Federal and state truck driving records each provide unique information. As someone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) looking to join a trucking company, it can be useful to understand the specifics of federal and state truck driving records, as well as the differences between the two. Here are six ways in which they are different:

1. Each Driving Record Has a Different Name

A federal driving record is known as a Pre-Employment Screening Program Report, or a PSP Report. A state driving record is known as a State Motor Vehicle Report, or MVR.

2. They Are Administered By Different Agencies

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) administers PSP Reports, while an MVR is issued by the same state driver enforcement agency that issued your CDL.

3. The Data For Each Report Comes From Different Places

The data for a PSP Report comes from the Motor Carrier Management System, which also supplies data to the Safety Measurement System, which is responsible for motor carriers’ CSA scores. However, CSA score data is not given on a PSP Report. Data for an MVR comes from any record of citations or convictions that have been reported to the driver enforcement agency in your state. Data between the two reports is not shared.

4. How Long The Data Stays On Your Record Varies

With a PSP Report, a Department of Transportation (DOT) reportable crash will stay on your record for five years, while roadside inspection data will stay on your record for three years. If there are no DOT reportable crashes or roadside inspections, there will be no PSP driver data available. How long data stays on an MVR is dependent upon the state.

5. Who Can See It Varies Between Records

PSP Reports can be seen by you and law enforcement officials. An MVR can be seen by you, law enforcement officials, and your current employer. With your consent, your insurer can also view your MVR. Also, your employer can only obtain a PSP Report with your consent previous to their hiring of you. The FMCSA has regulations that mean your employer must obtain your MVR within 30 days of hiring you, and then every three years after that.

6. Infractions Have Differing Consequences

Infractions, as reported on a PSP Report and an MVR, can differ in terms of the suspension of your CDL. With the PSP, infractions cannot cause your CDL to be suspended. Convictions reported on your MVR might result in a suspension of your CDL.

Posted in Regulations