The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance International Roadcheck Week is a three-day period where CVSA inspectors examine as many trucks as possible. Inspectors are looking for anything that does not meet safety standards. The Roadcheck is the world’s largest targeted enforcement program for CMVs. Due to Covid-19, the 2020 Roadcheck was delayed to September. This year, the 2021 Roadcheck has returned to its normal time, May 4th-6th.
According to the FMCSA, the top driver out-of-service (OOS) violation was hours-of-service (HOS). HOS violations accounted for 34.7% of all OOS violations. The FMCSA also reported that the lighting violation was the number one vehicle violation in the fiscal year 2020.
Each year, the CVSA chooses a focus in order to report data on specific violation categories. This year, the Roadcheck will focus on HOS and vehicle lighting.
Roadcheck inspectors will also be looking for critical vehicle inspection item violations outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. If an inspector finds such violations, the vehicle will be placed out of service.
What to expect during Roadcheck 2021
During Roadcheck, nearly 17 trucks or buses are inspected, on average, every minute in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Inspectors check the truck, documents, and licenses thoroughly. The majority of the inspections during Roadcheck are level 1 inspections.
Check out our blog, DOT Inspections: How to be Prepared
Level 1 inspections include:
- All sides of tractor and trailer
- Tires, wheels, rims, and hubs
- Brakes
- Lights
- Major safety components
- Proper load securement
Required documentation and devices include:
- Roadside view ready ELD
- Commercial driver’s license
- Medical certificate (including waivers)
- Proof of periodic inspection documentation
- All load-related paperwork including bill of lading, emergency response information (for hazmat shipments)
Having all the required documentation is just as important as having your truck and trailer in order. If you do not have the above documentation, it could result in violations and time off the road.
In conclusion
During Roadcheck week, it’s important to stay calm if you get pulled over for an inspection. While it can be frustrating, remember that the inspectors are doing their job and making sure everyone on the road stays safe.
