If you run a local hauling operation, you already know how hard it is to keep good drivers around. This blog explores the real reasons drivers leave and shares practical steps you can take to hold on to the ones who keep your trucks moving.
The CVSA Roadcheck 2025 is scheduled for May 13 to 15. For three days, inspectors across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be stopping commercial vehicles for full safety and compliance inspections. It’s a yearly event that shines a spotlight on how well fleets are following the rules and whether they’re keeping both their drivers and equipment in check.
Organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), the event is backed by key agencies like the FMCSA, Transport Canada, and others involved in North American commercial vehicle enforcement.
While this may not impact local hauling as much as it affects long haul, there is a commonality in the types of violations found. In this blog, we’ll break down what the CVSA Roadcheck is, the most common violations from CVSA Roadcheck 2024, and how your team can prepare to stay compliant and on the road.
The CVSA Roadcheck is a yearly inspection event that puts fleets under the spotlight. It’s part of a larger effort by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to keep unsafe trucks off the road and make sure drivers are following the rules.
During the three-day event, trained inspectors stop and review thousands of commercial vehicles across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Inspections are based on the North American Out-of-Service Criteria to determine violations. If a truck has a serious issue, like faulty brakes or missing documentation, it can be placed out of service until the problem is fixed.
What makes the CVSA roadcheck different from everyday inspections is the scale and attention it brings. With thousands of checks happening back to back, it gives a clear snapshot of how well fleets are keeping up with maintenance and compliance. For many carriers, it’s a wake-up call. For others, it’s a chance to show that their safety practices are working.
With the 2025 CVSA roadcheck coming up, now is a good time to take a closer look at how your trucks and drivers are performing before the inspections begin.
The CVSA roadcheck 2024 results show exactly where many fleets are still getting it wrong. Thousands of inspections were done, and many trucks and drivers were taken off the road. Most of the issues came down to the same problems seen year after year. Let's find out the most common violations last year.
During the CVSA Roadcheck 2024, inspectors across North America conducted nearly 48,000 driver inspections. Out of those, over 2,200 drivers were placed out of service for issues that made them unfit to continue operating.
These weren’t small mistakes. Most were preventable problems that come down to missing documents, not following regulations, or lack of awareness.
Let’s go over the five most common driver violations found during the inspection blitz.
This was the most frequent driver-related violation. Hours of Service (HOS) rules limit how long a driver can be on duty and how much rest time they need in between. These rules are in place to prevent fatigue, which is a major factor in crashes. Many violations come from running out of hours, not logging properly, or misunderstanding how electronic logging devices work. Fleets need to make sure drivers know the current HOS rules and have the tools to follow them.
A large number of drivers were found without a valid CDL. This could mean the license was expired, suspended, or not present during the inspection. In some states, fleets don’t get automatic alerts when a driver’s license is no longer valid, so it’s important to have a system in place to check licenses regularly.
Commercial drivers must carry a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate to prove they’re fit to drive. Over 300 drivers were taken off the road for not having one. Medical cards have clear expiration dates, so it’s easy to track them if fleets build it into their routine.
Falsified logs are still a big issue, even with ELDs. Inspectors found drivers who logged off-duty time while still working, claimed they had a co-driver when they didn’t, or edited their logs to stretch their hours. These aren’t just minor mistakes. They’re seen as serious attempts to get around safety regulations.
Some drivers were found operating vehicles even though their CDL had been suspended. Since many states don’t alert employers when this happens, fleets should take the lead by checking driver status through the CDLIS or maintaining their own tracking system.
Beyond the top five, this year’s driver emphasis area focused on drug and alcohol possession. Across North America, inspectors issued 78 out-of-service violations for drug possession and 26 for alcohol. In the U.S., 63 drivers were flagged in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, meaning they had prior violations and should not have been behind the wheel.
Another violation that showed up often was seatbelt usage. Inspectors cited 535 drivers for not wearing seat belts during the roadcheck. According to the FMCSA, about 14 percent of commercial drivers still skip the seatbelt, even though it’s one of the simplest ways to prevent injury.
During the CVSA roadcheck 2024, inspectors performed over 40,000 vehicle inspections. More than 9,000 trucks and trailers were taken off the road because of serious safety issues that needed to be fixed before they could continue operating.
Most of these problems were mechanical, and many could have been caught through better inspections and regular maintenance.
This was the number one vehicle violation. Brakes that don’t work properly can make it impossible for a driver to stop quickly or safely. Even one worn-out brake chamber, drum, or slack adjuster can put the entire vehicle at risk. Inspectors check brake condition closely for this reason, and fleets should be doing the same before a truck ever leaves the yard.
Tire violations came in as the second most frequent reason for out-of-service orders. Problems like worn tread, bulges, low pressure, or visible damage can quickly turn into blowouts. Drivers should check their tires before and after every trip and be trained to spot warning signs early.
