May 9, 2025

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is gearing up for its annual International Roadcheck, scheduled for May 13-15, 2025. This 72-hour inspection blitz, taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles, with nearly 15 trucks or buses inspected every minute. If you’re a driver, fleet manager, or owner-operator, now’s the time to prepare to ensure compliance and avoid costly downtime.

What Is the International Roadcheck?

The International Roadcheck is a high-visibility event where CVSA-certified inspectors conduct thorough roadside inspections to verify compliance with safety regulations. The goal? To enhance road safety by reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by non-compliant vehicles or drivers. Since its inception in 1988, over 1.4 million inspections have been conducted during this event, making it a critical moment for the trucking industry.

2025 Focus Areas: Tires and Hours-of-Service

Each year, the Roadcheck emphasizes specific violation categories. For 2025, inspectors will zero in on:
Tires: Expect checks for proper inflation, tread depth, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage, and improper repairs. Tire issues accounted for 20.8% of out-of-service (OOS) violations in 2024, so ensure your tires are in top shape.
Record of Duty Status (RODS): Inspectors will scrutinize Hours-of-Service (HOS) compliance, looking for false logs, ELD tampering, ghost drivers, or improper use of exemptions. Accurate logging is critical to avoid OOS violations or fines.
While tires and RODS are the focus, inspectors will still perform comprehensive Level I inspections—a 37-step process covering driver credentials, vehicle mechanical fitness, brakes, lights, cargo securement, and more.

Why It Matters

The Roadcheck isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety. Last year, 48,761 inspections were conducted, with 19% of vehicles and 5.5% of drivers placed out of service due to critical violations like defective brakes or false logs. Passing a Level I or Level V inspection earns a CVSA decal, valid for three months, sparing you from further checks during that period. However, violations can lead to fines, downtime, or a downgraded safety rating, impacting your bottom line.

How to Prepare

To breeze through the 2025 Roadcheck, take these steps now:
Inspect Your Vehicle: Conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection, focusing on tires, brakes, lights, and cargo securement. Address any maintenance issues immediately.
Verify Documentation: Ensure your CDL, medical certificate, proof of insurance, and RODS are up to date. Double-check ELDs for accuracy and functionality.
Review Maintenance Records: Confirm your vehicle has a current annual inspection and that all preventive maintenance is documented.
Educate Drivers: Remind drivers about HOS rules and the importance of accurate logging. Share CVSA’s 2025 Focus Areas flyer for guidance.
Schedule a Professional Inspection: Many service providers, like Rush Truck Centers, offer affordable DOT inspections to catch potential issues early.

The 2025 International Roadcheck is just days away, but there’s still time to prepare. By prioritizing tire maintenance, HOS compliance, and overall vehicle readiness, you can minimize disruptions and keep your fleet rolling safely. Bookmark the CVSA website for updates and resources, and consider downloading the 2025 Freight Shipping Calendar from Anderson Trucking Service to plan around this and other key industry events.
Stay proactive, stay compliant, and stay safe on the road! For more details, visit cvsa.org