Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts its International Roadcheck, a 72-hour event aimed at inspecting thousands of commercial motor vehicles across North America. This initiative is one of the largest targeted enforcement programs of its kind and plays a significant role in improving fleet safety, ensuring compliance with key fleet regulations, and reducing the number of vehicle violations on the road.

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For fleet managers, staying compliant during the International Roadcheck is not just about avoiding out-of-service (OOS) violations—it is about maintaining operational continuity, avoiding unplanned downtime, and protecting the company’s reputation. Fleet Roadcheck violations can result in a vehicle being placed out of service, drivers being delayed, and expensive penalties—all of which directly impact your bottom line.

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Understanding the most common types of vehicle inspection failures and preparing proactively can help your fleet avoid unnecessary risks and maintain full compliance throughout the year.

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Common Roadcheck Violations and Their Impacts

International Roadcheck results highlight several recurring issues that lead to vehicle service violations. In 2024, there was a vehicle out-of-service rate of 23% and a driver out-of-service rate of 4.8%.¹ Whether it is a worn-out tire, a defective light, or an issue with brake systems, the effects can be costly.

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Let's examine the most frequent violations inspectors flag during Level I and II inspections and how they affect fleet operations.

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1. Hours of Service (HOS) Violations

Hours of service violations are among the most cited during the CVSA International Roadcheck. These refer to instances where drivers exceed the legal limits for on-duty hours without taking required breaks or fail to maintain accurate records. In 2024 alone, inspectors restricted about 870 drivers due to HOS violations.²

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• Common Violations: HOS violations can result in the driver or vehicle being placed out of service, hefty fines, and regulatory compliance review.
• Safety Concerns:  The HOS rules exist to prevent driver fatigue, a leading cause of serious road accidents.
• Prevention Tip: Equip motor vehicle drivers with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and train them thoroughly on logging best practices.

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2. Brake System Violations

Defective service brakes remain one of the top reasons commercial motor vehicles are taken off the road during inspections. Brakes wear down over time, but poor maintenance or infrequent inspections increase the risk of failure.

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• Common Violations: Misadjusted brakes, air leaks, or problems with the tractor protection systems.
• Safety Concerns: Vehicles with faulty brake systems fail safety checks and compromise both driver and public safety.
• Prevention Tip: Schedule regular vehicle inspections, especially on trailer brake lines and slack adjusters, and respond immediately to brake-related alerts.

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3. Tire and Wheel Violations

Another major reason inspectors issue OOS violations is tire-related infractions. These violations are often overlooked during daily checks but can lead to serious safety issues and costly roadside events.

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• Common Violations: Worn tread, improper inflation, mismatched sizes, or damaged sidewalls.
• Safety Concerns: Poor tire condition affects traction, increases the risk of blowouts, and compromises braking performance.
• Prevention Tip: Train drivers to check tires thoroughly before every trip and keep proper vehicle service records for inspections.

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4. Lighting and Reflective Devices Violations

Functioning lights are critical for visibility and regulatory compliance, especially during night driving or adverse weather. However, lighting violations remain one of the most commonly cited issues during CVSA Level I inspections.³

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• Common Violations: Missing reflectors, non-functioning brake or turn lights, or improperly mounted lamps.
• Safety Concerns: A non-functioning light can reduce visibility and cause missed signals on the road, both of which are critical safety risks.
• Prevention Tip: Add lighting checks to daily vehicle inspection routines and service non-working lights without delay.

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Preparing Your Fleet for Roadcheck Inspections

Preparation is the most reliable defense against fleet roadcheck violations. Whether your fleet is participating in the upcoming 2025 International Roadcheck, scheduled for May 13-15, or simply looking to maintain year-round compliance, these proactive steps help ensure that your vehicles and drivers are inspection-ready.

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Conducting Regular Pre-Trip Inspections

Daily pre-trip inspections are the first line of defense against violations. They empower drivers to identify potential issues before they escalate into safety hazards or lead to compliance failures during an inspection.

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• Implement a fleet safety program that encourages drivers to inspect tires, brakes, lights, reflectors, and cargo securement equipment.
• Provide detailed checklists to guide the process and require documented reports.
• Reinforce the importance of reporting all issues promptly—even minor ones.

