Imagine discovering that one of your drivers had a suspended license for months—only after they caused a major accident. Unfortunately, this scenario happens more often than you may think. Many companies rely on annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks, assuming their drivers are safe and qualified for the year. This false sense of safety leaves companies vulnerable to surprises that could have been avoided with frequent monitoring.
Here’s why relying on only annual checks might be putting your fleet and your business in jeopardy—and how continuous MVR Monitoring offers a safer, more reliable solution.
The Limitations of Annual MVR Checks
MVRs are a valuable tool for assessing drivers’ history, offering a clear record of violations, accidents, and license status. However, the effectiveness of MVR checks highly depends on the frequency in which they are conducted. Relying on annual or sporadic checks can expose companies to four major risks:
- Outdated Information: MVRs only provide a snapshot of a driver’s record at a single point in time. Driver behavior, however, is far from static, it can change quickly. A driver may go for months without incidents. But in the time between annual checks, they could accumulate violations such as new speeding tickets, DUIs and license suspensions.
- Delayed Corrective Measures: Since new violations occur between annual checks, companies may not be aware of these until later. Delaying the opportunity for timely intervention. Without immediate corrective action, risky drivers can remain behind the wheel, increasing the risk of accidents.
The table contains a summary of the Crash Predictor analysis from a study by ATRI. The list is ranked by the percentage increase in future crash probability, based on specific violations, convictions, and prior crashes.
- Increased Liability: Drivers with negative records or invalid licenses operating company vehicles significantly increase the risk of accident liabilities. If a driver with unresolved violations or a suspended license is involved in an accident, your company could face legal consequences, higher insurance premiums, and reputational damage.
- Compliance Gaps: Industries like transportation and logistics require strict adherence to safety regulations. Annual checks may fail to meet these compliance standards, leading to penalties or worse—safety risks.
In 2024, the FMCSA racked over $27.5 million in civil penalties for violations, from unsafe driving to non-compliance with recordkeeping and drug testing regulations.
How Continuous MVR Monitoring Eliminates Gaps Between Annual MVR Checks
Continuous MVR monitoring ensures that fleet managers are always informed about changes in their drivers’ records and license status. By connecting to all state DMVs, MVR Monitoring provides real-time updates, offering critical insights that help with:
- Early Detection of Violations: MVR Monitoring alerts managers when new violations occur, such as speeding tickets or license suspensions, enabling quick intervention.
- Proactive Risk Management: By continuously tracking a driver’s record, companies can address unsafe driving behavior early, whether through training, disciplinary actions, or reevaluating driving duties, reducing the chances of accidents or legal issues.
- Tailored Driver Training: With the latest MVR data, managers can identify specific areas where drivers need improvement. This allows for targeted training programs focused on reducing risky behaviors and improving overall safety.
- Compliance Assurance: Continuous MVR Monitoring helps ensure that drivers maintain a clean driving record and comply with FMCSA regulations, reducing the risk of fines and penalties associated with non-compliance.
How To Transition to Continuous MVR Monitoring
Switching from annual MVR checks to continuous monitoring might seem like a big change, but it’s crucial for improving safety and protecting your business. Here’s how to make the transition:
- Evaluate Your Current MVR Process: Review your existing MVR system. Are there gaps that could expose your company to risk? Continuous monitoring can help close those gaps.
- Choose a Reliable Provider: Look for an MVR Monitoring solution that offers real-time alerts, comprehensive reports, and intuitive user experience.
- Educate Your Team: Train your HR team, safety officers, and drivers on how continuous MVR Monitoring works and how it benefits everyone.
- Monitor and Adjust: Leverage MVR Monitoring insights to continuously refine and enhance your safety program.
89% of fleets using MVR Monitoring have significantly enhanced their ability to identify and address risky driving behaviors, with over half reporting major improvements.
Take A Proactive Approach To MVR Checks
Relying solely on annual MVR checks can expose your company to avoidable risks, from risky drivers operating your vehicles to delayed corrective actions and compliance violations. These gaps in monitoring can lead to accidents, higher insurance premiums, and costly legal consequences. With continuous MVR Monitoring, you can stay ahead by catching violations in real time, enabling immediate intervention, and ensuring ongoing compliance.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to consider implementing continuous MVR Monitoring for your fleet. Contact us to learn how to make the switch and start protecting your drivers and business.
