Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts its annual International Roadcheck — a 72-hour inspection blitz across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that provides a real-time snapshot of commercial motor vehicle safety.
The 2025 International Roadcheck, held May 13–15, focused on tire safety and false records of duty status (RODS). The CVSA has now released its official results — and they reveal key insights every motor carrier and driver should know.
Inspectors conducted 56,178 vehicle and driver inspections over the three-day period.
Here’s how fleets fared:
81.6% of vehicles had no out-of-service (OOS) violations
94.1% of drivers had no OOS violations
10,148 vehicles and 3,342 drivers were placed out of service
Vehicle OOS rate: 18.1%
Driver OOS rate: 5.9%
16,521 CVSA decals were issued to vehicles that passed inspection without critical violations
In short: most fleets are compliant, but OOS rates — especially among drivers — ticked upward from 2024.
Each year, the CVSA highlights specific safety categories for additional attention. In 2025, inspectors zeroed in on:
Tires — checking for tread depth, inflation, damage, and load ratings
False records of duty status — ensuring log accuracy and ELD compliance
Key Findings:
2,899 tire-related OOS violations were cited — 21.4% of all vehicle OOS violations
332 false log violations made up about 10% of all driver OOS violations
These results show that while brake issues remain the leading cause of OOS orders, tire safety and log accuracy are major pain points for compliance teams.
Among all 13,553 vehicle OOS violations, inspectors found:
Brake systems – 3,304 violations (24.4%)
20% defective brakes – 2,257 (16.7%)
Tires – 2,899 (21.4%)
Lights – 1,737 (12.8%)
Cargo securement – 1,549 (11.4%)
Combined, brake-related violations accounted for over 40% of all OOS issues.
Of the 54,953 Level I–III inspections conducted on drivers:
Hours-of-Service (HOS) violations – 1,076 (32.4%)
Operating without a CDL – 24.4%
No medical certificate – 14.9%
False logs / RODS falsification – 10%
The CVSA continues to report that log falsification and HOS compliance remain major enforcement priorities.
Inspectors also performed 2,579 HM/DG inspections and identified 177 OOS violations.
The most common issues were related to improper loading (28.8%), shipping papers, placards, training certification, and markings.
Carriers hauling hazardous materials should pay close attention to these details — even minor paperwork or labeling errors can result in costly penalties.
The 2025 inspection results show several notable year-over-year trends:
|
Category |
2024 |
2025 |
Change |
|
Total inspections |
48,761 |
56,178 |
▲ +7,400 |
|
Vehicle OOS rate |
23% |
18.1% |
▼ Improved |
|
Driver OOS rate |
4.8% |
5.9% |
▲ Higher |
|
Focus areas |
Tractor protection systems / alcohol & controlled substances |
Tires / False logs |
— |
Key takeaways:
Inspections increased, indicating broader enforcement coverage.
Vehicle compliance improved, with more fleets passing inspection.
Driver OOS rates rose, especially for falsified logs.
Brake and tire issues continue to dominate OOS violations.
1. Strengthen Tire Maintenance Programs
At least in 2025, tires are a top enforcement and safety concern. Fleet managers should schedule regular tire pressure checks, tread inspections, and damage assessments — especially for long-haul operations.
2. Reinforce Logbook Accuracy
With log falsification among the top driver violations, it’s critical to audit ELD data regularly, provide ongoing HOS training, and ensure drivers understand what counts as falsification.
3. Prioritize Brake System Inspections
Brake system issues remain the leading cause of OOS violations year after year. Implement consistent brake checks during every pre-trip inspection.
4. Maintain Compliance Year-Round
The Roadcheck only lasts 72 hours — but inspectors can stop drivers anytime. Building compliance into daily routines ensures your fleet is always inspection-ready.
5. Review HM/DG Procedures
For carriers transporting hazardous materials, be proactive with documentation, labeling, and training to avoid costly violations.
While it takes place only once per year, CVSA’s Roadcheck is a good reminder that compliance isn’t seasonal — it’s an ongoing commitment. Partnering with a compliance provider like Foley can help your fleet stay inspection-ready year-round through:
Driver qualification file management
Drug & alcohol testing program administration
DOT compliance audits
ELD and HOS monitoring
Learn how Foley can help your fleet stay safe, compliant, and confident when inspectors come calling.
Contact us today to learn more.