This category covers brake-related problems that don’t fall under “defective service brakes” but still affect performance. Things like leaking air lines, faulty valves, or improperly spliced hoses can all cause braking systems to fail. Inspectors pay close attention to brake setups, especially if a system shows signs of wear or tampering.
Lighting issues are easy to catch and just as easy to miss if drivers aren’t careful. A broken headlight or taillight may seem minor, but it gives inspectors a reason to take a closer look at the rest of the truck. Drivers should always double-check their lights during daylight too, since sunlight can make a dead bulb appear to be working.
Loads that shift during transit are dangerous, especially for heavy or loose materials. Many violations happen because straps or tie-downs are worn, damaged, or not used correctly. Fleets should train drivers to inspect securement tools and understand how to match the right equipment to the type of load being hauled.
The CVSA Roadcheck 2025 will take place from May 13-15. For three days, inspectors across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be stopping commercial vehicles and checking for violations that affect safety and compliance.
This year, the focus is on two areas that continue to show up in out-of-service violations: hours-of-service logs and tire safety.
This year’s driver focus is on hours-of-service rules and how accurately they’re recorded in RODS. Drivers must record their working hours, breaks, and rest time in their logs. If the logs are incomplete, inaccurate, or intentionally falsified, the driver may be taken out of service on the spot and could even face legal consequences.
Inspectors look for missing log entries, misuse of off-duty time, and signs of ELD tampering. They’ll also look for ghost driver profiles or signs that co-drivers are being falsely logged.
Aside from logs, inspectors will also review CDLs, medical cards, seat belt use, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status, and signs of alcohol or drug impairment.
Many out-of-service violations happen because of tire-related issues. This year, inspectors will be checking tread depth, inflation, and overall tire condition more closely than usual. That includes looking for visible damage like sidewall bulges, cuts, leaks, and separation. Improper repairs are also a red flag.
The point is simple. A blown tire on the highway puts everyone at risk and it’s far easier (and cheaper) to fix tire problems in the shop than on the side of the road.
There are four main types of inspections that may happen during the CVSA roadcheck 2025:
Trucks must pass a Level I or V inspection with no serious violations to earn a CVSA decal. This sticker is valid for the month of the inspection plus two additional months, and it usually means the truck won’t be inspected again during that time.
Getting through the CVSA Roadcheck without issues starts long before your truck hits the road. For aggregate haulers, where heavy loads and daily wear are part of the job, staying compliant takes consistency and attention to detail.
Here are practical steps your team can take to stay inspection-ready.
Something as simple as wearing a seat belt and having a respectful attitude can set the tone during an inspection. Encourage your drivers to be cooperative with law enforcement. It goes a long way.
Drivers need to know how to log their hours correctly and operate their electronic logging devices. Make sure they understand how to show their logs to inspectors, answer questions, and provide the right documentation.
Inspectors will ask for several items including a valid CDL, medical card, hours-of-service logs, motor carrier registration, and shipping papers. Drivers should also have copies of the company’s insurance certificate and hazmat certificate if needed.
Each vehicle should carry a working fire extinguisher, three reflective triangles, and proof of annual inspection for both the tractor and trailer. These are simple requirements but missing one can create problems during an inspection.
Regular walkarounds help catch small issues before they lead to violations. Pay close attention to brakes, tires, lights, suspension, fuel systems, and trailer connections. These are the areas inspectors check most often.
When hauling aggregates, securement is critical. Worn-out straps or poorly positioned chains can quickly lead to a citation. Make sure drivers know how to choose the right equipment and secure loads correctly every time.
Appearance matters. A clean truck shows that your team takes maintenance seriously. It also helps inspectors spot defects more easily, which can actually work in your favor during a visual check.
If you’re hauling hazardous materials, double-check that placards are correct and visible on all sides of the vehicle. Keep a current emergency response guide in the cab and make sure shipping papers are accurate and complete.
Staying inspection-ready all year helps prevent issues during the CVSA Roadcheck. Here are a few habits that make a big difference:
Getting ready for the 2025 CVSA Roadcheck can be simple with the right plan. When compliance is built into your day-to-day operations, inspections become just another part of the job, not a disruption.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Please consult a qualified expert to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Passing the CVSA Roadcheck is about more than avoiding violations. Staying compliant means fewer delays, fewer fines, and safer roads for everyone.
The 2025 CVSA Roadcheck is set for May 13 to 15, but getting ready shouldn't be a last-minute scramble. Preparation starts now with better training, routine maintenance, and keeping your paperwork in order.
If you're running 10 or more trucks, managing inspections, documents, and daily checks manually can get overwhelming fast. A reliable system can help you stay ahead of compliance tasks, keep track of maintenance, and be ready when CVSA Roadcheck season rolls around.
Want to see how the right tools can keep your fleet compliant and save time? Schedule a FREE demo and talk with our team about how we can support your aggregate hauling operation.
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