The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced that its annual International Roadcheck will take place from May 13 to 15, 2025. This 72-hour event is a significant safety initiative, during which law enforcement personnel across Canada, Mexico, and the United States conduct comprehensive inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers to ensure adherence to regulations.
Focus Areas for 2025: Driver’s Record of Duty Status and Vehicle Tires
Each year, the International Roadcheck emphasizes specific aspects of vehicle and driver compliance. In 2025, inspectors will pay particular attention to:
- Driver’s Record of Duty Status (RODS): Accurate logging of hours-of-service (HOS) is crucial to prevent driver fatigue-related incidents. Drivers are required to maintain precise records of their driving activities. Failure to do so, or falsifying logs, can result in out-of-service violations and potential legal action.
- Vehicle Tires: Proper tire maintenance is vital for road safety. Inspectors will assess tire tread depth, inflation levels, and look for damages such as air leaks, tread separation, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage, and improper repairs. Addressing tire issues proactively helps prevent hazardous situations and costly roadside repairs.
Inspection Process
During the Roadcheck, inspectors will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a thorough 37-step procedure that examines both driver requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. This includes checks on brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers. For passenger-carrying vehicles, additional inspections cover emergency exits, seating, and electrical systems in engine and battery compartments.
Vehicles that pass the Level I or V Inspection without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal, valid for up to three months. Conversely, vehicles or drivers found with out-of-service violations will be restricted from operating until the issues are rectified.
The International Roadcheck serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold safety standards in the commercial motor vehicle industry. By focusing on critical areas such as RODS and tire maintenance, the CVSA aims to reduce accidents and enhance road safety. Drivers and carriers are encouraged to utilize the available resources to ensure compliance and readiness for the upcoming inspections.
For more information and to access preparation materials, visit the CVSA’s official website.