The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck will take place May 14-16 with a focus on tractor systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession.
International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement that takes place in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
During the 72-hour blitz, law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites and mobile patrols to verify compliance.
Tractor Protection Systems
With the focus on tractor protection systems, CVSA is looking to drive awareness specifically for these components: the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve and anti-bleed back valve, which may be overlooked during trip and roadside inspections.
The focus on tractor protection systems means every commercial motor vehicle with an air brake system and used to tow a trailer with air brakes must be equipped with a tractor or towing-vehicle protection system. The following criteria also applies:
- The test will only be performed on a vehicle that is towing a trailer equipped with an air brake system
- Trucks that are incapable of towing trailers are not required to have these systems
- Air-braked power units converted to tow trailers equipped with air brakes from a non-towing operation must have these systems properly retrofitted into the air brake system
- Air escaping from either the supply/emergency or service/control gladhand line of any vehicle equipped to tow an air brake-equipped trailer indicates the unit has a defective tractor protection system and the vehicle is in am out-of-service (OOS) condition
During a roadside inspection, the officer will confirm that the towing vehicle protection system (tractor protection system) is functioning properly in the event of trailer separation.
Read more on the standard CVSA roadside inspection/test procedure.
Alcohol & Controlled Substance
According to the CVSA, controlled substance and alcohol possession/use remains a concern for motor carriers, drivers and the general public.
A recent report from the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearing house said there were 158,330 drivers listed as prohibited as a result of drug/alcohol testing/violations in the database. That’s up from 120,345 in December of 2022, representing an annual increase of more than 30%
Law enforcement will also perform an entire level 1 while looking for the outlined violations. It is critical that all trucks are performing proper maintenance and thorough inspections of their equipment.
What to Expect During a Level 1 Inspection
- Vehicle safety – Inspectors will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers are compliant with regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
- Driver safety – Inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-of-service documentation, status in the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, seat belt usage, and for alcohol and/or drug impairment.