With the year’s largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles fast approaching, it’s time for drivers and carriers in North America to start reviewing compliance efforts.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 13-15. This annual 72-hour event spans Canada, Mexico and the United States, focusing on high-visibility, 24-hour inspections and regulatory compliance enforcement for commercial motor vehicles.
This year’s Roadcheck places special emphasis on two crucial areas:
- Tires: Inspectors will scrutinize tires for tread depth and proper inflation, and look for damage such as audible air leaks, tread separation, cuts, bulges and improper repairs.
- Records-of-duty status (RODS): Hours-of-service regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue and enhance road safety. Inspectors will be on high alert for any discrepancies in RODS, including electronic logging device tampering, improper use of driving categories and false co-driver claims.
During the Roadcheck, law enforcement will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection – a comprehensive 37-step procedure examining both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Vehicles passing without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal, valid for up to three months.
Mark Barlar, director of DOT regulatory compliance at Reliance Partners, is a seasoned professional with decades of experience in both inspections and compliance. He sat down with FreightWaves to share some tips to help drivers ensure compliance with this year’s Roadcheck focus areas.
One simple practice Barlar suggests is to visually check tires multiple times per trip. Standard pre- and post-trip tire inspections often miss tire issues that can lead to failure.
“When you only do a visual check before and after the trip, you’re only seeing two-thirds of the tire at any given time,” Barlar said. “That’s a significant amount of surface area you’re missing, and damage can happen at any point during a long haul.”
Drivers should be doing mid-trip inspections, Barlar says, whenever they get out of the vehicle for any reason.
“There’s no reason not to do your due diligence,” he said. “There are several criteria for tires to be deemed out-of-service during an inspection, and failure typically only happens when drivers don’t conduct regular inspections themselves.”
Tires occasionally catch debris, and long hauls increase the chances of serious blowouts on the highway. “The more you check, the more likely you are to notice a failure before law enforcement intervenes,” Barlar said.
Drivers can find and repair tire issues all the way up until May 12, but it’s a good idea to start doing those more regular checks now and begin catching any points of failure.
Unlike tires, however, RODS compliance cannot be fixed with last-minute repairs. Barlar notes that drivers need to be extra diligent in maintaining good records leading up to the Roadcheck period, as logbook reviews will cover the day of inspection and the prior seven days.
“Inspectors look at hours of service for that whole time, and they won’t miss anything,” Barlar said. “Officials will take enforcement action for any errors in the entire prior week, and any violation that happens outside of roadcheck dates will still affect CSA scores,” he said.
Starting on (or ideally before) Tuesday, May 6, motor carriers need to enhance oversight in reviewing drivers’ hours of service, including events such as breaks, misuse of personal conveyance and unlogged hours. Drivers will have to certify the previous day’s logs and properly log trailer numbers and bill-of-lading numbers prior to starting any trip. These practices should be standard, of course, but are especially vital during the inspection period.
According to Barlar, it’s likely that inspectors will pay particular attention to long-haul truck drivers rather than local commercial drivers, so any OTR carrier will need to maintain absolute compliance during the relevant window.
Barlar suggests reviewing a copy of the required ELD malfunction instruction sheet, ELD transfer instruction sheet, eight blank logbook pages and your ELD manual to ensure they are all within your permit book for ease of access and familiarization.
“If you’ve ever been stopped by law enforcement, you know that you can get nervous in the moment and forget where things are,” Barlar said. “If you’ve got experience with your ELD manual and with malfunctions and transfers before your inspection, you won’t have to think about it.”
Every violation counts toward driver scores, while more serious violations are worth five to seven points with an additional two points if the violation is listed as “Out-of-Service” by law enforcement.
Don’t risk noncompliance during this year’s Roadcheck. With increased scrutiny during this period, ensuring your fleet is fully compliant is more crucial than ever. Out-of-service violations can ground your vehicles and impact your bottom line.
That’s where Reliance Partners comes in.
As experts in commercial transportation insurance, Reliance Partners understands the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry. Its team of knowledgeable account managers can help you navigate the complexities of logistics insurance, ensuring you’re protected and compliant.
From comprehensive truck insurance to specialized programs for cross-border operations, Reliance offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. API-driven coverage on demand allows for customization that keeps pace with your dynamic business environment.
Don’t let the International Roadcheck catch you off guard. Partner with Reliance Partners to ensure your insurance coverage is as robust and reliable as your fleet. Visit reliancepartners.com today to learn how Reliance Partners can support your business’s success with top-tier insurance servicing that matches your unique requirements.
Remember, preparation is key. Use this Roadcheck as an opportunity to reinforce your commitment to safety and compliance. With the right insurance partner by your side, you can face inspections with confidence and keep your business moving forward.
Reach out to Mark Barlar directly at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Click here to learn more about Reliance Partners.
The post Is your fleet ready for CVSA’s 2025 International Roadcheck? appeared first on FreightWaves.
