March 2026: What's New in Safety & DOT Compliance
Spring is on its way, and with spring comes warmer weather and the start of inspection season. Now is the perfect time to start getting your fleets ready for roadside inspections.
And speaking of time, Sunday, March 8, 2026 is the start of Daylight Saving Time, so remember to set your clocks one hour ahead.
March is also National Workplace Eye Wellness Month, making it a good opportunity to highlight the role vision plays in workplace and roadway safety. For commercial drivers, maintaining healthy eyesight is not just important for day to day performance, it is also required to maintain a valid medical certificate. The vision portion of the DOT physical includes specific acuity and peripheral vision standards that drivers must meet. If your drivers have exams coming up, now is a smart time to encourage them to schedule eye appointments and make sure they are prepared. For a helpful overview of what to expect during the vision portion of a DOT physical, you can review this article here.
St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 is a time of celebration, but it also serves as an important safety reminder. The message Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving reinforces that even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time. Encouraging safe transportation choices helps protect your drivers, your fleet, and everyone on the road, while also supporting clean records in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Register for Upcoming Safety Events
March is a busy month for the transportation industry. Here are several key events happening in 2026.
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Recalls Week
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National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Week
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Mid-American Trucking Show (MATS)
Find out what you can look forward to at these events below.
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Recalls Week
No matter what type of vehicle you drive, for personal or professional use, this March 2 through 8, 2026 awareness initiative is one of the most important events occurring this month. During it, the NHTSA encourages drivers to check their vehicles for safety recalls and immediately take them to a local dealership for free repairs if needed.
To learn how to check your vehicle for current recalls, click here.
NTEA Work Truck Week
If your business relies on any type of commercial vehicle, you need to be at Work Truck Week 2026 from March 10 through 13 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Join leaders in innovation, design, engineering, maintenance, and parts across the work truck and equipment industries to get an inside look at the latest products and technology from hundreds of exhibitors. It is an excellent opportunity to evaluate vendor offerings, explore new solutions, and connect with industry professionals.
You can register for Work Truck Week 2026 here.
Mid America Trucking Show MATS
More than 50,000 industry professionals are expected to attend the Mid America Trucking Show from March 26 through 28, 2026 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
The show’s Pro Talks educational sessions typically include updates from industry leaders and regulatory agencies, along with discussions on business operations, compliance, and emerging technologies. Attendees can also explore exhibits featuring equipment, parts, and technology providers, as well as participate in special events throughout the show.
Register for MATS 2026 here.
Upcoming CVSA Compliance Event: International Roadcheck 2025
Although International Roadcheck is not until May 12 through 14, 2026, now is the time to start preparing. Since 1988, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, along with the FMCSA and other North American transportation organizations, has sponsored this safety initiative.
International Roadcheck is a high volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and enforcement initiative conducted by certified inspectors across North America. Trucks that pass inspection receive a CVSA decal and may be exempt from another inspection for three months.
Each year, International Roadcheck highlights specific components of commercial motor vehicles and driver compliance. The official focus areas for 2026 are cargo securement and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) tampering.
Click here to learn more about the 2026 International Roadcheck event, and keep an eye out for additional Foley articles on how to prepare your fleet for the inevitable inspection blitz!
Stay Informed on Transportation Industry Updates
Keeping up with industry events, safety initiatives, and evolving DOT regulations is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding costly penalties. Staying proactive and informed can help your business prepare for inspections, audits, and regulatory changes throughout the year.
If you are unsure whether your company is meeting all DOT compliance requirements, it may be a good time to review your processes and documentation to ensure everything is up to date and audit ready.
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