Pre-Flight Vehicle Inspection Checklist for Operational Safety

Date: 2026-07-15

Inspector: [INSPECTOR NAME]

Location/Area: [LOCATION/AREA]

Department: [DEPARTMENT]

Purpose

Use this checklist before each vehicle departure to verify that the vehicle is roadworthy, safe to operate, and compliant with fleet safety procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. It is intended for the driver/operator to complete during a physical walk-around inspection before the vehicle is put into service, and whenever a defect, abnormal condition, or change in operating condition is suspected.

Instructions for Use

1. Park the vehicle on level ground where possible, apply the parking brake, place the transmission in the appropriate safe position, and ensure the area around the vehicle is clear enough to complete a full walk-around inspection safely.
2. Complete the inspection before the vehicle is driven, at least daily, and each time the vehicle is taken into service. Use the vehicle manual and fleet procedures to add any make- or model-specific inspection points.
3. Inspect the vehicle from the outside first, then check the cab/interior, then verify operational items such as brakes, steering, horn, lights, and warning devices. Confirm that emergency equipment is present and serviceable.
4. Record all findings immediately. If any item fails, tag the defect, report it to the supervisor or maintenance authority, and do not operate the vehicle until the defect is corrected or the vehicle is formally released as safe to use.
5. If the vehicle has electric or alternative power systems, include any additional checks required by the manufacturer or fleet procedure, such as battery condition, state of charge, or visible damage to energy storage components.

Frequency

This checklist should be completed: Before each shift / Daily

Safety Checklist

1. Driver Walk-Around and General Roadworthiness

Verify the overall condition of the vehicle, the surrounding area, and any obvious hazards that could affect safe operation before the vehicle moves.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Confirm the vehicle is parked in a safe location and the surrounding area is free of pedestrians, obstacles, leaks, or other hazards that could interfere with the inspection or departure. Check: Pass: Vehicle is stationary, parking brake is applied, and no immediate hazards such as people, objects, spills, or obstructions are present around the vehicle. Fail: Vehicle is in an unsafe location or hazards are present that could affect safe operation. If failed: Relocate the vehicle if safe to do so, remove or isolate hazards, and report any unsafe site condition before proceeding.			_________________
Inspect the vehicle body, frame, cab, box, bumpers, coupling devices, and undercarriage for visible damage, missing parts, loose components, or signs of impact. Check: Pass: No visible structural damage, loose parts, or abnormal wear is observed. Fail: Cracks, deformation, missing components, or impact damage is present. If failed: Remove the vehicle from service if structural integrity may be affected and report the defect for maintenance evaluation.			_________________
Verify that the vehicle is roadworthy and that no condition exists that would make operation unsafe, including unusual noises, vibrations, warning indicators, or abnormal handling concerns. Check: Pass: No abnormal condition is observed or reported during the inspection. Fail: Any condition suggests unsafe operation or uncertain roadworthiness. If failed: Do not operate the vehicle until the condition is investigated and cleared by authorized personnel.			_________________
Check that the license plate, registration sticker, fleet identification, and required decals or placards are present and legible where applicable. Check: Pass: Required identification and compliance markings are present, secure, and readable. Fail: Any required plate, sticker, placard, or decal is missing, damaged, or unreadable. If failed: Report the deficiency and arrange replacement before the vehicle is returned to service.			_________________

2. Tires, Wheels, and Suspension

Inspect tires, wheels, and related components for condition, inflation concerns, and signs of damage that could affect steering, braking, or stability.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Inspect all tires for proper inflation, adequate tread, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage, embedded objects, and uneven wear. Check: Pass: Tires are properly inflated, have acceptable tread, and show no visible damage or abnormal wear. Fail: Low pressure, visible damage, excessive wear, or other tire defects are present. If failed: Inflate, repair, or replace the tire as required and remove the vehicle from service if the defect affects safe operation.			_________________
Inspect wheels, rims, lug nuts, and fasteners for looseness, missing hardware, cracks, or deformation. Check: Pass: Wheels and fasteners are intact, secure, and free from visible damage. Fail: Loose, missing, cracked, or damaged wheel components are found. If failed: Stop operation and have the wheel assembly inspected and corrected by qualified maintenance personnel.			_________________
Check suspension components and visible mounting points for damage, leaks, broken parts, or abnormal sagging. Check: Pass: Suspension appears intact and secure with no visible leaks or broken components. Fail: Damage, leakage, or abnormal vehicle stance is observed. If failed: Report immediately and do not operate the vehicle until repaired or cleared.			_________________

