What Happens During International Roadcheck

International Roadcheck is not a paperwork only stop. Inspectors follow a 37 step Level I inspection process that examines both the driver and the vehicle. Enforcement officers review driver credentials, hours of service records, and safety compliance while also conducting a full mechanical inspection of the truck and trailer. Data collected during the event is later released publicly and helps guide future enforcement priorities.

ELD Tampering Is the Driver Focus for 2026

Each year, Roadcheck highlights one primary driver violation category. For 2026, inspectors are placing special emphasis on electronic logging device tampering, falsification, or manipulation. Inaccurate ELD entries can result from misunderstanding federal regulations or exemptions. In other cases, records are intentionally altered to hide hours of service violations. Some logs have been manipulated to conceal driving time without showing required edit indicators under federal rules. ELD compliance has drawn increased scrutiny over the past year. In December, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced a proposal to overhaul the ELD vetting process. While the proposal stopped short of requiring third party certification, it highlighted growing concerns across the industry. Last year, falsification of record of duty status was the second most cited driver violation, totaling 58,382 violations. Five of the top ten driver violations were related to hours of service or ELD compliance.

Cargo Securement Is the Vehicle Priority

On the equipment side, cargo securement is the primary vehicle focus for International Roadcheck 2026. Improper or inadequate securement affects vehicle handling and creates serious safety risks when loads shift, leak, spill, or fall. Inspectors will closely examine tiedowns, dunnage, and load placement throughout the three day blitz. In 2025, 18,108 violations were issued for cargo not secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling. Another 16,054 violations were issued for vehicle components or dunnage that were not properly secured. Cargo securement has been a recurring concern for CVSA and was also a focus area during the 2023 Roadcheck.

What Inspectors Check on the Driver Side

During the driver portion of a Level I inspection, officers verify the driver’s license and qualifications, record of duty status, medical examiner’s certificate, seat belt use, skill performance evaluation certificate when applicable, and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status in the United States. Inspectors also watch for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. If an out-of-service violation is found, the driver is prohibited from operating the vehicle until the issue is corrected.

What Inspectors Check on the Vehicle Side

The vehicle inspection covers nearly every major system, including brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline and driveshaft components, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, lighting devices, windshield wipers, and the driver’s seat. If out of service violations are identified, the vehicle cannot be moved until those issues are properly addressed.

CVSA Decals and What They Mean

Vehicles that successfully pass a Level I or Level V inspection without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal valid for up to three months. A valid decal signals to enforcement officers that the vehicle was recently inspected and did not have out of service violations, which may reduce the likelihood of repeat inspections during that period.

Who CVSA Is and Why Roadcheck Happens

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is a nonprofit organization made up of commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives from local, state, provincial, territorial, and federal agencies across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. CVSA’s mission is to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement through education, guidance, and collaboration between regulators and the trucking industry, with the goal of preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities across North America.

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking

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If you plan to run during that window, preparation matters. Inspectors will be working at weigh stations and temporary roadside sites, and most stops will involve the North American Standard Level I Inspection.

What Happens During a Level I Inspection

The Level I inspection is a 37-step review that covers both the driver and the vehicle.

On the driver side, inspectors check license validity, medical examiner’s certificate, record of duty status, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status in the United States, seat belt use, and any required skill performance evaluation certificate. They also look for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. If a driver out of service violation is found, the driver is placed out of service and cannot operate the vehicle until the issue is resolved.

On the vehicle side, inspectors examine brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline and driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frame, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspension, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers. Passenger-carrying vehicles also receive inspection of emergency exits and electrical systems in engine and battery compartments. If an out-of-service violation is identified, the vehicle cannot move until repairs are made.

Vehicles that pass a Level I or Level V inspection without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal valid for up to three months. That decal signals recent inspection compliance to enforcement personnel.

2026 Driver Focus: ELD Tampering

This year’s driver emphasis is on electronic logging device tampering, falsification, or manipulation.

During inspections, officers will review the record of duty status and look for false or manipulated entries, with specific attention to ELD tampering. Inaccurate entries sometimes stem from a misunderstanding of regulations and exemptions. In other cases, records are altered to conceal hours of service violations or driving time without proper edit tracking as required under federal rules.

Last year, falsification of the record of duty status was the second most cited driver violation at 58,382 violations. Five of the top 10 driver violations were related to hours of service or ELD compliance. That makes log accuracy a priority heading into this year’s Roadcheck.

2026 Vehicle Focus: Cargo Securement

Cargo securement is the vehicle emphasis area for 2026.

Improper or inadequate securement can affect vehicle handling and create hazards if freight shifts or falls. In 2025, 18,108 violations were issued because cargo was not secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling. Another 16,054 violations involved vehicle components or dunnage not being properly secured.

Drivers hauling flatbed, specialized freight, or any load with blocking and bracing should review securement practices before May.

How to Prepare Now

Review your log procedures and make sure you understand editing requirements. Confirm your ELD is functioning properly and that you can produce records quickly at the roadside. Double-check medical cards and CDL status.

On the equipment side, inspect brakes, tires, lights, and cargo securement hardware before every trip. Address minor issues before they become out-of-service problems during a blitz.

International Roadcheck lasts only three days, but the data collected affects safety scores and enforcement trends for months. Being ready before May 12 keeps you moving while others sit.

Source: Truckers News

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