What is the CVSA Road Check & How To Prepare

With the CVSA Roadcheck fast approaching, you may be wondering what it is and what you, as a truck driver, need to do to prepare for it. We’ve got you covered. 

What does the CVSA do?

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is a nonprofit association of local, state, provincial, territorial, and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives. Their goal is to achieve uniformity, compatibility and reciprocity of commercial motor vehicle inspections and enforcement by certified inspectors dedicated to driver and vehicle safety throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What is International Roadcheck?

International Roadcheck is an annual three-day roadside inspection event where CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety in North America.

CVSA’s International Roadcheck is the largest such program in the world. CVSA inspectors inspect almost 15 vehicles every minute during the 72-hour event. 

The next International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 17-19, 2022.

What is the focus of Roadcheck 2022?

The focus of the Roadcheck this year is going to focus on wheel ends. Wheel end components support the heavy loads carried by commercial motor vehicles and are critical for braking. Violations involving wheel end components have accounted for about a fourth of the vehicle out-of-service violations discovered during Roadcheck in years past.

Inspectors will ensure that the below are functioning properly and are not damaged or defective. If you have any vehicle violations, the vehicle will be placed out of service and will be inoperable until the issues have been corrected. 

• Windshield Wipers
• Frames
• Fuel Systems
• Suspensions
• Tires
• Coupling Devices
• Brake Systems
• Driveshaft
• Exhaust
• Wheels
• Steering
• Driver’s Seat
• Rims
• Hubs
• Cargo Securement
• Lighting

The focus on wheel end issues means that inspectors will be paying close attention to issues like cracked or unseated locking rings, bent or broken wheel rims, damaged or missing wheel fasteners, tire and valve stem leaks, tread wear, and other issues affecting the wheel ends. 

How can drivers prepare for Roadcheck?

Truckers should pay close attention to any wheel end issues on both tractors and trailers in the days leading up to this year’s international Roadcheck. If you see any issues on your current rig before the event, get it repaired ASAP so your truck won’t be found in violation. You don’t want your rig to be out of service for an issue you could have corrected beforehand. Luckily, the CVSA provides a cheat sheet so you know exactly what the inspectors are looking for. 

Be prepared with the below documents if you’re approached by a CVSA inspector during the Roadcheck: 

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate/Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate
• Up-to-date permits, registration and insurance
• Driver’s record of duty status (blank paper logs)
• In-cab device instruction/visor card
• IFTA International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) sticker
  
  

What happens if a driver fails Roadcheck?

If a vehicle fails Roadcheck, it’s placed out of service until the problem is addressed. But drivers can be found in violation as well. Hours of Service violations accounted for over 33% of all driver violations last year. Make sure you’re obeying the rules and keeping your logs updated at all times.  

If you’re found in violation for any reason, you will be placed out of service (OOS) and will be unable to drive a commercial vehicle until the violation is corrected.