3. Brakes and Parking Brake

Verify that service brakes and parking brake function correctly and provide safe stopping and holding capability.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Test the service brake pedal for proper feel, travel, and stopping performance during a controlled low-speed check where permitted by site conditions. Check: Pass: Brake pedal feels firm and the vehicle stops smoothly without pulling, grabbing, excessive travel, or abnormal noise. Fail: Pedal is soft, spongy, excessively hard, or braking is uneven or ineffective. If failed: Remove the vehicle from service and report the brake defect for immediate maintenance attention.			_________________
Verify the parking brake holds the vehicle securely against slight acceleration or movement when applied. Check: Pass: Parking brake prevents vehicle movement when applied. Fail: Vehicle rolls or the brake does not hold securely. If failed: Do not operate the vehicle until the parking brake is adjusted or repaired.			_________________
Check brake warning indicators, air pressure indicators, or other brake-related gauges and alarms where equipped. Check: Pass: Indicators show normal operating range and no brake warning is active. Fail: Warning light, alarm, or gauge reading indicates a fault or unsafe condition. If failed: Report the defect and follow fleet procedures before the vehicle is used.			_________________

4. Steering and Mirrors

Confirm the driver can control the vehicle safely and maintain adequate visibility in all intended directions.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Check steering response for smooth operation, normal effort, and absence of excessive free play, binding, or unusual noise. Check: Pass: Steering operates smoothly and predictably with no abnormal looseness or resistance. Fail: Steering is stiff, loose, noisy, or otherwise abnormal. If failed: Remove the vehicle from service and have the steering system inspected by qualified maintenance personnel.			_________________
Inspect all mirrors for cleanliness, secure mounting, correct adjustment, and unobstructed visibility. Check: Pass: Mirrors are intact, clean, properly adjusted, and provide the required field of view. Fail: Mirror is cracked, loose, dirty, missing, or improperly adjusted. If failed: Clean, adjust, repair, or replace the mirror before driving.			_________________
Verify windshield and windows are clean, intact, and free from cracks or obstructions that impair visibility. Check: Pass: Driver visibility is not impaired by dirt, damage, fogging, or obstructions. Fail: Visibility is reduced by cracks, contamination, or damaged glazing. If failed: Clean the glass or remove the vehicle from service if damage affects safe visibility.			_________________

5. Lights, Signals, and Warning Devices

Ensure all required lighting and audible warning devices function correctly for safe road use and communication with others.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Check headlights, daytime running lights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard flashers, reverse lights, and any work or auxiliary lights required for the vehicle. Check: Pass: All required lights illuminate and operate correctly. Fail: Any required light is inoperative, dim, intermittent, or damaged. If failed: Repair or replace the defective light before the vehicle is operated on public roads or in work areas.			_________________
Test the horn to confirm it sounds clearly when activated. Check: Pass: Horn produces a clear audible signal. Fail: Horn does not sound, is weak, or operates intermittently. If failed: Report the defect and do not operate the vehicle until the horn is repaired.			_________________
Verify backup alarms, warning buzzers, and other audible alerts operate where fitted and required by the vehicle or fleet procedure. Check: Pass: Required warning devices activate as intended. Fail: Any required alarm or warning device does not function. If failed: Remove the vehicle from service until the warning device is restored to working order.			_________________

