Different levels of Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Inspections

Roadside inspections are a way of life for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. They take on special emphasis during the annual Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck, set for May 16–18 this year in North America. This year, the focus will be on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement. You and your drivers can prepare now to ensure inspections go smoothly.

But as motor carriers know, inspections occur well beyond a 72-hour span every May.

Here are eight CVSA inspections that every carrier and driver should understand:

1. Comprehensive Driver and Vehicle

This is the most common and thorough type of inspection. It covers both the driver and the vehicle and takes about 45–60 minutes to complete. A driver will be asked to produce documents such as their commercial driver’s license (CDL), medical card, and record of duty status. The vehicle portion includes checks of components such as brakes, frame, fuel system, lights, cargo securement, hazardous materials, and tires.

2. Walk-Around

The walk-around inspection is similar to the comprehensive Level I inspection but does not

include components that require the inspector to get under the vehicle. It typically takes about 30 minutes to complete.

3. Driver-Only

This type of inspection involves reviewing documents related to the driver and any hazardous materials. This includes the driver’s CDL, medical card, hours of service, and documentation of the annual inspection.

4. Special Inspections

These inspections typically involve a one-time examination of a specific item. They are usually conducted to support a study or to verify or refute a suspected trend.

5. Vehicle-Only

A driver does not need to be present for this type of inspection. These are usually conducted at a motor carrier’s place of business during an on-site visit. The process is similar to a comprehensive vehicle inspection and can serve as a valid annual inspection. If the vehicle passes, it is issued a CVSA decal indicating it was inspected by a certified inspector.

6. Radioactive Materials

These inspections are conducted only on select shipments of radioactive material and follow stricter standards than a comprehensive inspection. Any brakes found to be out of adjustment can result in an out-of-service (OOS) violation. As of January 1, 2005, all vehicles and carriers transporting Highway Route Controlled Quantities (HRCQ) of radioactive material are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and must pass the North American Standard Level VI Inspection.

7. Jurisdictional Mandated Commercial Vehicle Inspection

This refers to inspections required by jurisdictional programs that do not meet the requirements of any other inspection level. Examples include programs for school buses, limousines, taxis, shared-ride transportation, hotel courtesy shuttles, and other intrastate or intra-provincial operations.

8. North American Standard Electronic Inspection

The North American Standard Level VIII Electronic Inspection is conducted electronically or wirelessly while the vehicle is in motion, without direct interaction with an enforcement officer. To be considered complete, a Level VIII Electronic Inspection must include all required and applicable data points listed in the CVSA’s definition.

Preparation is Key

Knowing what’s expected when inspection time arrives — and ensuring your drivers are prepared to handle inspections professionally and efficiently — can only benefit your company in the long run.

Safe operations lead to fewer inspections, a strong safety record, and a better reputation within the industry and among law enforcement officials.

And of course, consistently passing inspections helps keep your company off the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) radar for its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program — and out of its crosshairs for increased scrutiny.

NASI-Program-Brochure.pdf

Question of the Week

Q: My driver has gone through a roadside inspection. How long do I have to keep this documentation on file?

A: Motor carriers are required to keep copies of all roadside inspection reports on file for 12 months. Drivers must submit the inspection report to the motor carrier within 24 hours. If the driver is not returning to the terminal, they must mail in the report.

If the inspection resulted in any violations, they must be corrected or repaired, and the report must be signed and certified to confirm that the necessary repairs were completed. This signed report must then be returned to the state where the inspection took place within 15 days.

• Train drivers on how to conduct high-quality pre-trip inspections to reduce the likelihood of violations.

• Monitor your CSA scores monthly at www.ai.fmcsa.dot.gov by entering your DOT number or company name.
• Review vehicle and driver basics in connection with inspection reports. Cross-reference inspection reports on file with those submitted by drivers. Follow up with any driver who fails to submit a report.
• Check the “Carrier History” tab in the Tools/Resources section of your CSA homepage to track whether the number of inspections is increasing or decreasing.
• Work with your maintenance provider to review vehicle inspection data and violations, and develop strategies to reduce future violations.
• Maintain inspection copies in the tractor and trailer files, along with any related repair orders if violations were found.
• Cross-reference inspection details—such as date, time, and location—with drivers' hours of service documentation to identify potential falsification violations.
• Train drivers on how to properly handle roadside inspections and present themselves professionally to enforcement officers.
• Keep vehicles clean and well-maintained to avoid being targeted for inspection.
• Remind drivers that moving violations can trigger inspections.
• Consider offering incentives to drivers who pass inspections successfully as a way to encourage compliance and excellence.

What documentation is required to be kept in the vehicle of units I have from Idealease showing that the vehicle is a lease or rented vehicle? 

If the vehicle is subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations (i.e., it has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating [GVWR] of more than 10,000 lbs), then documentation must be kept in the unit for the duration of the lease or rental.

• Leased vehicles are subject to FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 376.11(c), which requires a copy of the lease agreement—or a certified statement of the lease containing all required information—to be kept in the vehicle throughout the lease period.

• Rented vehicles are subject to FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 390.21(e)(2)(iv), which states that a copy of the rental agreement must be carried in the vehicle for the entire duration of the rental period.

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones and

construction sites. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. For more information, check out the link below:

https://www.atssa.com/event/national-work-zone-awareness-week-2025/

Frost Laws in 16 States and 9 Provinces!

Spring weather often creates driving challenges. Specifically, the change in ground temperature can damage roads and vehicles, resulting in "roller coaster" rides from "wavy roads." Consequently, motor carriers need to monitor the many state and provincial spring weight restrictions or risk damage to the road and/or the rig.

Be ready for an alternate route.

To preserve the integrity of the roadways, many states impose seasonal weight restrictions as early as late February, with some lasting into May. As drivers travel through regions experiencing spring thaws, they need to watch for posted signs indicating allowable weights. These signs may also indicate reduced speed limits.

Trip planning may involve visiting state websites to determine if a specific highway is accessible to your vehicles. In addition, if a driver comes upon a weight restriction, he or she will need to find an alternative route, possibly contacting dispatch for assistance.

Ignoring posted restrictions may result in more than just fines. It can lead to damage to the roads, your vehicle, and/or cargo, and could even result in an accident if the roadway is difficult to maneuver. To view the laws in various states and provinces, go to:

https://oversize.io/regulations/frost-laws-by-state

International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event during which CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement, and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety.

International Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks and motorcoaches inspected, on average, every minute across North America during a 72-hour period.

Since its inception in 1988, roadside inspections conducted during International Roadcheck have totaled more than 1.8 million. International Roadcheck also provides an opportunity to educate the industry and the public about the importance of safe commercial motor vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program.

CVSA sponsors International Roadcheck with participation from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation.