Back To Blog
Source: www.CVSA.org
The 2024 International Roadcheck inspection event is scheduled for May 14–16, 2024. Commercial fleets and truck drivers should begin preparing now to avoid unexpected violations and the risk of being taken out of service.
We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the International Roadcheck, including results from 2023 and how to prepare for this year’s inspections.
What Is the CVSA International Roadcheck?
The International Roadcheck is an annual three-day inspection and compliance enforcement event run by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in the United States, Canada and Mexico. During the 72-hour period, CVSA-certified inspectors conduct roadside inspections of commercial vehicles and drivers to verify compliance with federal and state regulations. Inspections may take place at weigh stations or temporary inspection sites or via mobile patrols.
The goal of the International Roadcheck is to prevent commercial vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities as well as to educate the trucking industry and public about the importance of roadside inspections and compliance. Each year, the CVSA focuses on certain violation categories while conducting inspections in order to raise awareness around important aspects of safe commercial vehicle operation.
Fun Fact: On average, 15 trucks and motorcycles are inspected every minute during the three-day event. More than 1.8 million commercial vehicles have been inspected as part of the CVSA International Roadcheck since its inception in 1988.
Types of International Roadcheck Inspections
CVSA inspectors conduct a routine North American Standard Level I Inspection for most vehicles chosen during the International Roadcheck. However, some vehicles will receive a Level II, III or V inspection. In 2023, more than 60% of inspections conducted were Level I.
- Level I – Standard Inspection. A thorough 37-step inspection that involves checking the driver’s credentials and record of duty status and the mechanical condition of the vehicle. Inspectors 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 current regulations.
- Level II – Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection. A walk-around driver and vehicle inspection that includes items that can be inspected without physically getting under the vehicle.
- Level III – Driver/Credential Inspection. A driver-only inspection of the driver’s credentials and documentation.
- Level V – Vehicle-Only Inspection. An inspection of each of the vehicle components included in a Level I inspection, without a driver present.
Vehicles that pass a Level I or Level V inspection without any critical vehicle violations will receive a CVSA decal that is valid for three months. Vehicles or drivers found to have one or more critical out-of-service (OOS) violations are removed from service and restricted from operating until all OOS violations are addressed.
Top 5 Vehicle Out-of-Service Violations in 2023
In 2023, a total of 59,429 vehicles were inspected during the CVSA International Roadcheck. Of those inspected, 81% of vehicles and 94.5% of drivers did not have any OOS violations and were able to safely continue their routes. However, a total of 116,669 violations were identified as part of the Roadcheck, 17,479 of which were OOS violations. Within the 72-hour time period, CVSA inspectors removed 11,270 commercial vehicles and 3,256 drivers from the roadways that were found to have at least one OOS violation.
Last year’s International Roadcheck inspection focus areas were anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement. This special focus resulted in the identification of 4,127 ABS violations and 2,975 cargo securement violations.
Below are the top five vehicle out-of-service violations found during the 2023 Roadcheck as well as what CVSA inspectors check for during a standard Level I inspection.
- Brake Systems (4,412 Violations, 25.2% of Total) – CVSA inspectors will look for missing, nonfunctioning, loose or damaged parts within the brake system. They will check for S-cam flipover and audible air leaks, check the length of slack adjustors and check the size of the air chambers on each axle. The air system is checked to ensure it maintains air pressure between 90–100 psi, and the spring brake housing section of the parking brake is inspected for holes and broken springs. The inspection also includes checks of the ABS malfunction lights, low air-pressure warning devices and tractor protection system, including the trailer anti-bleed back and breakaway systems.
- Tires (3,368 Violations, 19.3% of Total) – Tires are checked for insufficient inflation, cuts and bulges. Inspectors will look for regrooved tires improperly being used on a steering axle, and tread wear and major tread groove depth are measured. The tire sidewalls are inspected for improper repairs, exposed fabric or cord, contact with any part of the vehicle, and markings excluding the tires from use on a steering axle.
- Defective Service Brakes (2,468 Violations, 14.1% of Total) – Service brakes may be deemed defective if the brakes are out of adjustment, audible air leaks at the brake chamber are present, linings/pads are defective or a brake is missing where one is required.
- Cargo Securement (2,171 Violations, 12.4% of Total) – Inspectors will check to ensure cargo is safely secured within the trailer. This includes checking the tailboard security, ensuring end gates are secured, verifying the rear doors are securely closed and checking the tiedown anchor points for deformation or cracking. Cargo securement devices are checked to ensure the proper number and size are being used and all are in good condition. And the cargo is inspected to ensure it is properly secured and protected from shifting or falling.
- Lights (2,105 Violations, 11.5% of Total) – All required lamps are inspected for proper color, operation, mounting and visibility.
Preparing for the 2024 CVSA International Roadcheck
This year’s International Roadcheck will take place on May 14–16, 2024, with a special focus placed on tractor protection and anti-bleed back systems as well as controlled substance and alcohol possession and use.
To help drivers and fleets identify and address violations prior to the International Roadcheck, the CVSA has provided cheat sheets outlining what inspectors will be looking for. It’s recommended that you take time ahead of the Roadcheck to get caught up on all preventive maintenance and ensure all vehicle components are in peak condition, paying extra attention to the vehicle components listed above that saw the most violations in 2023.
The criteria for vehicle OOS violations are updated each year on April 1, so make sure your maintenance team reviews the latest changes and understands what is considered an OOS violation as of 2024 to avoid being taken off the road.
Vehicle Inspection Cheat Sheet
Focus Area 1: Tractor Protection Systems
The tractor protection system on a commercial vehicle consists of a tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve and anti-bleed back valve. By emphasizing tractor protection system violations during this year’s International Roadcheck, the CVSA aims to increase awareness of these critically important components, which are often overlooked during trip and roadside inspections.
All commercial vehicles equipped with an air brake system and used to tow trailers with air brakes must be equipped with a tractor protection system. Be sure to thoroughly check the tractor protection system on your vehicle prior to the International Roadcheck and repair any issues, such as air leaks or faulty valves, before inspections begin.
You can find a full breakdown of the CVSA’s tractor protection system inspection process here.
Focus Area 2: Controlled Substance and Alcohol Possession
The number of commercial drivers listed in the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) and prohibited from operating on public roads has been increasing in recent years, a trend that poses a threat to all motorists throughout North America.
With controlled substance and alcohol possession serving as a focus area during this year’s International Roadcheck, the CVSA hopes to remind motor carriers to establish and strictly enforce policies to prevent substance and alcohol use among drivers. The CVSA also encourages motor carriers to regularly query the DACH to ensure their drivers are not in “prohibited” status.
As a reminder, drivers cannot be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances while on duty. Plus, drivers are prohibited from consuming alcohol within four hours of coming on duty. During the roadside inspections, the CVSA will check for the presence of alcohol or controlled substances within the vehicle and trailer and observe drivers for signs for use and/or impairment.
Get Your Vehicle Ready at Rush Truck Centers
Your vehicle can be chosen for an inspection anywhere and at any time, not just during the CVSA’s International Roadcheck. The best way to prepare is to stay on top of preventive maintenance, keep drivers educated about what constitutes an OOS violation and ensure drivers have all their necessary paperwork on hand.
If you have not maintained a periodic preventive maintenance schedule for your vehicle, Rush Truck Centers is offering substantial savings on a variety of service specials to help prepare fleets and truck owners for the 2024 International Roadcheck. View our service specials and schedule an appointment today at your local Rush Truck Centers location.
COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE. Sign up to receive email updates with our latest promotions, blog posts and news from Rush Truck Centers.
