How to Prepare for CVSA’s International Roadcheck 2026

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its annual International Roadcheck for May 12–14, 2026. This 72-hour, high-visibility enforcement campaign spans North America, targeting commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and drivers to ensure adherence to safety regulations covering vehicles, cargo, and driver qualifications.

During the event, certified inspectors at weigh stations, roadside locations, and temporary checkpoints will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step review divided into driver and vehicle assessments:

Driver checks include:

• License, qualifications, medical certificate, seat belt use, and U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status
• Records of duty status (logs)
• Signs of alcohol or drug impairment

Drivers with critical violations are placed out of service until issues are resolved.

Vehicle checks cover:

• Brakes, steering, suspension, tires, wheels, lights, exhaust, fuel systems, frames, couplings, driveline, and wipers
• For buses and motorcoaches: emergency exits, seating, and electrical systems

Vehicles found with critical defects cannot operate until repaired. Passing a Level I or Level V inspection without major violations earns a CVSA decal valid for up to three months, signaling recent compliance.

This year, inspectors will focus on two high-risk areas:

Driver focus: Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Inspectors will check for ELD tampering, falsified logs, or other manipulation. In 2025, false records were the second-most cited violation, with 58,382 cases. These can result from misunderstanding rules or intentional concealment of hours-of-service violations.

Vehicle focus: Cargo securement
Properly securing loads prevents instability, shifting, spills, or falling debris. In 2025, inspectors recorded over 18,000 violations for unsecured cargo and 16,000 for unsecured vehicle parts or dunnage.

International Roadcheck is the world’s largest targeted CMV enforcement program, averaging nearly 15 inspections per minute across the continent. Data collected will be analyzed and released later in 2026.

Want to learn more about Interstate Motor Carriers or compare your coverage to what we can offer? Get in touch: https://interstatemc.com/contact/