The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced its annual International Roadcheck will take place May 13-15, 2025. This high-visibility enforcement initiative spans 72 hours across North America, with inspections occurring simultaneously in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What Is International Roadcheck?
International Roadcheck is one of the largest targeted enforcement programs for commercial motor vehicles in the world. During this three-day period, CVSA-certified inspectors conduct comprehensive inspections of commercial vehicles and their drivers at weigh stations, temporary inspection sites, and through mobile patrols.
The primary goal is to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to remove unsafe vehicles and drivers from roadways.
2025 Focus Areas
Each year, the CVSA highlights specific areas of concern. For 2025, inspectors will be paying special attention to:
Driver Focus: Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance
Hours-of-service regulations are crucial for preventing fatigue-related crashes. During inspections, officers will closely examine drivers' record of duty status (RODS) to verify compliance with hours-of-service requirements.
Drivers should be aware that:
Failure to maintain accurate logs is an out-of-service violation
Falsifying records can lead to prosecution for both drivers and carriers
Electronic logging devices must be functioning properly with accurate information
Vehicle Focus: Tire Safety
Proper tire maintenance is essential for safe operation. Inspectors will be particularly vigilant about:
Tire tread depth
Proper inflation
Signs of damage, including:
Air leaks
Tread separation
Cuts and bulges
Sidewall damage
Improper repairs
The Inspection Process
During International Roadcheck, inspectors will primarily conduct North American Standard Level I Inspections, which consist of 37 steps examining both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness.
The driver portion includes verification of:
Driver's license or CDL
Medical examiner's certificate
Skill performance certificate (if applicable)
Record of duty status
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (U.S. only)
Seat belt usage
Signs of alcohol or drug impairment
The vehicle portion covers:
Brake systems
Cargo securement
Coupling devices
Driveline components
Driver's seat
Fuel and exhaust systems
Frames
Lighting devices
Steering mechanisms
Suspensions
Tires, wheels, rims, and hubs
Windshield wipers
Additional items for passenger-carrying vehicles
What Happens After Inspection? There are three possible outcomes from an inspection:
Pass: Vehicles that pass a Level I or Level V Inspection without critical violations receive a CVSA decal valid for up to three months.
Out-of-Service Order: Vehicles with critical violations as defined by the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria are restricted from operating until those issues are addressed.
Alternative Inspection: In cases of inclement weather or other limiting circumstances, inspectors may conduct a Level II Walk-Around or Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection instead. These alternative inspections are not eligible for a CVSA decal.
Preparing for International Roadcheck
Fleet managers and drivers should take proactive steps to prepare:
For Carriers:
Review and update preventive maintenance programs, with special attention to tire condition
Ensure all drivers understand hours-of-service requirements
Conduct pre-Roadcheck inspections of all vehicles
Verify all documentation is current and accessible
For Drivers:
Maintain accurate hours-of-service records
Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections, paying extra attention to tires
Keep all required documentation organized and readily available
Be prepared to demonstrate understanding of regulations
Why It Matters
The CVSA International Roadcheck serves as both an enforcement action and an educational opportunity. While the primary goal is to identify and address safety violations, inspectors may also be available to answer questions about regulations and provide guidance on compliance.
The data collected during this 72-hour period provides valuable insights into industry-wide compliance trends, helping to shape future safety initiatives. Results from the 2025 International Roadcheck will be released in summer 2025.
By emphasizing preparation and compliance, fleet operators can not only avoid costly out-of-service orders but also contribute to the overall safety of North America's roadways.
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