The 2025 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) are officially in place. These latest updates replace all previous versions and introduce significant changes that truckers need to be aware of.
What’s New in the 2025 Out-of-Service Criteria?
Last year, CVSA’s voting members approved 15 key modifications to the out-of-service criteria. These adjustments are now active and will impact inspections across North America. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable changes:
- License Endorsements & Restrictions: Updates have been made to “Part I, Item 2. Operator’s/Chauffeur’s License or Permit (Non-CDL), B. Endorsements and Restrictions” and “Part I, Item 3. Commercial Driver’s License, c. Endorsements and Restrictions” to clarify Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate requirements.
- Commercial Learner’s Permit: “Part I, Item 3. Commercial Driver’s License, b. Commercial Learner’s Permit (1)” now explicitly states that a supervising driver for a learner must be fully authorized to operate a commercial vehicle.
- Medical Certification Updates: In “Part I, Item 4. Driver Medical/Physical Requirements, b. Medical Certificate (3),” passenger-carrying and property-carrying vehicles are now included under the same out-of-service condition, removing property-carrying vehicles from a separate clause.
- Brake System Changes: A new out-of-service condition has been added for inoperative brakes caused by an unplugged electrical cable in “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, A. Defective Brakes, (7) Hydraulic and Electric Brakes, (H).” Additionally, language was added to address a disconnected service gladhand in “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing.”
- Air Brake Hose & Tubing Adjustments: The previous out-of-service condition for crimped hoses and tubing, which restricts airflow, has been removed from “Part II, Item 1.” Brake Systems, h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing, (5).”
- Brake Hose and Line Markings: Language has been introduced to “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing” and “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, o. Hydraulic Brakes (3)” to address cases where brake hoses or lines are marked for applications other than the specified brake system.
- Tractor Protection System: “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, l. Tractor Protection System” now requires both the primary and secondary systems to be below 20 psi, rather than just one.
- Cargo Securement Clarifications: Additional language has been included in “Part II, Item 2. Cargo Securement, a. General Securement” to clarify violations of regulation 392.9(a)(2).
- Lighting Device Updates: A new section has been added specifically for projecting load lamps under “Part II, Item 9. Lighting Devices (Headlamps, Tail Lamps, Stop Lamps, Turn Signals and Lamps/Flags on Projecting Loads), b. At Any Time – Day or Night.”
- Suspension System Adjustments: Clarifications regarding U-bolt bottom plates have been included in “Part II, Item 11. Suspensions, a. Axle Parts/Members (1).” A note and updated diagram have been added to “Part II, Item 11. Suspensions, d. Suspension Connecting Rod and Tracking Component Assembly (2).”
- Tire Regulations: Additional notes have been added to “Part II, Item 12. Tires, a. Any Tire on Any Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit, (8)” and “b. All Tires Other Than Those Found on the Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit (4)” regarding rubber mud flaps.
- Tire Leaks & Automatic Tire Inflation Systems (ATIS): In “Part II, Item 12. Tires, b. All Tires Other Than Those Found on the Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit,” a new out-of-service condition has been introduced for tires without ATIS if a leak is present in the tread area. Meanwhile, leaks in the sidewall are now considered out of service, regardless of whether ATIS is used.
- Radial & Bias Tires Unified: Changes to “Part II, Item 12. Tires, b. All Tires Other Than Those Found on the Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit, (6)-(7), (8)-(9)” eliminate separate out-of-service conditions for radial and bias tires, merging them into a single category.
What This Means for Drivers
These updates have been fully integrated into the North American Standard Inspection Program, impacting training materials, inspection procedures, operational policies, and training videos. Truck drivers should ensure they understand these changes to remain compliant during inspections.
For further details, truckers can contact CVSA Director of Inspection Programs Kerri Wirachowsky by calling 202-998-1650.
