The annual 72-hour commercial vehicle inspection initiative known as CVSA International Roadcheck is just around the corner, happening this year May 14–16. Over the course of the three-day event, inspectors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will inspect an average of 15 trucks and motorcoaches every minute at various weigh stations, temporary inspection sites, and roving patrols — all with the aim of ensuring safety and compliance across the industry.
What is Roadcheck?
Often referred to as a trucker's least favorite week of the year, these detailed inspections can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the vehicle status. While no one likes to be slowed down, most industry professionals understand that these efforts are for the ensured safety of everyone on the road — and that's worth the stop.
Since its inception in 1988, Roadcheck has inspected more than 1.8 million commercial vehicles. In addition to inspections and compliance checks, International Roadcheck offers an opportunity to raise awareness among the industry and general public about the importance of safe vehicle operations.
During Roadcheck, vehicles that pass a North American Standard Level I inspection receive an official CVSA decal. While it may sound like a small consolation prize for passing a 37-step inspection process, the decal verifies the vehicle is compliant for the following three months.
On the other hand, if inspectors identify violations, the driver or commercial vehicle will be restricted from travel until those conditions have been addressed and corrected.
2024 Roadcheck focuses
Each year the International Roadcheck specifies a particular category as a focus of the inspections. For 2024, the CVSA has named two areas of focus:
- Tractor protection systems
- Alcohol and controlled substance possession
Citing the increasing number of prohibited drivers listed in the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, the CVSA hopes this year's focus will be a reminder to carriers and drivers to enforce clear policies around the use and possession of alcohol and controlled substances while on duty.
For more detailed information on the inspections, and how to ensure proper maintenance of tractor protection systems, the CVSA have made available inspection bulletins and focus area flyers in multiple languages.
Roadcheck Criticisms
Some owner-operators and small fleets sit out the three days to avoid the hassle of inspection and the risks of being written up for violations. In fact, a study of data from DAT MembersEdge for each of the past four years shows that the number of trucks posted on DAT boards drops about 6% the week of Roadcheck, compared to the previous week.
It's not uncommon for drivers to disagree with the practice altogether.
These theories are often contested, however, by data that shows a small number of violations actually occur. CVSA reports that in 2021, 83.5% of commercial vehicles passed the inspection, with only 16.5% of inspected vehicles and 5.3% of drivers being temporarily taken out of service.
Roadcheck support
For the most part, drivers and industry professionals tend to understand the purpose and importance of these temporary inspection periods and accept them as simply being part of the job. In fact, we often see proud drivers flocking to social media to pose with their hard-earned CVSA decal.
Whether or not you get stopped this year for an inspection, here's to wishing everyone a safe experience on the road.
For more information about Roadcheck and what to expect for 2024, check out the official CVSA Roadcheck site here.
