The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its annual International Roadcheck for 16-18 May 2023. International Roadcheck is designed to perform thorough, high-volume inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world.

What is the Purpose of the International Roadcheck?

The main objective of the International Roadcheck is to promote awareness of road safety among both the trucking industry and the general public. Additionally, the planned inspections are intended to encourage carriers to maintain their trucks properly and drive responsibly.

What is the Focus of the Inspection?

According to the CVSA statement, the International Roadcheck 2023 will focus on the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and cargo securement, in order to accentuate the importance of those aspects of vehicle safety. 

ABS violations are not out-of-service violations, but ABS still has a crucial role in reducing the risk of collisions by preventing the wheels from locking up and skidding. On the other hand, improper cargo securement poses a serious threat to drivers and other road users, as it can affect a vehicle’s maneuverability or even cause a traffic hazard.

Apart from these two focus points, inspectors will also pay attention to the general vehicle and driver safety. Therefore, drivers will have to keep their trucks at an acceptable level and prepare adequate documentation in order to avoid Out-of-Service violations.

How to Prepare for International Roadcheck?

As we have already mentioned, the focus is on ABS and load securement, but inspectors will examine much more than that. Most roadside inspections are level 1 inspections, and they include the examination of the engine, wiring, tires, wheels, seatbelts, lights, and other essential components of a vehicle. Thus, it is crucial to perform regular pre-trip inspections, practice preventative maintenance, and schedule an appointment at a truck repair shop in case you identify major problems with your truck and trailer.

In addition to the vehicle inspection, it is vital to pay attention to the paperwork. Make sure to prepare all the required documents, as they will be closely analyzed during the Roadcheck 2023. Some of the documents you should have ready are a Driver’s License/CDL, Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Record of Duty Status, Motor Carrier Registration, Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR), Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate, evidence of periodic inspection, and shipping papers.

Also, during Roadcheck 2021, Hours of Service violations accounted for 33.6% of all driver violations. Therefore, it is crucial to comply with the HoS regulations and ensure that your ELD is functioning correctly.

Additional Tips to Pass the Inspection

Apart from maintaining your truck, preparing the documentation, and complying with regulations, there are some additional tips that could help you pass a Roadcheck inspection:

Keep your truck and trailer clean. Neglected vehicles are more likely to undergo thorough inspections for potential violations.

Start preparing now. International Roadcheck 2023 is less than a month away, so it’s important to start getting ready as soon as possible. Begin collecting your paperwork and schedule an inspection of your vehicle to identify potential issues timely and prevent further complications.

Get familiar with the regulations. Recently, CVSA has updated some of its Out-of-Service violation rules. Make sure to review the latest updates and understand which areas require the most attention.

What Happens After the Roadcheck?

As soon as the inspection is over, you will know whether you’ve passed or not. If you passed, no critical violations were found and you will get a CVSA decal for your CMV. However, if you failed, that means critical violations were found, and your vehicle will be placed out of service until the issues are rectified.

Conclusion

The CVSA International Roadcheck 2023, scheduled for May 16-18, is designed to promote road safety and reduce accidents. The focus of this year’s inspection will be on anti-lock braking systems and cargo securement, but inspectors will also examine the general vehicle and driver safety while ensuring that drivers comply with HoS regulations.

To prepare for the inspection, it is essential to perform regular pre-trip inspections, practice preventative maintenance, and ensure that all required documents are in order. With proper preparation and compliance, commercial drivers can pass the inspection and obtain a CVSA decal.