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Source: www.cvsa.org
The 2025 International Roadcheck inspection event is scheduled for May 13–15, 2025. 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 2024 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.
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.
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 2024, more than 60% of International Roadcheck inspections were Level I.
- Level I – Standard Inspection. A thorough 37-step inspection that involves checking the driver’s credentials and record of duty status (RODS) and the mechanical condition of the vehicle.
- 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 2024
In 2024, a total of 48,761 vehicles were inspected during the CVSA International Roadcheck. Of those inspected, 77% of vehicles and 95.2% of drivers did not have any OOS violations and were able to safely continue their routes. However, a total of 16,444 vehicle, driver and hazardous materials/dangerous goods OOS violations were identified as part of the Roadcheck. Within the 72-hour time frame, CVSA inspectors removed 9,345 commercial vehicles and 2,290 drivers from the roadways that were found to have at least one OOS violation.
Last year's International Roadcheck inspectors placed a special focus on tractor protection systems (TPS) and controlled substance and alcohol possession. This resulted in the identification of 564 TPS-related violations and 78 drug and 26 alcohol possession/use OOS violations. In the U.S., 63 drivers were found to be operating vehicles despite being listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a database that identifies drivers who are prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle due to previous drug or alcohol violations.
Below are the top five vehicle out-of-service violations found during the 2024 Roadcheck, as well as what CVSA inspectors check for during a Level I or Level V inspection.
- Defective Service Brakes (3,387 OOS Violations, 25% of Total) – Brake issues have consistently been the top OOS violation identified during the International Roadcheck in recent years. Service brakes may be deemed defective if the brakes are out of adjustment, audible air leaks are present at the brake chamber, linings/pads are worn or a brake is missing where one is required.
- Tires (2,821 OOS Violations, 20.8% of Total) – During a CVSA inspection, tires are checked for under-inflation, cuts and bulges, insufficient tread depth, and exposed fabric or cord. The tire sidewalls are also inspected for improper repairs.
- Other Brake Violations (2,486 OOS Violations, 18.3% of Total) – Outside of checking for defective service brakes, CVSA inspectors will conduct a thorough inspection of each vehicle's brake system, looking for missing, nonfunctioning, loose or damaged parts. You can find a complete list of inspected brake components here.
- Lights (1,569 OOS Violations, 11.6% of Total) – All required lights are inspected for proper color, operation, mounting and visibility. Issues with burnt-out or non-functioning lights are some of the easiest infractions to prevent, but also some of the easiest for inspectors to catch — especially at night.
- Cargo Securement (1,303 OOS Violations, 9.6% 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 also checked to ensure the proper number and size are being used and all are in good condition.
Prepare Now for the 2025 CVSA International Roadcheck
This year's International Roadcheck will take place on May 13–15, 2025, with a special focus placed on tire violations and false RODS.
To help drivers and fleets identify and address violations before 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 2024.
The criteria for vehicle OOS violations are updated each year on April 1, so make sure you or your maintenance team reviews the latest changes and understands what is considered an OOS violation as of 2025 to avoid being taken off the road.
Vehicle Inspection Cheat Sheet
Focus Area 1: Tires
Staying on top of tire maintenance is crucial for maintaining safety on the roadways. An unexpected flat or blown tire due to improper tire care not only puts truck drivers in danger, but also those around them. By emphasizing tire maintenance during this year's International Roadcheck, the CVSA hopes to bring awareness to the dangers and costs associated with fixing a tire issue while in transit rather than proactively maintaining tires and addressing tire issues before a vehicle hits the road.
During the International Roadcheck, inspectors will be looking for:
- Low tread depth
- Audible air leaks
- Flat tires
- Exposed belt material or casing ply in the tread or sidewall
- Tread or sidewall separation
- Bulges in the sidewall
- Improper repairs, such as rubber-coated plugs in the sidewall
- Items lodged between dual tires
If any tire is found to have a single violation, the entire vehicle will be immediately placed OOS and a mobile service truck must be called to the truck's location to repair or replace the tire as the vehicle will not be allowed to travel on the out-of-compliance tire.
Focus Area 2: False Records of Duty Status (RODS)
The FMCSA sets strict hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for commercial drivers that limit driving hours and mandate adequate rest breaks to prevent crashes and roadway incidents caused by driver fatigue. Drivers must prove compliance with HOS regulations by completing a RODS log with their driving/non-driving times and duty statuses for each 24-hour period that they're working. Failure to record, complete or retain a RODS log, or knowingly falsifying RODS logs, is not only a driver OOS violation, but it also makes the driver and/or motor carrier liable to prosecution.
During the driver portion of a Level I, II or III inspection, inspectors will check each driver's RODS for HOS compliance, but will also check for:
- Electronic logging device tampering, including driving while not logged in, disconnected devices and improper edits
- Ghost drivers (claiming a co-driver when there is no co-driver present)
- Improper use of the personal conveyance special driving category
- Improper use of other exceptions, including adverse driving conditions
- Recording off-duty time while performing work for a motor carrier or non-motor carrier
If selected for an inspection, drivers should have their RODS ready and available. Drivers must also be able to operate their electronic logging device and be able to transmit records upon request so that the inspector can verify their HOS and the accuracy of their RODS. If an inspector identifies driver OOS violations, the driver will immediately be placed OOS and restricted from operating their vehicle.
Save on Service and Get Your Vehicle International Roadcheck–Ready
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 2025 International Roadcheck.
View our service specials and schedule an appointment today at your local Rush Truck Centers location.
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