What you need to know about CVSA’s International Roadcheck 2026

Truck safety checks and annual inspections begin in May and continue for several months. The first annual inspection, as every year, kicks off with the International Roadcheck—also known as DOT Blitz Week—the annual campaign organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). This initiative consists of inspections of commercial vehicles, their drivers, and regulatory compliance, carried out over three days across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

During the 72 hours, inspectors throughout North America will conduct thousands of roadside inspections of commercial vehicles and drivers. This year, the inspection will take place from May 12 to 14.

International Roadcheck 2026

Inspectors at weigh stations, inspection centers, and mobile checkpoints primarily conduct Level I inspections in accordance with North American standards. This procedure consists of 37 steps and includes two key components: verifying the driver’s operational requirements and evaluating the vehicle’s mechanical condition.

This year, special emphasis will be placed on detecting falsified records of duty status (RODS), including the manipulation or alteration of electronic logging devices (ELDs), as well as ensuring proper cargo securement.

According to CVSA data, in 2025 falsification of records of duty status was the second most common violation among drivers, with 58,382 cases. Additionally, five of the ten most common violations were related to hours of service (HOS) or the use of ELDs.

There were also 18,108 violations for improperly secured cargo and 16,054 violations for unsecured vehicle components or cargo securement equipment.

A vehicle that successfully passes a Level I or V inspection without serious violations may receive a CVSA decal, valid for up to three months. This decal indicates that the vehicle has been recently inspected and has no out-of-service violations. Those who fail the inspection may face serious consequences, including being placed out of service and significant financial penalties.

How to prepare for International Roadcheck 2026

We recommend paying attention to the following elements related to HOS records and ELD usage to prepare for this inspection:

• Ensure your ELD devices contain accurate information that matches your physical records. If they do not align, you risk receiving a violation.
• Make sure all ELD devices in your fleet are listed on the FMCSA’s registered devices list.
• Keep at least 8 days’ worth of paper logs available in case of ELD malfunction.
• Familiarize yourself with the data transfer process, as you will be required to send ELD records to the inspector upon request.
• Carefully review recent records for missing entries or gaps that do not match supporting documentation.

Remember that essential items for an inspection include a valid CDL, ELD instruction sheet, blank logs, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, required permits, and a medical certificate. Ensure all documents are up to date and organized to avoid potential violations.

Maximum civil penalties for violations related to ELD maintenance range from $1,584 per day up to a maximum of $15,846. Additionally, a driver whose license has been suspended due to ELD-related violations may not transport goods until the issue is resolved. Avoid this situation by preparing in advance.

Cargo securement: pass the full inspection

In addition to inspecting electronic logging devices, inspectors will evaluate whether vehicle cargo is properly secured—ensuring it does not shift, leak, spill, blow off, or fall from the vehicle during transport.

Law agents will review the following:

• Blocking and bracing
• Straps, chains, and tie-downs to ensure they meet applicable working load limit (WLL) requirements and show no signs of damage or wear
• Cracks, deformation, or structural weaknesses in anchor points
• Doors, tailgates, and ramps to confirm they are properly secured
• Dunnage and spare securement equipment (chains, straps, tarps)

Review these aspects in advance before your trips to avoid penalties during inspection. Whether you are a driver or a fleet owner, conduct a mock inspection to verify cargo condition, records, and documentation.

We wish you success in your inspection.