Tips for Navigating the 2025 CVSA Roadcheck Inspection
The 2025 CVSA Roadcheck: What to Expect
The 2025 CVSA North American Roadcheck is set to take place from May 13-15. During this period, inspectors will be focusing on equipment and driver violations, with a special emphasis on Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and tire conditions. Although the campaign is a focused enforcement effort, the inspections themselves adhere to the standard 37-step procedure of North American Standard Level 1 Inspection. The key difference is the increased number of inspectors participating in this initiative aimed at promoting safety and education.
Understanding Tire Guidelines and Inspections
A common concern during inspections is the tire condition, especially regarding debris like rocks or nails in tire treads. According to Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) Roadside Inspection Specialist Jeremy Disbrow, a rock wedged between dual tires can be cause for an out-of-service violation, but rocks embedded in treads are not. If tires are equipped with an Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS), air leaks during inspection may not lead to out-of-service status, a boon for drivers needing to reach repair facilities.
Lighting Issues: A Persistent Challenge
Lighting violations frequently top the list of reasons vehicles are taken out of service. Often deemed "low-hanging fruit," these issues should be addressed during pre-trip inspections. Disbrow emphasized the importance of rear-facing lights in preventing accidents. Ensuring all required lights function properly is crucial, though optional lights, like decorative "chicken lights," are exempt from operational regulations.
Preparing Your Paperwork
Drivers should ensure they have all relevant documentation ready, including electronic log data and medical certificates where necessary. Having documents saved offline can mitigate the stress of producing them in areas with poor connectivity. Disbrow advises drivers to familiarize themselves with their ELDs to ensure efficient data transmission, especially in areas without internet access.
Key Focus: Controlled Substances and Driver Awareness
Beyond mechanical checks, inspectors are vigilant for signs of controlled substance possession and driver impairment. Despite varying state laws, substances like marijuana remain prohibited in commercial vehicles at the federal level. Inspectors will also verify compliance with the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, emphasizing its significance in maintaining industry safety standards.
Additional Inspection Insights
- Personal conveyance should not be used to enhance operational readiness or extend driver hours.
- Mechanical roles, including testing and delivery, require a CDL.
- A valid medical card must accompany a CDL for it to remain active.
Overall, preparing thoroughly and staying informed about inspection criteria can ensure a smooth experience during the Roadcheck campaign. Prioritize proactive maintenance and thorough understanding of HOS regulations to meet inspection expectations confidently.