  • Every commercial vehicle (a truck, tractor or trailer over 4,500 kg registered gross weight, or a bus) is inspected at least once every 24 hours using the schedule for its type: Schedule 1 for trucks, tractors and trailers, Schedule 2 for buses, Schedule 3 for motor coaches; neither the carrier nor the driver may put it on the highway without that inspectionN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 2, 5, 6 (1)
  • Defects are reported to the carrier before the next required inspection and major defects immediately; the carrier has every defect corrected before the next required inspection, and no one may drive the vehicle on a highway with a major defectN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 11, 12, 13
  • The driver carries the most recent inspection report for the vehicle while driving it on a highway and hands it to a motor vehicle inspector on demandN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 8, 9
  • The vehicle is cleared of debris, snow and ice before it is driven on a highwayN.S. Reg. 26/2018, s. 14
  • The original of each inspection report goes to the carrier within 20 calendar days. The carrier keeps, for each vehicle, an identification record, copies of inspection, repair and maintenance reports with dates and odometer readings, axle or suspension modifications affecting weight ratings, and the original inspection reports, at its principal place of business for 2 years or 6 months after the vehicle leaves its fleet, whichever is longerN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 10, 15
  • An electronic recording or logging device may keep the report if it holds the same information as a paper report, can produce it immediately on screen, in print, by hand copy or by email, and logs every disconnection and reconnection; hard copies made from it are signed, and the carrier also supplies blank paper formsN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 16, 17
  • Exempt are emergency vehicles, recreational vehicles, vehicles used for relief in a declared emergency, and 2- or 3-axle vehicles on trips to pick up or carry feed grain, fertilizer or primary products of a farm, forest, sea or lake when the driver or carrier produces or uses them. A motor coach with air ride suspension, air brakes and automatic adjusters also needs a licensed technician's Schedule 4 inspection every 30 days or 12,000 kmN.S. Reg. 26/2018, ss. 3, 6 (2)
  • Breaking the regulations is a category B offence, with a fine of at least 50 dollars for a first offence, 100 dollars for a second and 200 dollars for each later oneN.S. Reg. 26/2018, s. 18 ยท Summary Proceedings Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 450, s. 4B (b)

The daily inspection and the report

Every commercial vehicle is inspected at least once every 24 hours against the schedule for its type, and it cannot go on the highway without that inspection. The report lists the plate number, VIN or unit number, the odometer reading, every defect and every major defect (or says there are none), the carrier, the date, time and location, and the inspector's printed name and signature.

The driver carries the most recent report and shows it to a motor vehicle inspector on request, and the vehicle is cleared of debris, snow and ice before it moves.

Defects, records and penalties

A major defect is reported to the carrier immediately and the vehicle stays off the highway until it is fixed; other defects are reported before the next inspection and corrected by then. Original reports reach the carrier within 20 days, and the carrier keeps inspection, repair and maintenance records for at least 2 years. Electronic reports are allowed if they hold the same information and can be produced on the spot. Farm, forest and fishery trips in 2- and 3-axle trucks, emergency vehicles and RVs are exempt, and breaking the rules is a category B offence.

Common mistakes

  • A report with no statement when no defects were found.
  • Driving on with a major defect to finish the run.
  • Leaving snow and ice on the roof of a trailer.
  • Originals that never reach the carrier's office.
  • Leaving the location or odometer reading off the report.

Sources

Last reviewed October 13, 2026. Next review due January 13, 2027. This page explains published rules to help you write your report. It is not legal advice; the official text linked above governs.