The dates are set for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck. The three-day inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative is scheduled for May 13-15, and motor carriers and commercial drivers should begin preparing now to ensure a smooth experience during Roadcheck 2025.
Throughout the event, law enforcement personnel across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh stations, temporary sites, and through mobile patrols to ensure regulatory compliance. Officers will primarily conduct a North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step process covering both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. This year, inspectors will pay close attention to the driver’s record of duty status (RODS) and the vehicle’s tires.
The RODS is a log that commercial drivers must use to document their driving hours, on-duty time, and off-duty time to comply with hours of service (HOS) regulations. HOS regulations limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road, reducing the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue. Failing to properly complete or maintain this log, or intentionally falsifying records, can lead to out-of-service violations and potential legal consequences for both the driver and the carrier.
In addition to reviewing the HOS documentation during the driver phase of the inspection, examiners will verify the driver's operating credentials, assess Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (in the U.S.), confirm seat belt usage, and check for any signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. If an inspector identifies any driver out-of-service violations, the driver will be restricted from operating their vehicle.
During the vehicle portion of the Level I Inspection, officers will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers are compliant with applicable regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans, and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include the examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
By focusing on tires during the vehicle phase of the inspection, this year’s International Roadcheck highlights the critical role these components play in vehicle safety and performance.
Vehicles that successfully pass inspection during International Roadcheck may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for up to three months. However, vehicles found with critical out-of-service violations as outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria will be restricted from operating until all issues are addressed.
To help drivers and motor carriers prepare for this year’s International Roadcheck, CVSA has developed an informational flyer in English, French, and Spanish on this year’s focus areas. In addition, the North American Standard Roadside Inspection Vehicle Cheat Sheet, offered in English, French and Spanish, details the vehicle components an inspector will check when conducting a Level I Inspection during the International Roadcheck. The North American Standard Roadside Inspection Driver Cheat Sheet, currently only available in English, outlines the details, requirements, and steps of the driver portion of an inspection.
The results from this year’s International Roadcheck will be released this summer.
