Preparing For CVSA's International Roadcheck

No matter what lanes you run, no matter how old your truck is; every driver will get a roadside inspection at some point in their career. As we approach the month of May we are gearing up for CVSA’s Roadcheck initiative, which is one of the largest targeted enforcement programs in North America. International Roadcheck is currently scheduled for May 16-18, with frequent inspections of commercial motor vehicles. There are no easy roads to passing truck inspection, but with a few simple tips, you'll be able to navigate and pass your roadside inspection with ease.

International Roadcheck is a yearly 3 day initiative by the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) to help ensure safety of vehicles and drivers on the road. Each year emphasizes a different theme, but the inspections remain detailed nonetheless. Over the period of the initative, random inspections are conducted every minute on commercial vehicles and the drivers. There are multiple levels of inspection, though you can expect to undergo Level I most commonly.

The different levels of inspections are as follows:

• Level I: North American Standard Inspection (most common), testing compliance of vehicle and driver
• Level II: Walk-around Inspection, inspector will walk around vehicle but not get under unless needed
• Level III: Driver Credentials, checking documents, log book etc.
• Level IV: Special Inspection, one-time examining of a specific item or issue
• Level V: Vehicle Only Inspection, inspecting the vehicle, usually without driver present
• Level VI: Enhanced NAS Inspection for Radioactive Shipments, for shipments with class 7 radioactive material
• Level VII: Jurisdictional Mandated CMV Inspection, mainly applies to other vehicles such as taxis, buses etc.
• Level VIII: North American Standard Electronic Inspection, electronic oriented such as ELD, GPS etc. 

The moment you realize someone is inspecting your truck is probably the same moment you feel a slight sense of dread. It's best to get used to such things—and that means knowing how to pass an inspection first. In order to pass your inspections and this year's Roadcheck with ease, keep in mind the following:

• Prioritize Your Detailed Pre-Trip and Post Trip Inspections

Although you should always be meticulous about your pre-trip and post-trip inspections, it is essential to be especially detailed when preparing for the possibility of a roadside inspection. The inspection you do yourself can help you identify any weak areas or things to fix, so that you are able to prevent bigger problems down the line. This is the time to look into any potential leaks, and make sure your cargo is always secured properly and safely.

In preparation for a roadside check, you need to make sure your windshield remains clean and all relevant parts are checked. Tire pressure needs to be correct and your lights should be working. You want to always perform regular maintenance on your truck for safety and efficiency, though it will also help with your inspections. Some of the most common violations revolve around several key areas:

• Brakes
• Lights
• Tires 

• Secure Cargo Correctly

You want to always make sure the load is balanced and that your cargo is properly secured. According to the CVSA, last year (2022), improper cargo securement made up 10.6% of out of service violations during the Roadcheck. You should be carrying extra equipment such as tarps or straps to secure your loads, so that you can fix any issues right away, as improperly secured loads are a common issue reported and this area will be thoroughly examined. 

• Practice Preventative Maintenance

The easiest way to ensure your truck is always in good form and that things are clean, is to maintain it regularly. Preventative maintenance can include changing your windshield wipers, cleaning your windshield, oil changes, and changing the mud flaps. If you are hearing noises or feeling that your vehicle is not running the same, get it checked. 

• Follow Traffic Rules

As we are heading into the spring and summer seasons, we can expect a lot more officers and inspectors to be present outside and looking for violations. The best way to avoid an inspection is to follow traffic rules and not draw too much attention to yourself. Always make sure to wear your seatbelt and follow the speed limit. Avoid using your cell phone while driving and pay attention to road signs.

• Keep Your Truck Clean

Your windshield is not the only area of your truck which needs to be maintained. You want to make sure that your tires, wheels and interior are also clean, and that you know where your emergency supplies are, as it suggests to inspectors that the driver is detail oriented and clean, thus more likely to be on top of their maintenance. A clean truck will also speed up any inspection you may face, as inspectors can walk around and see what they need to, quicker.

• Always Be Honest

If you know of any issues, things will be a lot easier if you are upfront about any problems which could cause concern or require further inspection. Sometimes citations can be waived if the driver is honest and has admitted to the issue which was recently discovered, and that they are taking steps to try to fix it.

• Keep Documents Organized

You should have a folder or compartment which will hold all your necessary documents, so that you can access them easily when they’re needed. Some of the documents you may need to have nearby or easy access to for your common Level I inspection include:

• License
• Registration
• Insurance
• Record of Duty Status
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Annual Inspection Records
• Permit Credentials
• Additional Paperwork (if you transport hazardous materials for example)

The review of your documents is a significant part of the inspection, so you want to make sure you make it as easy as possible for yourself and that there are no gaps or issues with your records or documents. Make a checklist before your trip of all the documents that you will need and be sure to organize them so that you can easily gain access.

• Know The Focus Of The Yearly Roadcheck

Every year the CVSA outlines a different areas of focus that they will specifically be looking for in greater detailed, so knowing what to prepare for or emphasize is important. This year, in 2023, the Roadcheck focus is on ABS (anti-lock braking systems) and cargo securement. While ABS violations are not out of service ones, they still can make your inspection a problem.  You want to especially look out for these aspects when heading out on the road.

Roadside inspections at any point in time are inevitable, so it's best to be prepared. Keep these tips in mind when you're on the road and do your best to stay calm. It's not easy being a little piece of the road, but it's what you do that counts. Make sure to take care of any repairs in coming weeks, so that you can focus on the road and your health.