CVSA 2025 International Roadcheck May 13-15 Focused on Tires and False RODS

The importance of proper tire maintenance cannot be overstated. Tire failure while in transit is a hazard to all motorists. It causes significant delays and is far more expensive for motor carriers to repair.

With spring comes May showers, beautiful flowers, and inspection blitzes!

That’s right, the annual 72-hour International Roadcheck, conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA),  is a high-visibility reminder of the importance of commercial motor vehicle safety.

It is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks or buses inspected, on average, every minute across North America!

This year is an interesting inspection focus. Let’s see what it is!

DOT inspection focus for 2025 International Roadcheck

Primarily, the International Roadcheck conducts the North American Standard (NAS) Level I Inspection, which includes 37 steps in two main inspection categories:

• driver operating requirements
• vehicle mechanical fitness
• Note: hazardous materials/dangerous goods are sometimes part of a Level I inspection

Depending on other factors, an inspector could conduct a:

• Level II inspection (walk-around driver/vehicle)
• Level III inspection (driver/credential/administrative) and/or
• Level IV inspection (vehicle-only)

Each year, there is also a special category focus. For 2025, the CVSA Roadcheck will focus on Tires and False Record of Duty Status or false logs.

Did you know that in

• 2022: 5.91% of OOS violations were for false logs
• 2023: 27.4% of OOS violations were for false logs
• 2024: 10.8% of OOS violations were for false logs

While checking a driver’s RODS for hours-of-service compliance, inspectors will also check for:

• Electronic logging device tampering, including driving while not logged in, disconnected devices and improper edits
• Ghost drivers (claiming a co-driver when there is no codriver present)
• Improper use of the personal conveyance special driving category
• Improper use of other exceptions, including adverse driving conditions
• Recording off-duty time while performing work for a motor carrier or non-motor carrier

During the tire inspection of a commercial motor vehicle, the inspector will look for:

• Low tread depth
• Audible air leaks
• Flat tires
• Belt material or casing ply exposed in the tread or sidewall
• Tread or sidewall separation
• Bulges in the sidewall
• Improper repairs, such as rubber-coated plugs in the sidewall
• Items lodged between dual tires

What to expect during the CVSA International Roadcheck

At a minimum, drivers should anticipate the following procedures during a roadside DOT inspection:

• inspector greeting, interview, driver preparation
• collection/verification of driver documents
• motor carrier ID
• license examination
• records check (duty status and periodic inspection reports)
• certification check (if needed)
  • Medical Examiner’s Certificate
  • Skill Performance Evaluation Certification, and
  • daily vehicle inspection report
• other inspections such as driver seat belt usage, illness, fatigue, impairments due to substance use

A roadside DOT inspection would include critical components such as:

• brake systems
• cargo securement
• coupling devices
• driveline/driveshaft components
• driver’s seat (missing)
• exhaust systems
• frames
• fuel systems
• lighting devices
• steering mechanisms
• suspension system
• tires
• van and open-top trailer bodies
• wheels, rims, and hubs
• windshield wipers
• Buses, motor coaches, passenger vans or other passenger-carrying vehicles: emergency exits, electrical cables and systems in engine and battery compartments, and temporary and aisle seating

Although this 3-day event spanning from Canada to Mexico intensifies the frequency of inspections, it’s crucial to remember that DOT inspections happen every day of the year.

Obeying safety standards and being prepared for inspection at any time of the year is a vital aspect of any driver’s protocol.

What are CVSA Standards for critical violations?

The basis for violations comes from the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.

Out-of-service orders and the number, type and severity of safety violations affect a motor carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score and its Safety Fitness Determination (SFD) rating.

DOT Audits: We can perform a mock audit for you

You can stay ahead of the FMCSA by ensuring your drivers are in compliance before sending them out on the road.

We offer many services, but one specifically—DOT Mock Audits—help trucking companies operate with the confidence that they will pass any audits or inspections the FMCSA throws at them.

Basically, in a DOT Mock Audit, we send out a specialist that will conduct an audit in the exact same way a DOT officer would. This can help keep you prepared for any surprise roadside inspection or any future actual DOT audits, and you can be sure that they will happen.

All CNS services are geared toward keeping your trucking company safe and compliant so that you stay on the road and pass all DOT inspections.

For any assistance related to DOT Audits, call (888) 260-9448 or email at info@cnsprotects.com.