CVSA International Roadcheck 2025: What You Need to Know
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck event is coming up! Slated for May 13th to 15th, 2025, you can expect a major uptick in compliance enforcement taking place across the country during these 3 days.
What Is CVSA’s Roadcheck and Why It Matters
The Roadcheck initiative has an annual goal of increasing inspections on a specific category (both Driver and Vehicle specific) while ensuring that commercial vehicle operators are in compliance with recent standards.
Law enforcement, along with DOT inspectors, will inspect commercial vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites and during mobile patrols to confirm everyone’s compliance.
Following these inspection periods, data is gathered and utilized by the agency to provide updated metrics and additional training guidelines in the year to come.
This Year’s Focus Area: Hours of Service Compliance and Tire Safety Maintenance
This year’s primary focus for driver compliance is Hours of Service (HOS). Inspectors are required to review drivers’ ELDs or paper logbooks to ensure that they are complying with the standard HOS their position demands. Hours of Service laws are enforced to ensure drivers take adequate breaks, preventing fatigue and possible accidents.
They will also be reviewing driver’s licenses, DOT physical cards, and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status during these inspections. Other documents may be required, so it’s best to confirm that all of your documents are up to date and are in a safe place in your truck.
During the vehicle inspection portion, tire safety and maintenance will be the main focus. Inspectors will be gauging multiple areas to identify tire-related issues that could lead to a breakdown. These may include (but aren’t limited to):
- Tread depth
- Proper pressure/inflation
- Improper repairs
- Damage (such as cuts, bulges, or sidewall damage)
Adequate tire maintenance is necessary to ensure safety; not just for the driver, but for all passengers on the road.
What Happens If You Fail an Inspection?
Law enforcement and inspectors will be performing North American Standard Level 1 Inspection during these stops, a 37-step procedure that encompasses multiple areas of driver operating requirements and vehicle maintenance.
Most inspections will not have issues if the proper steps are taken during the pre- and post-trip Inspections, and a CVSA decal may be issued if the inspectors find no problem. However, if there are issues found, it can come with setbacks, such as:
- Fines
- Driver or company safety score impacts
- An out-of-service violation
Receiving an out-of-service violation during these inspections can be the most harmful, as the vehicle must remain off the road until all issues are corrected, regardless of if the trailer is loaded or empty.
How Can You Prepare?
To ensure compliance and avoid violations, drivers are encouraged to be proactive during their pre- and post-trip inspections. If you find fault in your vehicle, schedule a checkup with your maintenance crew or a trusted shop.
During the 2025 CVSA Roadcheck, here are some easy tips on how to address the focus areas:
- Drivers:
- Review and update RODS- Have you documented your times correctly?
- Plan for required rest breaks
- Ensure all documentation (CDL, medical certificates) are current
- Fleet Managers:
- Confirm your driver’s maintenance
- Train drivers or provide refreshers on ELD/HOS on compliance
- Verify the functionality of electronic logging devices (ELDs) and ensure drivers are provided paper logbooks in the event of an outage.
By addressing these areas in regular time, carriers and drivers can minimize the risk of violations and contribute to safer roadways during the International Roadcheck. At Melton, our Safety department is always just a phone call away if our drivers have questions on how to prepare for the 2025 CVSA Roadcheck. Learn more about driving for Melton on our flatbed driving jobs page.