6. Fluids, Engine, and Battery/Electrical System

Check fluid levels and electrical components to prevent mechanical failure, overheating, or loss of vehicle function.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Check engine oil level and confirm it is within the acceptable operating range. Check: Pass: Oil level is within the manufacturer’s acceptable range. Fail: Oil level is below minimum, above maximum, or cannot be verified. If failed: Top up or correct the oil level according to manufacturer instructions and investigate any abnormal loss.			_________________
Check coolant level, radiator condition, and visible hoses for leaks, damage, or loose connections. Check: Pass: Coolant level is adequate, radiator cap and components are secure, and no leaks are visible. Fail: Low coolant, damaged radiator components, or leaks are present. If failed: Do not operate the vehicle if overheating risk exists; report and repair the cooling system defect.			_________________
Check fuel system condition, including fuel level where required, cap security, and visible leaks at the tank, lines, or fittings. Check: Pass: Fuel system is secure with no leaks or damaged components. Fail: Fuel leak, loose cap, damaged line, or unsafe fuel condition is observed. If failed: Shut down the vehicle if necessary, isolate ignition sources, and report the defect immediately.			_________________
Inspect battery condition, mounting security, fluid level where applicable, terminals, and cable connections. Check: Pass: Battery is secure, charged, clean, and free from corrosion or damage; terminals and cables are tight. Fail: Battery is loose, damaged, discharged, leaking, corroded, or has loose connections. If failed: Have the battery serviced or replaced and do not operate the vehicle if electrical reliability is compromised.			_________________
Inspect visible wiring, harnesses, belts, and hoses for wear, fraying, cracking, chafing, or physical damage. Check: Pass: Wiring, belts, and hoses are intact and serviceable with no visible damage. Fail: Wear, damage, or leakage is present. If failed: Report the defect and remove the vehicle from service if the condition could lead to failure.			_________________
For electric or hybrid vehicles, verify battery state of charge is adequate for the planned route and inspect battery packs or charging components for visible damage, swelling, or leakage. Check: Pass: Charge level is sufficient for the trip and no visible battery damage is present. Fail: Charge is inadequate or battery components show damage, swelling, or leakage. If failed: Do not dispatch the vehicle until charging or maintenance issues are resolved and the battery system is cleared for use.			_________________

7. Emergency Equipment and Safety Supplies

Confirm that required emergency and safety equipment is present, accessible, and serviceable before departure.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Verify that the fire extinguisher is present, properly mounted, charged, and within inspection/service date if applicable. Check: Pass: Extinguisher is present, accessible, and appears serviceable. Fail: Extinguisher is missing, discharged, damaged, or overdue for service. If failed: Replace or service the extinguisher before the vehicle is used.			_________________
Verify that the first aid kit is present, complete to fleet or regulatory requirements, and accessible. Check: Pass: First aid kit is present and stocked as required. Fail: Kit is missing, inaccessible, or incomplete. If failed: Restock or replace the kit before the vehicle is dispatched.			_________________
Check that warning triangles, flares, reflective devices, or other required roadside emergency equipment are present and in usable condition. Check: Pass: Required emergency warning devices are present and serviceable. Fail: Any required item is missing or damaged. If failed: Replace missing or damaged items before operation.			_________________

8. Cab Interior, Controls, and Driver Readiness

Verify that the driver compartment is safe, organized, and that controls operate correctly before the vehicle moves.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Inspect the cab for clutter, loose objects, or items that could interfere with pedals, controls, or safe driving. Check: Pass: Driver area is clear and free of loose items that could obstruct operation. Fail: Clutter or loose objects are present in the cab or footwell. If failed: Remove the obstruction before driving.			_________________
Check that seats, seat belts, and restraint systems are in good condition and function properly. Check: Pass: Seat and restraint systems are intact, secure, and usable. Fail: Seat belt or seat condition is damaged, missing, or inoperative. If failed: Do not operate the vehicle until the restraint defect is corrected.			_________________
Verify that dashboard gauges, indicator lights, and driver controls operate normally and do not show unresolved faults. Check: Pass: Instruments and controls function normally and no critical warning remains active. Fail: Gauge, indicator, or control malfunction is present. If failed: Report the issue and follow maintenance procedures before use.			_________________
Confirm heating, ventilation, defrosting, and air conditioning systems operate as needed for safe visibility and driver comfort. Check: Pass: Required climate-control functions operate sufficiently to maintain visibility and safe conditions. Fail: Defogging/defrosting or other required function is not working. If failed: Repair the system or do not operate in conditions where visibility cannot be maintained.			_________________

9. Cargo, Load, and Tow Equipment

Ensure any load, cargo, or towing arrangement is secure and does not create a hazard during travel.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Verify cargo is properly secured and will not shift, fall, or obstruct the driver’s view or vehicle controls. Check: Pass: Cargo is restrained and stable with no visible movement risk. Fail: Cargo is loose, overloaded, or improperly secured. If failed: Secure the load before departure or refuse transport until corrected.			_________________
Inspect hitch, coupling, tow kit, safety chains, and related towing hardware for damage, secure attachment, and proper condition where towing is planned. Check: Pass: Towing components are intact, correctly connected, and secure. Fail: Any towing component is damaged, missing, or improperly attached. If failed: Do not tow until the defect is corrected and the connection is verified by a competent person.			_________________

