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

The post What Truck Drivers Need to Know About International Roadcheck 2026 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The enforcement detail took place on December 11 between Benson and Wilcox, marking the anniversary of Merrill’s death on December 11, 1978. Merrill was struck by a tractor-trailer while performing a traffic stop on I-10 near Benson. His death remains a reminder of the risks faced by roadside officers and drivers alike.

The focus of the detail was enforcement of Arizona’s Move Over Law, along with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations. Interstate 10 is one of the state’s busiest freight corridors, making it a key location for safety enforcement and awareness efforts.

According to the Arizona Highway Patrol, officers conducted traffic stops and commercial vehicle inspections throughout the operation. The results included 81 traffic stops and 48 total citations. Of those, 27 citations were issued for Move Over Law violations, and 18 were classified as hazardous violations. Two arrests were made during the detail.

Commercial vehicle enforcement was also a major component of the operation. Officers completed 30 commercial motor vehicle inspections and documented 134 driver vehicle examination report violations. As a result, nine drivers and four vehicles were placed out of service until violations could be corrected.

For truck drivers and carriers, enforcement efforts like this reinforce the continued emphasis on roadside safety and regulatory compliance, particularly in high-traffic freight corridors. Move Over Law violations remain a frequent enforcement priority nationwide, and citations can lead to fines, points, and increased carrier risk.

The inspection results also highlight the importance of vehicle condition, documentation, and adherence to commercial vehicle regulations. Out-of-service violations can delay loads, disrupt schedules, and increase costs for fleets.

Beyond the enforcement numbers, the detail served as a memorial for an officer whose death continues to shape roadside safety awareness. Officer Merrill’s death in 1978 underscores why Move Over laws exist and why caution is critical during roadside stops. For today’s trucking community, the reminder is straightforward. Awareness, compliance, and respect for roadside safety laws help protect drivers, carriers, and law enforcement alike.

Source: Truckers News

The post Arizona Highway Patrol Conducts I-10 Enforcement Detail to Honor Fallen Officer appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This year’s numbers show both progress and areas that still need attention. CVSA inspected 30,060 vehicles through Level 1 inspections, placing 7,289 trucks out of service and 1,706 drivers off the road. That calculates to 24.2 percent of vehicles and 5.7 percent of drivers failing, though many trucks and drivers had multiple violations, so percentages don’t tell the whole story.

It’s important to remember that the inspection sample isn’t a perfect reflection of every truck on the road. Local jurisdictions select which trucks to inspect based on their own criteria. Some inspect every tenth truck, others focus on older trucks or certain fleet types, such as logging trucks or garbage haulers.

Still, Roadcheck 2025 sheds light on recurring safety concerns:

• Tires: 2,899 trucks were taken out of service due to tires being unsafe for the road. Despite months of notice that tire inspections would be emphasized, bad tires still accounted for 21.4 percent of out-of-service orders, an easy problem to catch with pre-trip checks
• Brakes: Brake system violations led the out-of-service list at 24.4 percent. Some brake checks are simple, like gauges and trailer gladhand inspections, but other components under the truck require more attention
• Lights: Lighting issues caused 12.8 percent of out-of-service orders. In the U.S., the rate was 13.9 percent, while Canadian inspections logged 6.3 percent and Mexican inspections 8.8 percent. Another reminder to include lights in daily pre-trip routines
• Driver credentials: Hours of service violations accounted for 1,076 out-of-service orders, or 32.4 percent of driver removals, with log falsification alone responsible for 332 cases. Additionally, 810 drivers (24.4 percent) were out of service for not holding a valid CDL, 493 (14.9 percent) for missing medical cards, and 170 (5.1 percent) for suspended licenses
• Hazardous materials: Hazmat violations included 51 out-of-service orders for improper cargo securement, 36 for shipping paper issues, 32 for placarding, and 30 for lack of hazmat training certificates in Canada
• Seatbelts: While not an out-of-service violation, 726 drivers were cited for not wearing seatbelts, highlighting ongoing safety gaps

The good news is that 11,411 tractors and 5,043 trailers passed with flying colors, earning CVSA inspection decals with no critical violations. That still represents only about 81.6 percent of vehicles, showing there’s room for improvement.

Whether you see Roadcheck as a hassle or a wake-up call, it serves a crucial role in trucking safety. Taking unsafe trucks and drivers off the road not only protects your rig and livelihood but also keeps everyone on the highway safer. Pre-trip inspections, proper maintenance, and following regulations aren’t just paperwork; they’re lifesaving steps for truckers everywhere.

Source: The Trucker

The post Roadcheck 2025 Highlights Vehicle and Driver Safety Issues Across North America appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Focus for 2025

This year, inspectors will place a particular emphasis on drums and rotors, performing routine checks on brake systems and components. This targeted focus aligns with CVSA’s mission to enhance road safety by ensuring the functionality and reliability of vital braking components.

Addressing Violations and Key Statistics

Vehicles with brake-related out-of-service violations or any other critical safety violations will be barred from use until the issues are resolved. According to statistics from last year’s Brake Safety Week:

• A total of 16,725 inspections were conducted.
• Out of these, 2,149 vehicles were found to have brake-related out-of-service violations, reflecting a 8% out-of-service rate.
• Among the vehicles taken out of service:
  • 1% had stand-alone brake violations.
  • 1% were cited for steering axle brake violations.

Data Collection and Analysis

Throughout the week, inspectors will capture detailed data on inspections, brake systems, and violations. Some regions will use performance-based brake testers (PBBTs) to evaluate braking efficiency and contribute data to the CVSA’s ongoing research. CVSA will analyze this data and release the findings later this year.

Importance of Brake Safety

Brake Safety Week isn’t just about inspections; it’s a collaborative effort to educate industry stakeholders. Motor carriers, drivers, owner-operators, and mechanics are encouraged to prepare using resources provided by CVSA, which include maintenance guides and tips for ensuring brake system reliability.

This initiative is a critical step toward improving road safety and reducing accidents caused by brake failures. Make sure you’re prepared and compliant before August 24!

Source: Truckers News

The post CVSA Brake Safety Week is Scheduled for August 24-30 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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

The post Bendix Shares Expert Tips for Keeping Trucks and Drivers Roadcheck-Ready appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.