As we reach closer to the halfway point of 2023, inspection season is upon us. Of course, as with any inspection comes the stress and fear of not passing, but with TDI’s Roadcheck 2023 update, we’ll keep you in the know and ready to face any inspection, whether big or small. Roadcheck 2023 will occur this year between May 16 and 18, 2023. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about what Roadcheck is, what previous Roadcheck inspections focused on, what the inspection will focus on this year, and more. 

What is Roadcheck?

But what is Roadcheck? Like any industry, there are rules and regulations to keep the truck driving industry safe and successful. International Roadcheck is a 72-hour, high-visibility, high-volume enforcement event where CVSA-certified inspectors check out trucks and their drivers for safety regulations in North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico). 

Roadcheck was initially started in 1988 by the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance). The following organizations’ sponsor and/or participate in Roadcheck each year: FMCSA (federal motor carrier safety administration), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada and the Ministry of Infrastructure, and Communications and Transportations from Mexico. As of 2022, over 1.8 million commercial vehicles have been inspected. Inspectors observe and investigate drivers and their commercial motor vehicles along the roadside, at weigh stations, and other appointed stations. During this time, inspectors will collect data gathered from their inspections. Later in the year, this data will be released to better understand the current industry standing. 

Although this inspection process only happens over three days, keeping up with regular and specialized maintenance, rules, and regulations is essential. These are put in place for the safety of others on the road as well as for the safety of truck drivers. In addition, with the innovation of new technologies, inspections, and updated regulations are more important than ever in the changing transportation landscape. 

Previous Roadcheck Focuses

In the previous year, Roadcheck 2022 began on May 17th and ended on May 20th. Last year, the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) inspectors focused on wheel ends, which are the hearts of truck driving axles. Wheel ends include many components and thus must be inspected to ensure all parts are up to par. They are composed of a seal, an inboard and outboard tapered bearing, and a hubcap. To maintain wheel ends, inspectors checked for tire inflation, any cuts, tears, or wear on tires, whether the steering axle had regrooved tires, and checked tire plugs. 

In 2021, Roacheck began on April 29th and was extended through May 6th, and inspectors focused on lighting and hours of service compliance. Because of the extended hours truck drivers work, complying with service hour maximums is vital to everyone’s safety. Lighting is also crucial for night driving and cab safety–especially if you’re driving alone at night. 

What Do Inspectors Look For? 

CVSA inspectors will focus on ABS (anti-lock braking systems) and cargo securement this year. Inspectors initially conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, which focuses on driver and vehicle safety compliance, in addition to other mentioned areas of focus. In this section, you’ll find exactly what inspectors look for concerning each focus area.

• Driver Safety: 
  • The driver safety inspection includes an inspection of the driver’s credentials which involve your CDL, service hour documentation, status in drug and alcohol clearance, drug and alcohol impairment, and seat belt use. 

• Vehicle Safety
  • Vehicle safety investigates whether or not all areas of the commercial vehicle are in tip-top shape. This portion of the inspection includes Roadcheck 2023’s focus areas (ABS and cargo securement) in addition to:
    • Coupling devices,
    • Driveline/driveshaft components, 
    • The driver’s seat, 
    • Fuel and exhaust systems, 
    • Frames, 
    • Lighting devices, 
    • Steering mechanisms, 
    • Suspension, 
    • Tires, wheels, rims, and hubs, 
    • And windshield wipers. 

• ABS (anti-lock braking systems)
  • The ABS is one of the main features of most modern commercial and private vehicles. The ABS works in tandem with the regular braking system of your vehicle to ensure added safety. If you suddenly stop, the ABS will automatically be pumped. Inspectors will investigate whether your ABS can prevent tires from skidding or locking when suddenly pumped. Your ABS may have violations, but this does not mean they are the same as out-of-service violations. 

• Cargo Securement
  • In previous years, even when the focus was not on cargo securement, CVSA inspectors discovered many cargo security violations. So even though inspectors may only be looking for some things, they may still notice any violations not pertaining to the ABS and cargo securement. With cargo securement, however, inspectors will investigate how securely cargo is within your truck. Unsecured cargo is a considerable risk for drivers and their fellow drivers. If you’re transporting hazardous material, too, they’ll check those extra regulations to ensure you’re following every necessary cautionary step. 

How Long Does the CVSA Validity Last?

When vehicles and their drivers pass the Level I or Level V (similar inspection to Level I, except without the driver at a designated location) test, they will receive a CVSA decal which will be valid for three months. 

What Happens If I Don’t Pass?

If the CVSA inspector discovers critical issues with your commercial vehicle, your vehicle will be restricted from operations until the out-of-service issues are rectified. In addition, if the truck driver is found to violate any rules and regulations, the inspector may restrict the driver from operations. Such violations may include (but are not limited to) not having an up-to-date license or driving while knowingly impaired. Finally, you may also be fined if you (or your company) fail to rectify critical road safety issues that the CVSA has pointed out. According to DOT, the maximum penalty for failing to clear these penalties is $5,833. 

Looking for an A+ company to help with future Roadchecks?

Contact us today to get started on your truck driver application! TDI will help you be the best truck driver on the road and ensure you have all the knowledge and skills to pass Roadcheck 2023 and on!