10. Defects Reporting, Preventive Maintenance, and Compliance

Document defects, ensure maintenance follow-up, and confirm the inspection aligns with fleet safety procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Record all defects, unusual conditions, and corrective actions on the inspection form or electronic system before the vehicle is released. Check: Pass: All findings are documented clearly and legibly, including pass/fail status and any required follow-up. Fail: Findings are incomplete, unclear, or not recorded. If failed: Complete the record immediately and submit it to the designated supervisor or maintenance contact.			_________________
Verify that any failed item has been reported, tagged if required, and the vehicle has been removed from service when the defect affects safety or compliance. Check: Pass: Failed items are reported and controlled according to fleet procedure. Fail: A known defect is not reported or the vehicle remains available for use. If failed: Take the vehicle out of service and escalate the defect according to fleet rules.			_________________
Confirm that the inspection is completed in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions, fleet safety procedures, and applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Check: Pass: Inspection covers required items and follows the applicable procedure. Fail: Required inspection elements are omitted or procedure is not followed. If failed: Repeat the inspection using the correct procedure and update training or supervision if needed.			_________________

General Requirements

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Use a physical and visual inspection method and customize the checklist to the vehicle make, model, and operating environment. Check: Pass: Inspection is based on direct observation and includes vehicle-specific requirements. Fail: Inspection is incomplete, generic, or not tailored to the vehicle. If failed: Revise the checklist or add vehicle-specific items before further use.			_________________
Complete the inspection before the vehicle is used, at least daily, and each time the vehicle is taken into service when required by fleet procedure. Check: Pass: Inspection timing meets the required frequency. Fail: Inspection is skipped, delayed, or performed after vehicle use begins. If failed: Stop operation and complete the inspection before continuing.			_________________
Do not operate the vehicle if any critical safety item fails or if the vehicle’s safe condition cannot be confirmed. Check: Pass: Vehicle is only released when all critical items are acceptable or formally repaired. Fail: Vehicle is used despite unresolved safety concerns. If failed: Remove the vehicle from service until the issue is corrected and authorized for release.			_________________
Ensure the operator is trained and authorized to perform the inspection and understands the reporting process for defects and hazards. Check: Pass: Operator demonstrates knowledge of inspection steps and reporting requirements. Fail: Operator is unsure of procedure or reporting responsibilities. If failed: Provide training or supervision before the operator performs the inspection independently.			_________________

Failed Item Procedures

1. If any item fails, stop and classify the defect according to severity. Critical defects that affect braking, steering, tires, lights, visibility, fuel integrity, or other essential safety systems require immediate removal from service. [7] [7]
2. Tag the vehicle or component as defective when required by fleet procedure, notify the supervisor or maintenance department, and document the exact nature of the defect, location, and any temporary controls applied. [6] [6]
3. Do not return the vehicle to service until the defect has been corrected, inspected, and accepted by an authorized person in accordance with fleet and regulatory requirements. [4] [8]
4. If a defect creates an immediate hazard such as fuel leakage, brake failure, steering loss, or electrical damage, isolate the vehicle, prevent unauthorized use, and escalate the issue without delay. [9] [9]

Documentation Requirements

Document the inspection date, vehicle identification, odometer or hour meter where applicable, inspector name or ID, pass/fail results, defects found, corrective actions taken, and the name of the person notified for follow-up. Keep the completed checklist with the vehicle or file it in the designated maintenance record system according to fleet procedure. Retain records long enough to support maintenance tracking, defect trending, and regulatory review. [5] [6] [3] [3]

Checklist Completion

Overall Status: ☐ Pass     ☐ Fail     ☐ Corrective Actions Required

Inspector Signature: Date:

Supervisor Review: Date:

Corrective Actions Completed By: Date:

References and Standards

• CCOHS Driving - Vehicle Inspection guidance: vehicle inspections should be completed before use, at least daily, and each time the vehicle is used when applicable. [7]
• Manufacturer operator manuals and prestart inspection checklists for vehicle-specific inspection points, including fluid levels, batteries, tires, lights, horn, steering, and emergency systems. [1] [2]
• Fleet and workplace inspection procedures requiring defects to be reported, documented, and corrected before the vehicle is returned to service. [6] [4]
• Applicable vehicle safety requirements for lights, windshield visibility, secured loads, and safe work practices as reflected in heavy equipment and vehicle safety guidance. [9] [9]

This checklist must be retained for [RETENTION PERIOD].

Safety powered by SALUS