CVSA Roadcheck 2025: How to Prepare for the DOT’s Biggest Truck Inspection Blitz
- Jeff Lynch
- May 5
- 4 min read
Updated: May 7
The CVSA Roadcheck 2025 is right around the corner, running from May 13-15 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. During this 72-hour inspection blitz, thousands of commercial vehicles will be stopped for compliance checks. This year’s focus areas are tire violations and hours-of-service (HOS) records — two of the most common causes of trucks being placed out of service.
For fleets and drivers, knowing how to prepare for a CVSA inspection can be the difference between staying on the road and facing costly violations and unexpected downtime. Here’s a breakdown of how to avoid common issues, increase driver engagement, and use data-driven tools to maintain compliance and operate with confidence.
Why the CVSA Roadcheck Matters
Every year, Roadcheck leads to tens of thousands of roadside truck inspections. In 2024 alone, over 59,000 vehicles were inspected in just three days. Nearly 20% were placed out of service due to equipment issues or record-keeping problems.
The top driver-related violation? Hours of service violations accounted for over 32% of all out-of-service orders. For vehicles, tire violations were among the top five reasons trucks were removed from service.
What Inspectors Will Be Looking For in 2025
This year, inspectors will focus on two key areas:
Tire Conditions they’ll check for:
Minimum tread depth (4/32" on steering axles, 2/32" on others)
Tire pressure and inflation levels
Sidewall damage, exposed belts, and improper repairs
Hours-of-Service (HOS) ComplianceInspectors will verify:
Accurate RODS (Record of Duty Status)
Truthful logbooks (especially for team or split sleeper operations)
Proper ELD use and any claimed exemptions
3 Proven Ways to Pass CVSA Roadcheck Without Surprises
The best way to avoid violations is to control the controllables. Here’s how leading fleets are preparing to succeed in Roadcheck week:
Make Pre-Trips Matter with Real Driver Recognition
Most DOT truck inspection checklist failures are preventable. Tire pressure, tread wear, and visible damage can all be caught by a solid pre-trip, but during Roadcheck week, that routine matters more than ever.
Here’s where smart fleets stand out: they don’t just retrain drivers, they reward them. Fleets are using Roadcheck week as an opportunity to build culture and accountability by:
Running yard spot checks with coaching
Entering drivers with clean inspections into raffles
Offering bonuses or gift cards for inspection passes
Recognizing clean inspection results in safety meetings
This strategy turns a compliance event into a fleet-wide engagement opportunity that not many fleets have formalized, but can set yours apart as a place drivers want to stay.
Eliminate Unnecessary Idling That Leads to Failures
Tires and batteries take a hit when trucks idle too long, and both can flag problems during an inspection. Idle Smart helps fleets eliminate idling without sacrificing driver comfort. The system automatically starts and stops the truck only when HVAC demand, voltage, or coolant levels require it. That means less wear, fewer emissions, and one less reason to worry during a walk-around.
For drivers, it means fewer dead batteries after rest periods and no need to leave the key in to run the HVAC, a safety issue in itself.
Catch the Issue before the CVSA Does
Unplanned maintenance is a Roadcheck killer. A truck that looks fine on paper could be hiding issues like a faulty ABS sensor, a low coolant level, or an incomplete DPF regen, things that can trigger out-of-service orders.
That’s where SmartInsights comes in. Included with Idle Smart subscriptions, SmartInsights surfaces critical system issues like:
DPF Regen Issue: to avoid costly engine derates mid-route
Anti-Lock Braking Fault: a leading cause of violation if overlooked
Low Coolant Level: which can lead to overheating or shutdown
Instead of waiting for a roadside inspector to find the problem, SmartInsights alerts your team early, so you can fix it before it costs you.
Bonus Tip:
During CVSA Roadcheck, driver fatigue can be the hidden factor behind failed HOS checks or inspection delays. Idle Smart helps fleets prevent that by giving drivers uninterrupted rest, without the need to idle through the night. By automating cab temperature and battery health, you can ensure drivers stay comfortable, compliant, and alert for inspections. That means fewer violations, less downtime, and better performance under pressure.
Want to see how your fleet can support drivers without sacrificing compliance? Let’s walk through it together.
Passing a CVSA roadside truck inspection demands more than a clean truck and good intentions.
Every hour a truck stays on the road without a violation helps control costs, protect margins, and keep customers happy. With fuel prices up and downtime harder to absorb, the difference comes down to planning, visibility, and a team that takes pride in how they operate. CVSA Roadcheck 2025 is a chance to show that your fleet holds the line on safety and performance under pressure.
Take the First Step: Download Your CVSA Prep Checklist
To help your fleet prepare for CVSA Roadcheck 2025, download our comprehensive CVSA Prep Checklist. This checklist provides a step-by-step guide to ensure your vehicles and drivers are ready for inspection, minimizing the risk of violations and keeping your operations running smoothly.
By prioritizing proactive maintenance, driver preparedness, and the right technology, you can navigate Roadcheck 2025 with confidence and demonstrate your commitment to safety and efficiency.
