Today is the start of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 72-hour International Roadcheck commercial motor vehicle and driver inspection, enforcement, education and data-collection initiative.
From May 13-15, commercial motor vehicles and drivers may be inspected by CVSA-certified inspectors at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites, mobile patrols and other locations throughout North America to verify compliance with federal regulations.
If an inspector discovers driver or vehicle out-of-service violations as identified in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, they will place the driver and/or vehicle out of service, restricting further travel until all out-of-service violations have been appropriately addressed.
During International Roadcheck, inspectors primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness.
During the driver portion of an inspection, inspectors check the driver’s documents, license or commercial driver’s license, medical examiner’s certificate and skill performance certificate (if applicable), record of duty status, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (in the U.S.), seat belt usage, and alcohol and/or drug impairment.
During the vehicle portion of the Level I Inspection, inspectors check the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers for compliance with applicable regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include the examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
A vehicle that successfully passes a Level I or V Inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations will receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for up to three months. Generally, a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a valid CVSA decal will not be re-inspected during the validity period. However, nothing prevents the re-inspection of vehicles bearing a valid CVSA decal.
A jurisdiction or an inspector may opt to conduct a limited Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection or Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection, instead of a Level I Inspection. Level II and III Inspections are not eligible for a CVSA decal.
Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a driver violation category and a vehicle violation category. This year, the vehicle focus is on tires. Inspectors will check tire tread depth and proper inflation. They will also look for tire damage, such as air leaks, tread separation, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage and improper repairs. The driver focus is on false records of duty status (RODS). Failure to record, complete or retain the RODS, or knowingly falsifying RODS is a driver out-of-service violation.
Data from the three days of International Roadcheck will be collected and the results will be released this summer.
CVSA is a nonprofit organization comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The Alliance aims to prevent commercial motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities and believes that collaboration between government and industry improves road safety and saves lives. Its mission is to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement by providing guidance, education and advocacy for enforcement and industry across North America.
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Original article published by CVSA