The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Roadcheck is back this May, and if you’re a motor carrier or CDL driver, now’s the time to tighten up your compliance game. This 72-hour roadcheck, happening May 14 -16, 2025, will bring inspectors out in full force across North America, performing tens of thousands of Level I, II, and III inspections.
If you’re not ready, you could be looking at fines, out-of-service orders, and serious delays. But the good news? You’ve still got time to prep.
This Year’s Focus: Tractor Protection Systems & ABS
Each year, the CVSA puts a spotlight on certain safety components. In 2025, inspectors will be paying extra attention to:
- Tractor protection systems
- Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
According to the CVSA, “ABS violations are not out-of-service violations; however, the ABS plays a critical role in reducing collisions involving commercial motor vehicles.” That means they won’t immediately park your rig for ABS issues alone, but they are looking, and repeat or neglected violations can still lead to consequences down the line.
Tractor protection systems are even more serious. These systems are crucial to keeping air brakes functioning properly when trailers disconnect. A malfunction here could be grounds for an out-of-service order, so if you’re unsure, get it checked before inspection day.
What Else Will They Be Checking
While the focus this year is on braking systems, that doesn’t mean inspectors will ignore the rest of your rig. A Level I inspection still includes a 37-step process covering:
- Driver credentials (CDL, medical card, etc.)
- Hours of service logs
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Seat belts
- Brake systems
- Tires, lights, and wipers
- Load securement
- And more…
Basically if it rolls, lights up, or keeps you on the road, it’s fair game.
Pro Tips to Get Ready
Want to pass with flying colors? Here’s what we recommend:
- Inspect your tractor protection valve and trailer supply system. Make sure they’re working as designed. If you don’t know what to look for, your mechanic does.
- Test your ABS warning lights. If they don’t come on during ignition, or if they stay on while driving, you may have an issue.
- Double-check your paperwork. Your CDL, registration, medical card, and inspection logs should be easy to access and up to date.
- Do a full pre-trip inspection, like a DOT inspector would. Pretend you’re getting inspected right now and walk through your truck, inside and out.
- Clean your cab. A clean truck says you care. A messy one says “look closer.”
Don’t Risk It, Be Ready
The CVSA Roadcheck isn’t just a headache, it’s a major opportunity. Carriers who pass inspections help build strong safety scores and reputations, which can mean better freight opportunities and fewer future stops.
If you’re not sure whether your vehicle or operation is inspection-ready, now’s the time to find out. Talk to your maintenance crew, update your driver files, and prep like your business depends on it, because it does.
Need Help Staying Compliant?
We help carriers stay ahead of DOT regulations, FMCSA updates, and compliance requirements. Whether you need help with your MC authority, BOC-3 filings, UCR, or biennial updates, we’ve got your back.