The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has officially announced the dates for the CVSA International Roadcheck 2025, scheduled for May 13–15. This annual three-day event is North America’s largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and their drivers. It takes place simultaneously across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the goal of ensuring compliance with federal motor carrier safety regulations and reducing road-related incidents.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what to expect during this year’s International Roadcheck, what the focus areas are, and how fleets and drivers can prepare to avoid violations and out-of-service orders.
What Is the CVSA International Roadcheck?
CVSA International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume enforcement initiative that brings together transportation officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes. Over 72 hours, inspectors conduct tens of thousands of inspections at weigh stations, rest areas, and other inspection points.
In 2024, inspectors conducted 48,761 inspections, with 23% resulting in at least one out-of-service violation. (cvsa.org) This large-scale initiative provides an opportunity for law enforcement and industry stakeholders to promote roadway safety and education while removing unsafe vehicles and drivers from the road.
The Focus Areas for 2025: Hours of Service & Tires
Each year, CVSA places special emphasis on specific areas of compliance. For 2025, the focus is on:
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Driver Hours of Service (HOS)
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Tire Safety
Hours of Service (HOS)
HOS regulations are vital to preventing driver fatigue, one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents. These regulations limit how long drivers can operate and mandate specific rest periods.
During inspections, law enforcement will be paying close attention to the driver’s Record of Duty Status (RODS) to ensure that:
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Logs are complete, accurate, and not falsified
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Drivers are not exceeding the maximum hours
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Required rest periods are being taken
You can learn more about HOS regulations on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
Tire Safety
Tire-related issues are a common source of out-of-service violations. Inspectors will be looking for:
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Tread depth compliance
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Proper tire inflation
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Visible damage (cuts, bulges, sidewall issues)
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Tread separation and improper repairs
For information on proper tire maintenance, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Tire Safety page.
The Inspection Process
The primary inspection level used during the Roadcheck is the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes checks of both the driver and the vehicle. Here’s what inspectors will typically examine:
Driver Requirements:
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CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
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Medical Examiner’s Certificate
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Record of Duty Status (RODS)
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Seat belt usage
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Alcohol and drug use or impairment
Vehicle Checks:
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Brake systems
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Lighting devices
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Cargo securement
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Steering and suspension
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Fuel systems
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Tires and wheels
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Coupling devices
Inspectors may also conduct Level II (Walk-Around), Level III (Driver-Only), or Level V (Vehicle-Only) inspections as needed.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Vehicles and drivers that pass the Level I or V inspections without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal, valid for 3 months. This helps reduce the likelihood of re-inspection during that time.
If a vehicle or driver is found with out-of-service violations, they are prohibited from operating until all issues are corrected. These violations can impact your company’s safety rating and even lead to fines or insurance complications.
Learn more about CVSA's out-of-service criteria on the CVSA website.
Why the Roadcheck Matters
International Roadcheck is about more than just enforcement. It highlights the importance of safety culture in the transportation industry. Each inspection is an opportunity to:
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Educate drivers about compliance
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Identify equipment issues before they become dangerous
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Prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities
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Build public trust in the safety of the trucking industry
Additionally, the data collected during these inspections provides valuable insight for policymakers and enforcement agencies to improve future regulations.
Tips for Preparing Your Fleet
To ensure your drivers and vehicles are ready for the Roadcheck:
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Review HOS Logs: Ensure logs are up-to-date, accurate, and not falsified.
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Inspect Tires Thoroughly: Check for tread depth, inflation, and damage.
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Conduct Mock Inspections: Use a checklist to simulate the Level I Inspection.
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Update Vehicle Maintenance Records: Make sure documentation is complete and accessible.
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Train Drivers: Provide refresher courses on HOS regulations and how to handle inspections.
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Ensure Proper Use of PPE: Especially for fleets that require entry into hazardous environments.
Additional Resources
Here are some helpful links to keep your fleet compliant:
Final Thoughts
CVSA International Roadcheck 2025 is an important reminder of the critical role safety plays in commercial transportation. Whether you operate a small fleet or a nationwide logistics operation, being prepared is key to maintaining compliance, reducing risk, and protecting lives on the road.
Sentry Road offers tailored training solutions, mock inspections, and compliance support to help your organization prepare for CVSA International Roadcheck 2025 and beyond. Let us help keep your team ready and your business rolling safely.
Visit sentryroad.com to learn more.