Starting on May 13th and continuing for 72 hours, inspectors from across the US, Canada and Mexico will be conducting Level 1 roadside inspections. Taking proactive steps now can significantly reduce the risk of violations, out-of-service orders, and the associated negative impacts on your operations. Remember, the 72-hour blitz from May 13th to 15th will see heightened inspection activity across North America and you’ve got to make sure you’re ready.

This year's International Roadcheck places an emphasis on two critical areas: tires and Hours of Service (HOS) records, with a particular focus on identifying and addressing false logs.

Understanding these priorities is the first step in ensuring your drivers and vehicles meet the rigorous standards of Level 1 roadside inspections. Check out our 10 tips below to empower your team to be prepared, compliant, and contribute to safer roadways for everyone.

Reinforce comprehensive pre-trip inspections: It's non-negotiable that every driver conducts a thorough pre-trip inspection before each and every dispatch. Emphasize to your drivers that this goes beyond a cursory walk-around. This includes meticulous checks of tire pressure and condition, a functional test of all braking systems, verification of all lighting and signaling equipment, confirmation of adequate fluid levels, and proper securement of all cargo. Provide them with detailed checklists and stress that consistency here is key to identifying potential issues before they become roadside violations.
Implement a robust tire maintenance protocol: Given the CVSA's focus this year, your tire maintenance program needs to be airtight. Ensure regular, documented inspections for wear and tear are being conducted, correct inflation pressures are maintained, and any cuts, bulges, or anomalies are addressed immediately. Advise considering proactive replacement of tires nearing DOT minimum tread depths now, not waiting for an inspector to flag them. Remember, tire-related out-of-service orders were a major factor last year.
Mandate refresher training on Hours of Service (HOS): With the spotlight on HOS and false logs, a comprehensive refresher on the intricacies of these regulations is essential for all drivers. This training must cover the precise use of ELDs, a clear understanding of on-duty, off-duty, sleeper berth, and driving time rules. Aim to eliminate any ambiguity and ensure everyone is operating within the legal limits.
Provide definitive guidance on Personal Conveyance: The misuse of personal conveyance is a significant contributor to log falsifications. Supply clear, unambiguous guidelines, with documented training, outlining exactly when personal conveyance is permissible and, more importantly, when it is not. There should be no room for interpretation that could lead to violations.
Emphasize the integrity of log keeping: Accurate and truthful log keeping is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a matter of professional integrity for drivers. Ensure they understand the severe consequences – both for them and the company – of log falsifications, including potential out-of-service orders and penalties. Regularly review recent logs to identify any patterns that need immediate correction.
Train on ELD proficiency across the board: Every driver must be fully competent in the operation of their assigned ELD. This includes accurately recording duty status changes, properly annotating events, and confidently transferring data to inspecting officials. Address any technical issues or misunderstandings proactively through targeted training and support.
Promote proactive trip planning as a standard practice: Effective trip planning is a cornerstone of HOS compliance and driver well-being. Encourage drivers to plan their routes to include legal and safe stopping points for required breaks and rest periods before they begin their journey. This foresight can significantly reduce the likelihood of HOS violations due to fatigue or time constraints.
Consider implementing internal compliance checks: To get ahead of potential issues, think about conducting internal "mock" roadside inspections. This allows for the identification and rectification of any deficiencies in vehicles or drivers' compliance practices in a non-punitive setting before the official Roadcheck.
Clearly communicate roadcheck expectations: Ensure all drivers are explicitly informed about the dates of the International Roadcheck (May 13th-15th), the specific focus on tires and HOS/false logs, and the unwavering expectation that every vehicle and driver will be operating in full compliance with all regulations.
Foster a culture of open communication regarding safety and compliance: Cultivate an environment where drivers feel empowered to report any vehicle defects or HOS concerns without fear of reprisal. Addressing these issues promptly and collaboratively is crucial for maintaining a safe and compliant fleet.

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Preparing for the CVSA International Roadcheck 2025 requires building an effective safety and compliance culture across your organization. Proper vehicle inspections and HOS compliance are key elements in maintaining smooth operations. For more information, visit the CVSA International Roadcheck website. Nirvana customers can contact the Fleet Safety Team at safety@nirvanatech.com.

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Reinforce comprehensive pre-trip inspections: It's non-negotiable that every driver conducts a thorough pre-trip inspection before each and every dispatch. Emphasize to your drivers that this goes beyond a cursory walk-around. This includes meticulous checks of tire pressure and condition, a functional test of all braking systems, verification of all lighting and signaling equipment, confirmation of adequate fluid levels, and proper securement of all cargo. Provide them with detailed checklists and stress that consistency here is key to identifying potential issues before they become roadside violations.
Implement a robust tire maintenance protocol: Given the CVSA's focus this year, your tire maintenance program needs to be airtight. Ensure regular, documented inspections for wear and tear are being conducted, correct inflation pressures are maintained, and any cuts, bulges, or anomalies are addressed immediately. Advise considering proactive replacement of tires nearing DOT minimum tread depths now, not waiting for an inspector to flag them. Remember, tire-related out-of-service orders were a major factor last year.
Mandate refresher training on Hours of Service (HOS): With the spotlight on HOS and false logs, a comprehensive refresher on the intricacies of these regulations is essential for all drivers. This training must cover the precise use of ELDs, a clear understanding of on-duty, off-duty, sleeper berth, and driving time rules. Aim to eliminate any ambiguity and ensure everyone is operating within the legal limits.
Provide definitive guidance on Personal Conveyance: The misuse of personal conveyance is a significant contributor to log falsifications. Supply clear, unambiguous guidelines, with documented training, outlining exactly when personal conveyance is permissible and, more importantly, when it is not. There should be no room for interpretation that could lead to violations.
Emphasize the integrity of log keeping: Accurate and truthful log keeping is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a matter of professional integrity for drivers. Ensure they understand the severe consequences – both for them and the company – of log falsifications, including potential out-of-service orders and penalties. Regularly review recent logs to identify any patterns that need immediate correction.
Train on ELD proficiency across the board: Every driver must be fully competent in the operation of their assigned ELD. This includes accurately recording duty status changes, properly annotating events, and confidently transferring data to inspecting officials. Address any technical issues or misunderstandings proactively through targeted training and support.
Promote proactive trip planning as a standard practice: Effective trip planning is a cornerstone of HOS compliance and driver well-being. Encourage drivers to plan their routes to include legal and safe stopping points for required breaks and rest periods before they begin their journey. This foresight can significantly reduce the likelihood of HOS violations due to fatigue or time constraints.
Consider implementing internal compliance checks: To get ahead of potential issues, think about conducting internal "mock" roadside inspections. This allows for the identification and rectification of any deficiencies in vehicles or drivers' compliance practices in a non-punitive setting before the official Roadcheck.
Clearly communicate roadcheck expectations: Ensure all drivers are explicitly informed about the dates of the International Roadcheck (May 13th-15th), the specific focus on tires and HOS/false logs, and the unwavering expectation that every vehicle and driver will be operating in full compliance with all regulations.
Foster a culture of open communication regarding safety and compliance: Cultivate an environment where drivers feel empowered to report any vehicle defects or HOS concerns without fear of reprisal. Addressing these issues promptly and collaboratively is crucial for maintaining a safe and compliant fleet.

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