International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event when CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement, and educational initiatives targeting various motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety elements. It is the most extensive targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles worldwide, inspecting more than 1.8 million vehicles since 1988.
The next International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 14 – 16, 2024.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced May 14-16 as this year’s International Roadcheck. International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume 72-hour inspection and enforcement event where CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas, and along roadways.
Each year, International Roadcheck places particular emphasis on a category of violations. This year, International Roadcheck will have two focus areas – tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession:
- Tractor Protection Systems
- By focusing on the tractor protection systems, International Roadcheck aims to increase awareness for drivers, motor carriers, technicians, and enforcement personnel of these critically essential vehicle components, specifically, the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve, and anti-bleed back valve, which may be overlooked during trip and roadside inspections. To assist drivers and motor carriers in proactively assessing and maintaining those components, CVSA has provided an inspection bulletin outlining the steps to check tractor protection systems properly.
- Alcohol and Controlled Substance Possession
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- This year’s International Roadcheck will remind motor carriers to establish and strictly enforce clear policies to prevent controlled substance and alcohol possession or use in the workplace. In addition, U.S. motor carriers should regularly query the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) to ensure their drivers are not prohibited. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are reminded to adhere to their company’s policies and not to possess, use, or be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances while on duty. Inspectors must be vigilant in detecting and preventing such driver violations during every inspection.
How should shippers, carriers, and brokers prepare for Roadcheck Week?
The correct answer is that they shouldn’t. Brake safety and driver fitness for duty are everyday events—trucks and trailers should always have perfectly working brakes, and drivers should always be fit for duty every single trip. CVSA’s annual high-volume, high-visibility inspection and enforcement initiative will see CVSA-certified inspectors posted at weigh stations and designated inspection sites in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
This means drivers need to be prepared well in advance. During Roadcheck Week, inspectors will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure examining driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. The detailed list can be found here.
