Every commercial vehicle should carry a compliance kit. Here is what goes in it.
The essentials (FMCSA required)
- Current Daily DVIR pad with the previous day’s completed report on top
- HOS log (electronic ELD output or paper backup)
- Medical card (current)
- Driver license (CDL with appropriate endorsements)
- Vehicle registration and IRP/IFTA documents
- Insurance card
- Current AVIR sticker affixed AND a copy of the AVIR in the cab
The defect-handling kit
- FMCSA Red Labels (Out of Service) for tagging defects
- AVIR Forms & Stickers for re-inspection
- Emergency triangles (3 minimum)
- Fire extinguisher (charged, B:C class)
- Spare fuses
The paperwork backup
If your ELD fails, you have 8 days to repair it — but during that window you need paper logs. Keep a paper HOS log pad as a backup.