The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck is an annual 72-hour high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection blitz. Scheduled for May 13-15, 2025, this year’s Roadcheck will see CVSA-certified inspectors conducting thorough inspections at strategic locations across North America. The primary goal is to ensure safety and compliance within the trucking and logistics industries. Preparation is key to minimizing downtime, maintaining smooth operations, and demonstrating your commitment to safety. As your trusted source for transportation security and safety information, the ST-ISAC is committed to providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to navigate this important event.
What is the CVSA International Roadcheck?
The CVSA International Roadcheck is a critical enforcement effort focused on commercial vehicle and driver safety. During the 72-hour period, inspectors will conduct a standardized inspection process, checking for compliance with federal safety regulations. Vehicles and drivers found to have critical violations will be placed out of service, impacting operations and potentially leading to fines and penalties. Staying prepared is not just about avoiding violations; it’s about fostering a culture of safety within your organization.
2025 Focus Areas: Tires and False Records of Duty Status
This year, the CVSA has announced two focus areas for the International Roadcheck: tires and false records of duty status1. This dual focus highlights the CVSA’s commitment to both vehicle safety and driver compliance.
- Tires: Tire-related violations are a significant safety concern. Inspectors will be paying close attention to:
- Tire pressure
- Tread depth
- Visible damage (cuts, bulges, etc.)
- Proper inflation
- Matching tires on the same axle
- False Records of Duty Status: Accurate Hours of Service (HOS) records are essential for preventing driver fatigue and ensuring safe operations. Inspectors will be scrutinizing ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data and supporting documentation to identify:
- Falsified logs
- Inaccurate recording of driving time
- Failure to accurately reflect on-duty/off-duty status
Given this dual emphasis, it’s crucial to prioritize both the inspection and maintenance of your fleet’s tires and ensure your drivers are fully compliant with HOS regulations and are accurately recording their duty status.
Key Areas of Inspection (Beyond Tires and HOS):
While tires and false records of duty status are the primary focus for 2025, inspectors will still be conducting thorough checks of other critical areas, including:
- Driver Requirements: Ensuring drivers have valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), are compliant with all aspects of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations (including accurate ELD usage), possess valid Medical Certificates, and are using seatbelts. Inspectors will also be checking for any signs of alcohol or drug impairment.
- Vehicle Mechanical Fitness: This includes a comprehensive inspection of brake systems (a perennial area of concern), tires and wheels (with extra attention this year), steering and suspension, lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals), cargo securement, and exhaust systems.
- Hazardous Materials (if applicable): For carriers transporting hazardous materials, inspectors will verify proper placarding, shipping papers, and packaging/securement of the materials.
Proactive Steps for Fleets:
To ensure your fleet is prepared for the CVSA International Roadcheck and to minimize potential disruptions, consider taking the following proactive steps:
- Tire Focus:
- Dedicated Tire Inspections: Schedule dedicated inspections of tires by qualified technicians before the Roadcheck.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring: Implement or reinforce tire pressure monitoring systems.
- Tire Maintenance Training: Ensure drivers and maintenance personnel are properly trained on tire inspection and maintenance procedures.
- HOS and ELD Compliance:
- Driver Training on HOS: Provide comprehensive training to drivers on HOS regulations and the proper use of ELDs.
- ELD Data Audits: Conduct regular audits of ELD data to identify and correct any inaccuracies or potential violations.
- Company Policy Reinforcement: Reinforce company policies regarding accurate record-keeping and compliance with HOS regulations.
- Pre-Trip Inspections: Reinforce the importance of thorough pre-trip inspections by drivers. Provide drivers with a detailed checklist to ensure they cover all critical areas, including tires.
- Preventative Maintenance Programs: Implement and maintain a robust preventative maintenance program to identify and address potential mechanical issues before they lead to violations.
- Review ELD Data: Proactively review ELD data to identify and address any potential HOS violations before they are detected during an inspection.
- Address Past Violations: Review past inspection reports and prioritize addressing any recurring violations to prevent them from happening again.
- Mock Roadside Inspections: Conduct internal mock roadside inspections to identify areas for improvement and ensure your fleet is prepared for the real thing.
Resources and Further Information:
- 2CVSA Website: The official website of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. https://cvsa.org
- 1CVSA Press Releases: Stay up-to-date on the latest news and information regarding the Roadcheck by visiting the CVSA website and reviewing press releases, particularly the one announcing the tire and false records of duty status focus: https://cvsa.org/news/2025-roadcheck/
- Freightwaves Article: “What a Level 1 Inspection Looks Like and How to Pass” Provides a helpful overview of the inspection process: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/what-a-level-1-inspection-looks-like-and-how-to-pass
- Surface Transportation ISAC: Contact us for additional resources and support related to transportation security and safety.
Preparing for the CVSA International Roadcheck is an investment in safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. By prioritizing tire inspections, ensuring accurate HOS record-keeping, reinforcing pre-trip procedures, and utilizing the resources provided, your fleet can minimize disruptions and demonstrate a commitment to safety. Remember, a proactive approach is the best way to roll safely and honestly, keeping your operations running smoothly.