The commercial transportation industry is gearing up for one of its most significant events of the year: the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck. The three-day inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative is scheduled for May 14-16, and motor carriers and commercial drivers should begin preparing now to ensure a smooth passage through Roadcheck 2024.

During the event, law enforcement personnel across Canada, Mexico and the United States, will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh stations, temporary sites and through mobile patrols to ensure compliance with regulations. Data from the inspection blitz will be compiled, and the results will be released this summer.

Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a category of violations. For 2024, there are two focus areas—controlled substance and alcohol possession or use and tractor protection systems.

Controlled substance and alcohol possession/use poses a significant risk to all motorists who travel on roadways throughout North America. With an increasing number of prohibited drivers listed in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH), this year’s International Roadcheck will serve as a reminder to U.S. motor carriers to establish and enforce strict policies against controlled substance and alcohol possession/use and regularly monitor their drivers’ statuses in the DACH. Similarly, commercial vehicle drivers must adhere to their company’s policies and refrain from alcohol or substance possession or use while on duty.

By focusing on the tractor protection systems, this year’s International Roadcheck also highlights the importance of assessing and maintaining these critical vehicle components. Special attention will be given to the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve and anti-bleed back valve.

Throughout International Roadcheck, CVSA-certified examiners will conduct a North American Standard Level I Inspection. Vehicles that successfully pass inspection may receive a CVSA decal. Generally speaking, a vehicle with a valid CVSA decal will not be re-inspected for three months. However, vehicles found with critical out-of-service violations as outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria will be restricted from operating until all issues are addressed.

During the driver phase of the inspection, examiners will verify the driver's operating credentials, review hours-of-service documentation, assess DACH status (in the U.S.), confirm seat belt usage, and check for any signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. If an inspector identifies any driver out-of-service violations, the driver will be restricted from operating their vehicle.

To prepare for this year’s International Roadcheck, motor carriers should ensure all company credentials are current, verify that all driver paperwork is up to date—including DACH annual queries—and address any outstanding vehicle maintenance issues promptly. Equally important is the retraining of drivers on key topics such as pre and post trip inspections, hours-of-service limits, company drug and alcohol policies, and seat belt usage, and making sure that drivers know how to transfer electronic logging device data to inspectors. This proactive approach is vital to ensure that drivers are well-prepared and fully aware of their responsibilities during a roadside inspection.

The CVSA has developed an informational flyer in English, French and Spanish on this year’s focus areas. In addition, the North American Standard Roadside Inspection Vehicle Cheat Sheet, offered in English, French and Spanish, details the vehicle components an inspector will check when conducting a Level I Inspection during the International Roadcheck. The North American Standard Roadside Inspection Driver Cheat Sheet, currently only available in English, outlines the details, requirements and steps of the driver portion of an inspection.