2026 Roadcheck
From May 12–14, inspectors across the U.S., Canada and Mexico will be out for the CVSA’s 72-hour International Roadcheck!
During these three days, commercial motor vehicles and drivers will be stopped at weigh stations, inspection facilities, and temporary roadside locations to make sure everyone is operating safely and legally. Most inspections during Roadcheck are North American Standard Level I Inspections — a detailed 37-step check of both you and your truck. If serious violations are found, you or your vehicle can be placed Out of Service (OOS), meaning you’ll be parked until the issue is fixed. A little preparation now can save you a lot of hassle and downtime later!
What Will They Be Checking?
Driver Portion
Inspectors will review your:
• CDL and medical card. (If it’s going to expire soon, then get it renewed early!)
• Record of Duty Status (ELD or paper logs)
• Seat belt usage
• Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status
Law enforcement will be on the lookout for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Also, if you’re over your hours or have invalid credentials, you won’t be able to continue until it’s corrected. Being prepared can help this go smoothly!
Vehicle Portion
Your truck and trailer will get a thorough look, including:
• Brakes
• Cargo securement
• Coupling devices
• Steering and suspension
• Tires, wheels and rims
• Lights and reflectors
• Fuel and exhaust systems
• Windshield wipers
If you operate a passenger-carrying vehicle, emergency exits and electrical systems will also be checked. Any out-of-service violation means the truck stays put until repairs are made.
If everything passes during a Level I or V Inspection, you might get a CVSA decal, valid for up to three months — a great way to show your truck recently passed without OOS violations!
2026 Focus Areas
Each year, Roadcheck highlights one driver and one vehicle category.
Driver Focus: ELD Tampering & Log Falsification
Inspectors will be taking a close look at your ELD and logs. Make sure your records are accurate, up to date, and properly annotated. Mistakes happen, but catching them beforehand keeps you rolling and out of trouble!
Vehicle Focus: Cargo Securement
Unsecured or shifting loads create serious safety risks. Take a few extra minutes to check your straps, chains, and binders. If your load can move, leak, or fall, you could be placed OOS — and nobody wants that!
What If You Think a Violation Is Wrong?
Mistakes can happen. If you feel a violation was issued in error, here’s what to do:
- Stay calm and polite
- Ask the officer for clarification
- Take a time- and date-stamped video before leaving
- Clearly explain on the video why the violation is incorrect
- Write and sign a detailed statement
- Have any witnesses do the same
Good documentation can really help if you decide to challenge it later, which we can help you with!
Roadcheck only lasts 72 hours — but violations can stick with you much longer. Take the time now to check your logs, confirm your credentials, inspect your equipment, and secure your load. A little extra effort goes a long way in keeping you safe, compliant, and rolling!
