The Importance of Motor Vehicle Reports

In today’s fast-paced world, employers are continually looking for ways to ensure the safety of their operations, especially when it comes to hiring drivers or employees who will be behind the wheel on the job. One of the most effective continuous tools available to employers in all industries is the Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check. But what is it, why should it be done on a routine basis, and why is it so important? Let’s delve into the details.

What is an MVR?

Simply put, an MVR is a record provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that details an individual’s driving history beyond the standard driver’s license check. Traffic violations, suspensions, revocations, and more are detailed in this report. For employers in the transportation sector or companies that rely on drivers for operations, an MVR is a crucial component of the screening process.

Continuous Monitoring

Due diligence shouldn’t stop at the time an employee is hired. Post-hire screening has moved under the umbrella of employer best practices. Since 2020, we have seen a significant uptick in services such as annual or continuous MVR searches, offering data that may alert companies when an employee might become a liability on the road. Examples include high-risk driving behavior, operating with an expired license, and so much more. Continuous monitoring ensures that you are immediately notified of any new violations, thereby upholding a safe and regulation-compliant workplace environment.

Why Should Employers Care About MVRs?

1. Safety First: At its core, an MVR check ensures that you are hiring safe drivers. By accessing an applicant’s driving history, employers can better predict future risky behavior and avoid potential liabilities.
2. Compliance: Many industries, especially transportation and logistics, are governed by strict regulations. Hiring a driver with a tarnished driving record can result in heavy fines or legal ramifications.
3. Protecting Your Company’s Reputation: A single accident caused by an employee with a questionable driving record can quickly tarnish your reputation, especially when driving is a core service. By incorporating MVR checks, you show your commitment to safety and responsibility.

Key Components of an MVR

While the specifics can vary depending on the source, most MVRs provide the following information:

• License validity and class
• Points accumulated from traffic violations
• DUI offenses
• Accidents and their details
• License suspensions or revocations

Incorporating MVRs into a Holistic Screening Approach

Per Mar emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to driver risk management. While MVRs play a pivotal role in assessing driving history, it’s also essential to couple this with other checks. This can include criminal background checks, previous employment verifications, and drug testing.

The Nonnegotiable 

MVRs are not just another item on a checklist. They are vital tools that provide insight into an applicant’s behavior behind the wheel, ensuring safety, compliance, and peace of mind. If your company relies on drivers, whether occasionally or as a core part of the business, incorporating MVR checks into your screening process is not just recommended, it’s imperative.

For more information on MVR checks or to begin the screening process, reach out to our team of experts. Safety starts with the right information and we can simplify it for you and your Risk Officer!