Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts a road check across North America. This large-scale regulatory compliance enforcement initiative aims to improve road safety.
During this three-day event, law enforcement personnel conduct thousands of roadside inspections of commercial trucks. This year, International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 13-15.
For motor carriers, being unprepared can result in out-of-service violations, costly fines, and lost time. However, with proper preparation, drivers can successfully pass inspections and avoid unnecessary downtime.
Why This Inspection Matters
International Roadcheck is a crucial regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that impacts drivers and trucking companies across North America, including the US, Canada, and Mexico. Organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), this inspection aims to ensure the requirements for commercial motor vehicles and driver operations.
Each year, law enforcement personnel conduct roadside inspections. The main goal is to improve commercial vehicle safety and prevent road accidents. In addition, inspectors review driver violation categories, such as hours of service compliance or medical examiner’s certificate.
For drivers, failing an inspection can lead to out-of-service violations. This can lead to extended downtime, financial loss, and legal penalties. However, a driver who successfully passes the international roadcheck can improve their reputation across the industry and with potential clients and partners.
Key Focus Areas for 2025: What Inspectors Will Be Looking For
Each year, International Roadcheck is focused on specific main areas. Inspectors conduct the North American Standard Level 1 inspection to ensure safety and compliance with applicable regulations. This includes a 37-step procedure examining driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness.
By understanding what inspectors look for and maintaining truck readiness, drivers can ensure a smoother inspection process and keep moving without unnecessary disruptions.
Industry representatives recommend regular pre- and post-trip checks to prevent penalties and solve issues before they cause downtime or severe consequences.
This year, the focus will be on tires and records-of-duty status (RODS).
Driver Area
This year, the international roadcheck inspectors will examine compliance with hours of service regulations. These rules ensure transportation safety by limiting driving and working hours and requiring rest breaks. This ensures that commercial truck drivers have enough rest to stay alert and focused while driving.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), drivers must reflect their times and duty status in the RODS. Failure to record or attempts to fake the log can lead to out-of-service violations.
During an inspection this year, examinators will review the commercial driver’s license, medical certificate, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and record of duty status. The truck driver will be placed out of service in case of violations.
Vehicle Area
For commercial vehicles, International Roadcheck 2025 will focus on tire maintenance. Law personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles with a focus on tires’ tread depth, proper inflation, and damage, such as air leaks, tread separation, or cuts.
Proper tire maintenance is essential for truck operation. Any tire failure on the road can be a hazard. Proactively maintaining tire health and addressing issues can help ensure safety and avoid accidents or violations.
During the inspection, the inspector will also check the vehicle’s brake systems, load securement, coupling devices, fuel and exhaust systems, lighting devices, and steering mechanisms. A vehicle that passes this check without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal. In case of non-compliance, the commercial motor vehicle can be restricted from operating.
Pre-Inspection Checklist
Truckers and motor carriers can use a pre-inspection checklist to ensure their full readiness. Adherence to commercial motor vehicle and driver operating requirements can prevent out-of-service violations and keep drivers on the road.
Verify Carrier’s Documents
Before hitting the road, ensure all necessary documents are valid and current. This list includes:
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) – check for expiration and necessary endorsements that align with the cargo you haul.
Medical examiner’s certificate – ensure it’s current and accessible.
Record of duty status – maintain accurate logs in the electronic logging device (ELD).
Times and duty statuses – make sure they align with actual hours worked.
Inspect your Fleet
A full commercial motor vehicle check is vital to ensure safety on the road and full confidence.
Tire health. Check tire tread depth and inflation. Address any issues before they lead to violations.
Steering mechanisms. Look for excessive play, wear, or leaks.
Brake systems. Test the air brakes, look for leaks, and ensure proper adjustment.
Cargo securement. Verify that all straps, chains, and binders are in place and undamaged.
Check Hours of Service Compliance
Ensure the electronic logging device is functioning correctly.
Confirm HOS compliance with logs.
Be prepared to present logs to enforcement personnel.
Ensure Compliance with Other Regulations
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (HMSA) compliance. If hauling hazardous materials, check proper labeling, placards, and secure packaging.
Review company policies and industry representatives’ guidelines for federal and local regulations.
Prepare for Roadside Inspections
Know the key areas that inspectors will check.
Be familiar with vehicle violation categories and driver violation categories to avoid any issues.
Keep a positive and professional attitude when interacting with inspectors.
Common Violations to Avoid
Failing a roadside inspection can result in extended downtime, legal penalties, or even out-of-service violations. Understanding the most frequent violations can help you pass inspections successfully and comply with federal and local regulations.
Hours of Service Violations
This is one of the most common driver violations. This can include inaccurate records of duty status in the ELD, exceeding working or driving limits, or failing to provide log records when requested.
Driver’s Document Violations
Some drivers’ documents require regular renewal, so motor carriers must carefully track expiration data to avoid violations. Common issues include expired CDL, outdated or missing medical certificates, and incomplete documentation.
Tire Violations
This year’s International Roadcheck focuses on tire health, which is more important than ever. Thus, common issues may include overall improper tire maintenance, tire failure due to excessive wear, and tire tread depth below legal standards.
Cargo Securement Issues
Unsecured or improperly loaded cargo poses a major safety risk. Inspectors will check for loose or damaged securement devices and overloaded or imbalanced freight that can shift during transit.
Failure to follow Hazardous Materials Safety Administration guidelines for hazardous cargo can also lead to violations.
Post-Inspection: What to Do If You Receive a Violation
Quick action is necessary if a truck driver fails an inspection during International Roadcheck 2025. They can help minimize downtime and ensure compliance with regulations.
Understand the violation. After the check, inspectors will provide a report detailing any issues found. Thus, you should review the specific reason for the violation. This can help outline the steps required for corrective action.
Address the issues immediately. In case of obtaining an out-of-service order, the commercial motor vehicle can’t operate until all issues are resolved. Repair any defects, update or replace missing documents, and resolve ELD discrepancies.
Notify your carrier or employer. If you operate as a for-hire carrier, you should inform your trucking operations. They may provide support for necessary repairs, documentation updates, or legal assistance if needed.
Submit Proof of Compliance. Once the necessary corrections are completed, drivers navigate the post-inspection process. This involves obtaining repair receipts or updated documents and submitting compliance proof to the authorities.
Prevent future violations. To avoid repeating issues, carriers should perform regular pre-trip and post-trip inspections and ensure all issues are properly addressed. Besides, staying updated on regulatory initiatives and commercial motor vehicle safety requirements is vital.
Conclusion
International Roadcheck 2025 is more than an inspection. Its results can impact your trucking operations and demonstrate your commitment to commercial motor vehicle safety. To keep operations running smoothly and avoid violations, you should comply with hours of service and understand the main inspection areas this year.
If you need help with dispatching, compliance, and optimizing your routes, Logity Dispatch is here to help! Our expert team assists truck drivers and transportation companies navigate the industry’s complexities, ensuring compliance and maximum earnings.
Contact us today to streamline your trucking operations!
