The 72-hour inspection campaign places thousands of commercial vehicles and drivers under review at weigh stations, inspection facilities, and temporary roadside checkpoints throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This year, inspectors are placing additional focus on electronic logging device compliance and cargo securement violations.

Level I Inspections Will Remain the Primary Focus

During Roadcheck, inspectors primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step inspection process covering both driver compliance and vehicle condition.

The driver portion includes review of:

• commercial license status
• medical certification
• record of duty status
• seat belt usage
• Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status
• skill performance evaluation certificates, if applicable

Inspectors also check for signs of alcohol or drug impairment during the process.

The vehicle portion of the inspection covers major mechanical and safety areas, including:

• brake systems
• tires
• steering components
• suspension systems
• lighting equipment
• driveline components
• coupling devices
• windshield wipers
• fuel and exhaust systems
• cargo securement

ELD Manipulation Is the Main Driver of Focus This Year

The driver emphasis area for 2026 is electronic logging device tampering, falsification, and manipulation.

Inspectors will review records of duty status during inspections while looking for false entries, edited logs, or signs that ELD data has been manipulated.

According to CVSA data referenced in the announcement, falsification of the record of duty status was the second most-cited driver violation last year, with 58,382 violations issued. Five of the top 10 driver violations were tied to hours-of-service or ELD-related issues.

That focus means drivers should expect inspectors to spend additional time reviewing logs and supporting documentation during roadside inspections this week.

Cargo Securement Violations Are Also Receiving Extra Attention

Cargo securement is the vehicle emphasis category for this year’s Roadcheck campaign.

According to the inspection data, 18,108 violations were issued in 2025 for cargo that was not properly secured against leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from vehicles. Another 16,054 violations involved unsecured dunnage or vehicle components.

Inspectors are expected to pay close attention to tie-downs, securement devices, shifting cargo risks, and improperly secured materials throughout the inspection process.

Preparation Before Inspection Still Matters

Drivers entering Roadcheck week can reduce delays by reviewing logs carefully, checking ELD functionality, and inspecting cargo securement equipment before reaching inspection areas.

Pre-trip inspections also remain important since Level I inspections review multiple mechanical and documentation areas at once. Small issues involving lights, tires, paperwork, or securement equipment can quickly expand into larger inspection delays or violations once the inspection begins.

With enforcement activity increasing across North America starting tomorrow, drivers should expect heavier inspection traffic at weigh stations and temporary roadside checkpoints throughout the three-day event.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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According to CVSA, 81.6% of vehicles and 94.1% of drivers made it through clean. “Conversely, inspectors discovered 13,553 vehicles, 3,317 drivers, and 177 hazardous materials/dangerous goods (HM/DG) out-of-service violations and placed 10,148 commercial motor vehicles and 3,342 drivers out of service,” CVSA said. “The vehicle out-of-service rate was 18.1% and the driver out-of-service rate was 5.9%.”

That means the overwhelming majority of truckers and fleets are running safe, compliant operations — a testament to the hard work drivers put in to keep their rigs road-ready.

Focus Areas: Tires and Log Accuracy

Each year, International Roadcheck spotlights specific safety areas. In 2025, inspectors zeroed in on tires and false records of duty status (RODS).

Inspectors found 2,899 tire-related violations, making tires the second most common vehicle issue behind brakes. Problems ranged from flat tires and low tread depth to improper repairs and overloading. Tire violations made up 21.4% of all vehicle OOS issues.

Tires are one of the simplest things to check and one of the easiest ways to get hit with a violation. Daily pre- and post-trip inspections remain key to staying compliant and safe on the road.

False Logs Still a Problem

When it comes to driver violations, false logs stood out. “Ten percent (332) of all driver out-of-service violations were for false logs/RODS,” CVSA said. “Falsifying logs is a serious violation. It conceals the real hours a driver has been driving or on duty, which directly impacts safety, compliance, and trust.”

Hours of service and accurate ELD records continue to be among the top inspection priorities for enforcement officers. Keeping clean, truthful logs protects drivers, their companies, and everyone else on the highway.

Brakes Lead the Pack in Vehicle Violations

Out of 44,435 Level I, II, and V inspections, 13,553 vehicle OOS violations were discovered. Brakes topped the list again, with 3,304 brake system issues — about 24.4% of all OOS violations. Another 2,257 violations came from trucks with 20% or more defective brakes. Together, that’s 41.1% of all vehicle OOS citations.

It’s another reminder for drivers to stay on top of brake maintenance — and to speak up when equipment isn’t right.

Common Driver Issues: Hours and Licensing

Of 54,953 driver inspections, 3,342 drivers (6.1%) were placed out of service. Hours-of-service violations were the biggest culprit, making up 32.4% (1,076) of all driver OOS citations. Other issues included licensing problems, false logbooks, and DUI violations.

Even small recordkeeping errors can raise red flags, so attention to detail remains critical for professional drivers.

Seat Belts and Safety

“During International Roadcheck, 726 seat belt violations were issued. According to FMCSA, 14% of commercial motor vehicle drivers do not wear their seat belt,” CVSA reported. Seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in a crash.

Hazmat Checks

Hazardous materials inspections focused mainly on loading and securement, which accounted for 28.8% of all hazmat OOS violations. Inspectors emphasized that proper loading and labeling prevent leaks, spills, and serious safety risks — not just for the driver, but for the public and environment too.

