Each year, the CSVA Roadcheck inspects an average of 15 trucks across North America every minute for three days. With these seven expert-recommended tips, learn how to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the annual CSVA Roadcheck.
What is CSVA Roadcheck?
International Roadcheck is an annual, three-day event hosted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CSVA) to promote truck and driver safety. During International Roadcheck, CSVA-certified inspectors evaluate vehicle safety, provide educational assistance and enforce safety protocols.
Founded in 1988, International Roadcheck has completed over 1.6 million inspections in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, making it the most extensive commercial motor vehicle program. Inspectors evaluate factors such as tires, wheel-ends, and braking systems each year, to ensure that vehicles are safe to drive and up-to-date on needed maintenance.
Why a CSVA Roadcheck is Important
A CSVA International Roadcheck helps to enforce safety precautions for vehicles on the road and brings awareness to proper safety protocols that should be adhered to year-round. Vehicles that pass their North American Standard Level I or Level V Inspection without any violations will receive a CSVA decal, meaning that approved vehicles will typically not be inspected again for several months.
CSVA decals allow inspectors to focus on vehicles that have not yet received a decal to maintain the safety of as many vehicles on the road as possible. Doing so protects the safety of each driver, their cargo, and their vehicle and helps safeguard other vehicles and drivers on the road.
Overview: 7 Expert Tips To Prepare for CVSA Roadcheck
- Stay On Top of Vehicle Maintenance
- Have Documentation Ready
- Understand and Comply with Hours of Service (HOS) Rules
- Conduct Regular On-Road Inspections of Your Vehicle
- Be Prepared and Ready for CSVA Roadcheck
- Conduct Yourself Professionally During the Inspection
- Complete Meticulous Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections Daily
Stay On Top of Vehicle Maintenance
During vehicle inspections, CSVA-certified compliance enforcement inspectors will evaluate the maintenance of several elements of your vehicle, including:
- Brake systems
- Cargo securement
- Fuel systems
- Lighting devices
- Tire condition
- Exhaust systems
Important Documentation To Have Ready for CSVA Roadcheck
Drivers should be prepared to show the following documentation during CSVA International Roadcheck:
- Valid CDL
- Valid Federal Medical Examiner's Certificate
- HOS documentation
- Motor carrier registration
- Shipping papers/documentation
- Evidence of annual inspection for all vehicle equipment
- An updated permit book
- Their company’s insurance Certificate
- Their company’s Hazardous Materials Certificate (if applicable)
Understand and Comply with HOS
Hours of Service (HOS) are government-provided regulations that determine the maximum legal amount of hours a truck driver can work each day. The HOS is provided by a U.S. Department of Transportation division known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Passenger-carrying drivers are expected to follow these HOS regulations:
- Can drive a maximum of 10 hours after eight consecutive off-duty hours
- Can not exceed 15 hours of drive time after eight successive off-duty hours (the off-duty period is not included in the maximum of 15 hours)
- Must not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7 or 8 straight days
- Must spend at least 8 hours in the sleeper berth, which can be split into two off-duty periods as long as they are each at least 2 hours long
- Can extend their 10-hour maximum driving time and 15-hour off-duty period up to two hours in the case of bad weather conditions
Property-carrying drivers are expected to follow these HOS regulations:
- Can drive a maximum of 11 hours after ten consecutive off-duty hours
- Can not go more than 14 straight hours after ten consecutive hours off duty (the off-duty period is not included in the maximum of 14 hours)
- Must take a 30-minute non-driving break after driving eight successive hours
- Must not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7 or 8 consecutive days (a driver may restart a 7/8 straight days after taking 34 or more consecutive off-duty hours)
- Drivers can divide their 10-hour off-duty time as long as one portion is at least 2 hours long (either spent in the sleeper berth or out) and the other period is at least seven consecutive hours long and is spent in the sleeper berth.
- Can extend their 11-hour maximum driving time and 14-hour off-duty period up to two hours in the case of bad weather conditions
There are several exceptions included in HOS requirements for both property-carrying and passenger-carrying drivers in the case of a short-haul.
Additionally, there are exceptions for drivers whose destinations are within 150 miles of the location they report to (if they do not exceed a maximum on-duty period of 14 consecutive hours).
Conduct On-Road Inspections of Your Vehicle
Conducting on-road vehicle inspections can help you to prepare for CSVA Roadcheck. It is important to ensure your vehicle has proper tire pressure, preventing potential risk and excess wear and tear.
Drivers should also ensure they receive brake system checkups and look for issues such as damaged brake components, air chambers, pushrods, and loose hoses.
To properly evaluate your vehicle, it is essential to stay up-to-date with current regulations, commercial safety components, and any new technology that can be implemented.
When Will CSVA Roadcheck Occur?
CSVA Roadcheck takes place annually for three consecutive days, typically towards the second-to-last week in May. Each year, the CSVA highlights a specific safety feature to focus on so that vehicles can be updated and maintenance can be received if needed.
The results of each Roadcheck are usually released in December, approximately seven months after the event. The Roadcheck provides information on how many vehicles were checked, how many passed, how many were out-of-service, and more.
What To Do Next
Once you have taken the necessary precautions to ensure your vehicle is safe and up-to-date, you can rest easy knowing that the roads will be safer thanks to CSVA International Roadcheck. The event impacts businesses, sellers, buyers, drivers, and customers and keeps everyone safe when traveling.
Interested in CSVA Roadcheck? RPM is here to help. With a network of over 40,000 monitored and vetted carriers, we know a thing or two about Roadcheck. Check out RPM's website to learn more about how RPM can help fulfill your shipping needs.
Sources:
Summary of Hours Service Regulations | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Bendex Offers Tips to Prepare for CSVA International Roadcheck | Fleet Equipment
8 CSVA International Roadcheck Tips for 2022 | Verizon Connect
Roadcheck 2022 Focuses on Wheel Ends | FleetOwner
International Roadcheck | CVSA
