Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) carries out the International Roadcheck—a 72-hour inspection event across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. In Canada, inspections are conducted in partnership with provincial transportation authorities and law enforcement agencies.
During Roadcheck, inspectors focus on commercial motor vehicle safety, reviewing both drivers and equipment to ensure compliance with Canadian trucking regulations.
Known as the largest targeted enforcement program of its kind, Roadcheck serves as both an enforcement initiative and an educational opportunity, reminding Canadian truckers and fleets to keep safety and compliance a top priority year-round.
Areas of Focus Each Year
While inspectors always check both driver and vehicle compliance, CVSA highlights specific areas of focus annually.
For example:
- 2025 Focus Areas – Driver Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance and Tire Safety. Inspectors verified electronic and paper logs for accuracy, ensuring drivers meet HOS rules under Transport Canada regulations, while also checking tire tread, inflation, and condition.
- Other Recent Focus Areas – Cargo securement, brake systems, lighting, and driver qualifications have all been emphasized in past years.
Because the focus changes each year, Canadian truckers should always check the official CVSA announcement ahead of Roadcheck.
What to Expect During Inspections
The most common inspection during Roadcheck is the Level I inspection, which is the most thorough roadside inspection in North America. Inspectors may review:
- Driver Documentation – Class 1–5 license (depending on vehicle), medical certificate, logbooks or electronic logs, and drug/alcohol screening records.
- Vehicle Condition – brake system, cargo securement, coupling devices, fuel system, lights, steering, suspension, tires, and more.
- Vehicles that pass without critical violations may earn a CVSA decal, valid for three months.
- Vehicles with out-of-service violations cannot continue operating until the issues are fixed.
Tips for Canadian Truckers to Prepare
Preparation goes a long way toward smooth inspections. Here are the best practices to follow:
- Stay Current on HOS Regulations – make sure your logbooks or electronic logs are accurate and compliant with Transport Canada rules.
- Check Your Tires – monitor inflation, tread depth, and signs of wear or damage (a major focus in 2025).
- Organize Your Documentation – keep your license, medical certificate, and records easily accessible for inspection.
- Conduct Thorough Pre-Trip Inspections – identify and address issues before they become violations.
- Maintain Cargo Securement Equipment – ensure straps, chains, and binders meet WSTDA and NACSS standards for Canadian haulers.
Get Ready with the Right Equipment
Unexpected downtime can cost you time and money. Make sure your equipment meets safety standards before inspections. From tie-down straps to chains and binders, investing in quality gear helps prevent violations and keeps you moving.
At Verduyn Tarps, we’re here to help Canadian truckers get Roadcheck-ready with expert advice and reliable equipment, so you can focus on driving with confidence.
Why the Roadcheck Matters
The International Roadcheck isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about safety. By identifying violations and encouraging compliance, CVSA and Canadian provincial authorities help make Canada’s highways safer for everyone. The data collected during Roadcheck also shapes future safety programs and regulations.
For truckers, Roadcheck is more than an inspection—it’s an opportunity to show commitment to professionalism, safety, and compliance.
Stay Informed
To learn about this year’s focus areas and updates, visit the CVSA International Roadcheck page.
From all of us here at Verduyn Tarps: stay safe, stay compliant, and keep on trucking.