The Big Picture

Across North America, inspectors applied 16,521 CVSA decals to trucks and trailers that passed clean inspections. Since the first International Roadcheck in 1988, CVSA has conducted over 1.8 million roadside inspections. This year alone, roughly 13 vehicles per minute were inspected.

The bottom line? Most truckers are doing things right. The annual blitz highlights just how much effort drivers put into staying compliant, keeping equipment in shape, and making sure they and everyone around them make it home safe.

To read the full CVSA report, click here.

Image Source: CVSA
Source: The Trucker

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Vehicles passing Level I or Level V inspections without critical violations may earn a CVSA decal valid for three months.

During the 2024 International Roadcheck, tire issues and brake-related violations accounted for over 50% of all Out-of-Service (OOS) violations.

“According to CVSA, nearly one in four commercial vehicles inspected during last year’s event was placed out of service,” said TJ Thomas, director of marketing and customer solutions for Bendix. “With brake systems, tires and other aspects of vehicles, attention to detail, consistent training and regular maintenance can deliver real-world safety and compliance improvements.”

To help drivers, technicians, and fleets prepare for Roadcheck 2025, Bendix offers key insights and best practices.

The Vital Role of Brake Maintenance in Safety

Brake-related violations remained the leading cause of OOS orders in 2024. CVSA reported that defective service brakes accounted for 25% of vehicle violations, while additional brake system-related issues comprised another 18%.

“Brake systems are the backbone of any truck’s safety suite,” said Rick Conklin, director of wheel-end engineering at Bendix. “Not only do they bring vehicles to a stop, but they also enable advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), like full-stability control and collision mitigation, to function optimally. If brakes underperform, the entire safety architecture is compromised.”

To prioritize brake safety, Bendix recommends daily walkarounds and in-shop inspections.

During walkarounds, look out for:

• Damaged air chambers
• Misaligned slack adjusters
• Extended pushrods

Technicians should perform these shop inspections:

• Measure brake chamber stroke and check adjustments.
• Conduct brake applications above 80 psi to identify air leaks.
• Inspect friction components for cracks, wear, or contamination.
• Evaluate drums and rotors for heat spots or damage.

“Brake performance starts with the right friction components,” Conklin added. “Using OEM-specified parts and meeting Reduced Stopping Distance (RSD) standards ensures braking balance. Replacing brake pads or shoes in matched axle sets is critical to maintaining performance.”

Conklin also emphasized the advantages of air disc brakes, highlighting their ease of inspection, reduced risk of out-of-adjustment violations, and exceptional performance benefits.

Tire Maintenance Tips for Roadcheck Compliance

Tires are another primary focus for Roadcheck 2025, with inspections including tread depth, inflation levels, sidewall integrity, and repair quality checks. Proper tire health reduces the risk of roadside incidents and unnecessary costs.

Over 20% of vehicle violations during the 2024 Roadcheck were tire-related, with underinflation being a common cause of failures.

“Underinflated tires are more than a wear issue – they’re a potential safety liability, increasing the chance of sudden failure due to excessive heat buildup,” said Brian Screeton, manager of technical training and service at Bendix. “With today’s technology, there’s no reason not to monitor the pressure in real-time and catch problems before they turn into emergencies.”

Bendix suggests using tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), like SmarTire and Trailer-Link, which continuously monitor tire pressure and temperature inside the cab.

“TPMS solutions do more than alert you to inflation issues,” Screeton said. “They can identify brake drag, which causes dangerous pressure and heat buildup at the wheel end.”

Tire maintenance recommendations include:

• Checking tread depth to meet legal standards.
• Inspecting sidewalls for damage or embedded objects.
• Ensuring dual tires are properly matched and inflated.
• Conducting routine rotations and alignments.

Tractor Protection Systems (TPS): A Step Not to Overlook

Although not a specific focus category for 2025, Tractor Protection Systems (TPS) remain crucial for trailer safety during unexpected disconnections. Over 560 TPS violations were reported during the 2024 Roadcheck.

“A well-functioning TPS can mean the difference between a safe stop and a runaway trailer,” Screeton stated.

Screeton outlined a straightforward method for verifying TPS operation:

1. Start the engine and allow the air system to pressurize fully.
2. Shut off the engine and disconnect the glad hands from the trailer.
3. Push in the red trailer-supply valve on the dash.
4. When air vents from the trailer-supply glad hand, the red valve should pop out automatically.
5. Press the brake pedal to confirm no air escapes the service glad hand.

“If the sequence behaves unexpectedly, the TPS requires a closer inspection,” he explained.

Screeton warned that contamination, such as dirt in the glad hand connection, can damage downstream components like the trailer relay valve, leading to dragging or brake release issues.

“When uncoupling glad hands, always use dummy couplers to keep out debris and prevent bigger problems,” he advised.

Stay Roadcheck-Ready with Expert Practices

Roadcheck initiatives like these are critical for reinforcing safety measures across North America. With proper maintenance and proactive checks, fleets and drivers can ensure compliance while enhancing overall safety.

By following these guidelines, you’ll meet safety standards and reduce your operational risks significantly. Stay safe out there!

Source: The Trucker

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