From May 12 to 14, commercial motor carriers across North America will face one of the most concentrated enforcement events of the year: the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck. The CVSA is a non-profit organization composed of local, state, provincial, territorial, and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives.
This annual 72-hour initiative brings inspectors to weigh stations and temporary roadside checkpoints, where thousands of commercial vehicles and drivers will be examined for compliance with safety regulations. For motor carriers, preparation is critical, not just to avoid violations but also to keep operations moving without disruption.
What to Expect During an Inspection
During International Roadcheck, inspectors primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a comprehensive, 37-step process that evaluates both the driver and the vehicle.
Driver Inspection Focus
Inspectors will review key elements of driver compliance, including:
- Driver qualifications and licensing
- Record of duty status (hours of service)
- Medical examiner’s certificate
- Seat belt usage
- Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (U.S.)
- Skill performance evaluation certificate (if applicable)
Inspectors will also look for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Any violations that meet out-of-service criteria will immediately sideline the driver, preventing further operation until the issue is resolved.
Vehicle Inspection Focus
The vehicle portion of the inspection is equally detailed, covering critical safety components such as brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline and driveshaft components, fuel and exhaust systems, lighting and electrical systems, steering and suspension, tires, wheels, and rims, and windshield wipers.
Vehicles that pass a CVSA inspection without critical violations may receive a CVSA inspection decal, which remains valid for up to 3 months. This decal signals to enforcement officers that the vehicle has recently passed inspection, potentially reducing the likelihood of additional stops.
What Inspectors Are Watching Closely this Year
Each year, International Roadcheck highlights specific areas of concern. In 2026, on the driver side, inspectors will closely examine electronic logging device (ELD) compliance, with particular attention to tampering, falsification, or manipulation of duty status records. This includes reviewing logs for inaccuracies, incomplete entries, or discrepancies between reported and actual driving activity. Violations in this area can result in immediate out-of-service orders and potential fines, making accurate and consistent recordkeeping essential.
In 2025, falsification of the record of duty status was the second-most-cited driver violation, with 58,382 violations. And five of the top 10 driver violations were related to hours-of-service or ELD requirements.
On the vehicle side, cargo securement will be a primary focus. Improperly secured loads can significantly affect vehicle stability and maneuverability, or even cause cargo to shift or fall onto the roadway—creating serious hazards for both the driver and other motorists. Inspectors will assess whether cargo is properly distributed, secured, and compliant with applicable regulations. Even minor deficiencies can result in violations, delays, or vehicles being placed out of service.
Last year, 18,108 violations were issued for cargo not secured to prevent leaking/ spilling/ blowing/falling, and 16,054 violations were issued for vehicle components or dunnage not secured.
Why Being Prepared Is Critical
International Roadcheck is not just about compliance; it’s about operational continuity. Out-of-service violations can delay deliveries, disrupt schedules, impact customer relationships, and increase regulatory scrutiny
For fleets operating on tight timelines, even a single violation can have a ripple effect across the business.
Review driver qualification files and ensure documentation is current; audit ELD records for accuracy and consistency; conduct pre-trip inspections with a focus on key mechanical systems; verify cargo securement practices across all loads; and reinforce safety protocols with drivers.
Proactive preparation can significantly reduce the risk of violations and help ensure a smooth inspection process.
About Western Truck
Western Truck Insurance Services is an insurance brokerage specializing in commercial truck insurance. We know this stuff and want to ensure you do, too. Our clients appreciate our dedication to finding competitive rates and providing unparalleled service, complemented by excellent insurance options. They also value how our state-of-the-art automation provides lightning-fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.