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.

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What is the International Roadcheck?

The CVSA International Roadcheck is an annual initiative designed to enhance road safety. This large-scale operation involves thousands of commercial vehicles and drivers being inspected at weigh stations, inspection sites, and even through mobile units. These inspections focus on verifying adherence to safety regulations, with results collected and shared publicly during the summer.

Each year, the Roadcheck focuses on specific areas of compliance, and this year, the spotlight is on drivers’ records of duty status (RODS) and vehicle tire safety.

What to Expect During the Inspections

CVSA-certified inspectors will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a comprehensive 37-step procedure. This process ensures compliance with both drivers’ operational requirements and vehicles’ mechanical standards. Additionally, inspectors may vary their approach depending on circumstances, such as weather, using less stringent Level II or Level III inspections if needed.

Spotlight on Driver Safety

For drivers, inspections will include a thorough review of essential documents and compliance checks. Here are some specific areas inspectors will evaluate:

• Licenses and Certificates: Inspectors will review the validity of your license, commercial driver’s license (CDL), medical examiner’s certificate, and skill performance certificate (if applicable).

• Record of Duty Status (RODS): Your hours of service and compliance with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (in the U.S.) will be closely examined.

• Physical Condition: Inspectors will check for proper seat belt use and signs of drug or alcohol impairment.

Violations in these areas may result in the driver being declared out of service until issues are corrected.

Spotlight on Tires and Vehicle Safety

Inspectors will pay close attention to a vehicle’s tires, as proper maintenance is critical to overall safety. Areas of inspection include:

• Tread Depth

• Inflation Levels

• Visible Damage such as bulges, cuts, or sidewall issues

• Air Leaks or Tread Separation

Beyond tires, the Level I Inspection also evaluates a vehicle’s brake systems, lights, windshield wipers, coupling devices, cargo securement, and more. Additional checks for passenger-carrying vehicles include emergency exits, seat conditions, and electrical systems.

What Happens After an Inspection?

Vehicles that pass Level I or V Inspections without any serious safety violations earn a CVSA decal, valid for three months.

However, if serious violations are discovered, fleet operators and drivers must address these issues before the vehicle can return to service. These violations are classified within the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria and must be corrected immediately.

Alternate Inspection Levels

When weather or other conditions make full inspections challenging, inspectors may conduct a Level II Walk-Around or Level III Driver Credential and Administrative Inspection instead. Note, however, that only Level I and V inspections qualify for a CVSA decal.

Source: Truckers News

Image: CVSA

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