Commercial vehicle inspection program (CVIP)

Fleet buyers meet the CVIP when they review inspection certificates for the trucks, trailers and buses being sold. Alberta names its system the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program, sells program decals through its online services to licensed inspection facilities, and says commercial vehicles that pass inspection get a decal with a unique number. This entry covers Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia only, so confirm which province’s regime applies to each unit.

Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia

Alberta says section 19 of its Vehicle Inspection Regulation requires all commercial vehicles to have a valid inspection certificate and decal, that registered owners must ensure each bus, truck, light truck or trailer receives the required inspection, and that the driver must be able to produce the certificate on the request of an investigator or peace officer. Ontario’s page says annual and semi-annual inspections must be completed by a licensed motor vehicle inspection technician at a station licensed by the Ministry of Transportation. British Columbia says commercial vehicle inspections are performed by qualified mechanics authorized as inspectors.

What to ask in a deal

• The current certificate and decal for every unit, with dates.
• The inspection history, including any unit that failed and what was repaired.
• Which province each unit is registered and inspected in.
• How the fleet is valued against its condition; see how a fleet is valued in a trucking sale and the NSC safety fitness certificate.