The 2023 International Roadcheck Survival Guide

This year’s International Roadcheck kicks off on May 16 and finishes up May 18. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual 72 hours of safety enforcement and inspection takes place across North America with participating law enforcement and certified inspectors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico carrying out examinations.

Following last year’s focus on wheel ends, the 2023 Roadcheck will highlight anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement, according to the CVSA. The commercial vehicle checks will take place at designated locations along roadways such as weigh stations.

While vehicles found to have an ABS violation will not be placed out of service, ABS is essential to helping the driver stay in control of their vehicle and reducing the risk of collisions. The system helps to prevent wheels from locking up and skidding. The focus on this and cargo securement simply serves to highlight their role in vehicle and road safety.

Cargo securement—especially on bulk trailers and flatbeds—is crucial. A load that is not secure poses a major risk to maneuverability and other motorists.

Last year’s event resulted in over 12,000 vehicles and close to 4,000 drivers being put out of service following almost 59,000 inspections, so it’s not something to be taken lightly. Not only will vehicles be checked but drivers as well.

Looking at the results from 2022, common violations include cargo securement, tires, defective service brakes, lights, and brake systems. Numerous drivers were put out of service by false logs, the wrong class license, hours-of-service violations, suspended licenses, and no medical cards—resulting in a 6.4% driver out-of-service rate. The results of the 2023 Roadcheck will be compiled and shared later this year.

Here are some more driver and vehicle safety features to be sure you have in check this May:

• Operating credentials, hours-of-service documentation, seat belt use, and drug and alcohol use
• Brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, the driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems
• Frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, and hubs
• Windshield wipers, emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems

Passing drivers and vehicles will be given CVSA Level I or V decals that last for three months. However, any vehicles or drivers identified as out-of-service will remain so until the necessary criteria is corrected or addressed.

Keep yourself and others safe on the road by making sure you’re ready for this year’s Roadcheck now. And here’s a thorough explanation of the CVSA’s 2023 focus areas to help: https://www.cvsa.org/programs/international-roadcheck/focus-area/