Introduction
Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts its International Roadcheck, a high-impact 72-hour enforcement initiative aimed at improving commercial vehicle safety. For 2025, the Roadcheck will take place May 13–15 across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The focus this year? Tire safety and false logs, two recurring issues that lead to thousands of out-of-service violations annually. In this guide, we break down everything fleet managers and commercial drivers need to know to ace the inspection, stay compliant, and keep operations running smoothly.
What Is the CVSA International Roadcheck?
The CVSA's Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial vehicles in North America. Certified inspectors perform a rigorous inspection process, referencing the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. If violations are detected, especially involving safety-critical components, vehicles can be immediately placed out of service until the issues are resolved.
"These inspections emphasize regulatory compliance and road safety, shining a spotlight on key issues that affect the entire trucking industry."
During the 72-hour period, inspectors across North America will be conducting thorough examinations of both commercial vehicles and driver credentials, with special attention to this year's focus areas.
Most Common Violations: Lessons from 2024
Here's a summary of the top infractions from last year's Roadcheck, highlighting exactly where fleets and drivers are falling short:
Top Vehicle Violations
- Defective Brakes – 5,800+ violations
- Tire Issues – 2,800+ violations
- Lighting Problems
- Cargo Securement Failures
- Other Brake Violations
Top Driver Violations
- Hours of Service (HOS) – 32.1% of all violations
- Missing or Suspended Licenses
- No Medical Card
- False Logs
- Expired Licenses
2025 Spotlight: Tires & False Logs
Tire Safety Tips
Inspectors will check for:
- Excessive wear and low tread depth
- Underinflation or improper inflation
- Foreign objects or damage
- Illegal regrooving and improper repairs
Fleet Action Plan:
- Use digital inspections with photo documentation
- Train drivers to recognize sidewall damage and bulges
- Log tire pressure checks and maintenance
- Use tools like a Tire Management system to track tire life cycles and replacement intervals
False Logs & RODS Violations
Focus will be on:
- Tampering with ELDs
- Creating ghost driver profiles
- Misreporting off-duty status while still working
Fleet Action Plan:
- Reinforce proper ELD training
- Conduct regular audits of logs
- Emphasize legal consequences of false reporting
- Create a culture that discourages overwork and supports driver safety
Know the Inspection Procedure: Driver & Vehicle
Driver Requirements
Be ready to show:
- CDL (license must be valid, not expired or suspended)
- Medical Examiner's Certificate
- Record of Duty Status (RODS) or exemption documentation
- ELD operational knowledge
- Details of the current trip (origin, destination, stops, fuel locations, etc.)
Note: The inspector will assess the driver's physical condition, look for signs of impairment, and confirm seat belt usage.
Vehicle Inspection Checklist
Inspectors will evaluate:
- Brake system components, air pressure, slack adjusters, and ABS lights
- Coupling devices like fifth wheels and kingpins
- Fuel and exhaust systems for leaks and mounting issues
- Frame and suspension for cracks, rust, and loose components
- Lighting (all lamps must be functional and visible)
- Steering systems for lash, welds, and proper locking
- Tires and wheels for inflation, tread depth, and structural damage
- Cargo securement, tie-downs, anchor points, and protection from shifting
Expert Tips for Passing the 2025 Inspection
- Pre-Trip Inspections: Make daily checks a habit, not an afterthought.
- Digital Documentation: Use fleet apps to store licenses, medical cards, and inspection records in the cloud.
- Driver Education: Regularly update training on HOS, cargo securement, and ELD usage.
- Maintenance Scheduling: Implement recurring inspections of brakes, tires, and lights.
- Create Checklists: Distribute CVSA's official inspection cheat sheets to all drivers.
Avoid Downtime with the Right Tools
Fleets using EasiTrack can take advantage of features such as:
- Tire and maintenance tracking
- Driver document storage
- Digital inspection forms
- Real-time alerts for HOS compliance
These tools help ensure every vehicle and driver is prepared, reducing the chance of violations.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Inspection
With the 2025 CVSA International Roadcheck just around the corner, now is the time to act. Whether you're a fleet manager, dispatcher, or CDL driver, proactive preparation is the key to passing inspections, avoiding penalties, and maintaining road safety.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and let's keep the wheels turning.
✅ Activate Your Free Inspection Checklist in our Inspections Module (or contact us for help) to ensure you're ready for May 13–15.
📥 Learn more at: www.cvsa.org