The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) holds a 3-day (72-hour) International Roadcheck Inspection. This year (2018), inspectors will conduct inspections from June 6 – 8 across North America. Certified inspectors from CVSA oversee the implementation, plans, education, and compliance aimed at different essentials for carrier, vehicle, and driver safety.
The International Roadcheck is the biggest enforcement program, with approximately 15 trucks or buses inspected each minute throughout the United States during the 72-hour phase. Last year, during the road check, approximately 63,000 inspections were completed, and 15,000 of those vehicles were removed from service. Out of those 15,000 vehicles, 12,000 were because of vehicle violations, and 3,000 were related to driver violations.
2018 Inspection Expectations
This year, inspectors will focus on hours-of-service (HOS) regulations due to the new U.S. DOT electronic logging device (ELD) mandate. However, HOS is not the inspector’s only concern. Inspectors will also conduct Level I inspections on many trucks during this 3-day process. Level I inspections are very detailed. During the inspection, you can expect the inspector to observe driver compliance and any violations related to the vehicle, including cargo securement. Inspectors highlight cargo securement, which reminds drivers and fleets of the importance of cargo safety. Ensure the cargo and all equipment are accurately secured and inspect all tie-downs for damage before getting out on the road.
During the road check inspection, truck drivers will need to provide their credentials for operating and their HOS documentation. Inspectors will also be looking for truck drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Inspectors will be checking for seat belts being used also.
Common Inspection Violations
Possible truck violations inspectors will be looking at are:
- Brakes
- Coupling devices
- Driveshaft/driveline mechanisms
- Exhaust systems
- Frames
- Fuel systems
- Lighting devices
- Steering mechanisms
- Suspensions
- Tires
- Open-top trailers
- Wheels
- Rims and hubs
- Windshield wipers
Passing a CVSA Inspection
Once the inspection is complete, if the driver did not receive any serious violations during the Level I inspection, a CVSA inspection sticker will be placed on the vehicle. The CVSA decal shows the truck and driver have passed a decal-eligible inspection performed by a CVSA-certified inspector.
Failing a CVSA Inspection
A CVSA-certified inspector can determine if a vehicle or driver has violations that meet the North American Out-of-Service Criteria. Being out-of-service indicates the driver cannot operate their vehicle until the driver and/or vehicle violations are in compliance. You can read the North American Standard Out-of-State Criteria here.
Before hitting the road, be sure to do your pre-trip inspection and have all legal driver documentation and vehicle safety regulations up-to-date – not just during the CVSA Annual Roadcheck Inspection.