The Circle Check: Duties of the Driver and the Operator

Before using a heavy vehicle, the driver must perform a circle check: a visual and auditory inspection of the vehicle’s main components (brakes, tires, lights, coupling, steering, etc.). The check is valid for 24 hours.

The Circle Check Report

The result is recorded in a circle check report, which must be kept on board the vehicle and presented to a road enforcement officer or a police officer on request.

Minor or Major Defects

Minor: it must be noted in the report and reported to the operator, who must have it repaired within the prescribed time.
Major: the vehicle cannot be driven until it has been repaired.

Who Is Responsible?

The driver must perform the circle check and complete the report. The operator must ensure that the check is performed, that defects are repaired and that reports are kept on file. An offence notice may therefore target the driver, the operator, or both, and may affect the company’s PEVL record.

Contesting

The description of the defect, the minor or major classification, the timing of the inspection and the contents of the report are all elements that can be analyzed in order to contest.

Received an Offence Notice? Don’t Pay Before Talking to Us

For a truck driver or a fleet owner, every offence notice also counts on the company’s record. Our lawyers contest your offence notices throughout Quebec and represent you before the Commission des transports du Québec. See our Option 3 – Commercial Vehicle (CVL – PEVL – CVOR).

Montréal area: 514 990-7884
Other regions of Quebec and Ontario: 1 877 990-7884

The Circle Check: Duties of the Driver and the Operator