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Well-executed pre-trip inspections help reduce roadside surprises and improve your fleet’s safety service rate.

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Implementing Preventative Maintenance Programs

While reactive fixes are sometimes necessary, proactive maintenance is the better long-term solution. Routine upkeep reduces the risk of vehicle service violations, ensures all fleet vehicles remain in optimal condition, and limits costly downtime.

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• Schedule quarterly or mileage-based maintenance cycles.
• Use fleet management software or integrated telematics systems to track vehicle health and schedule upcoming services.
• Address issues like oil leaks, worn tires, or loose brake fittings before they appear during an inspection.

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Preventative vehicle service aligns with fleet sustainability goals by promoting efficient operations and longer-lasting equipment.

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Ensuring Accurate Record-Keeping and Documentation

Inspectors will review a range of documents during an International Roadcheck, including licenses, vehicle inspection reports, and driver logs. Disorganized or missing paperwork often results in failed inspections—even if the vehicle itself is in good shape.

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• Store and update driver credentials, ELD logs, maintenance records, and proof of insurance.
• Use digital storage platforms for easier access during roadside inspections.
• Review documents regularly to catch missing or outdated information before inspectors do.

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Accurate documentation is key for demonstrating compliance with both fleet regulations and safety requirements.

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Training and Educating Drivers on Compliance

No fleet safety strategy is complete without equipping drivers with the knowledge and tools they need to comply with fleet regulations. Since driver service violations are frequently flagged during the International Roadcheck, education and engagement are essential.

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Comprehensive Driver Training Programs

Effective training programs teach drivers not only the regulations they must follow but also how to integrate best practices into everyday operations.

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• Core Focus Areas: Hours of service rules, pre-trip inspection routines, cargo securement, and recognizing defective service brakes.
• Simulation and Roleplay: Use real-world examples and mock inspection scenarios to reinforce learning.
• Refresher Courses: Conduct quarterly training to address frequent issues, policy changes, and updated inspection protocols.

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Clear, consistent education helps motor vehicle drivers stay confident during roadside inspections, reducing the risk of costly OOS violations.

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Encouraging a Culture of Safety and Responsibility

Building a culture of safety begins with leadership and is reinforced by how drivers, supervisors, and mechanics approach their roles.

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• Open Communication: Create channels for drivers to report maintenance concerns or safety hazards without fear of penalty.
• Recognition Programs: Reward drivers with clean inspection records or strong safety performance with incentives.
• Leadership Involvement: When managers participate in training or inspections, it signals that safety is a shared responsibility.

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An organization-wide commitment to safety fosters accountability and strengthens your team’s ability to meet fleet compliance goals.

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Leveraging AtoB Solutions for Enhanced Compliance

Meeting the requirements and avoiding fleet Roadcheck violations is easier when your tools work as hard as your drivers. This is where AtoB’s integrated fleet solutions come in.

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1. AtoB Fuel Cards and Real-Time Monitoring

As a trusted fuel card provider, AtoB offers more than just cost control. Our cards are backed by extra secure systems and provide real-time visibility into fuel purchases, which supports fleet compliance in several ways:

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• Monitor Driver Behavior: View fuel purchase patterns to detect unauthorized stops or deviations from assigned routes.
• Prevent Misuse: Set limits by location, time, or vehicle, ensuring cards are only used for approved expenses.
• Centralized Reporting: Access all fuel transaction data in one place to simplify IFTA reporting and audit prep.

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AtoB helps fleet managers stay ahead of the curve—ensuring expenses are tracked, policies are followed, and violations are minimized.

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2. Telematics Integration and Maintenance Tracking

AtoB’s platform integrates with leading fleet management and telematics systems to help businesses align with their fleet sustainability and compliance targets.

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• Track Vehicle Health: Proactively address vehicle service needs before they escalate into inspection failures.
• Analyze Driving Behavior: Use data to identify unsafe habits—like speeding, idling, or hard braking—that could lead to violations.
• Align with Fleet Emissions and Regulations: Monitor fleet emissions, implement greener routes, and meet environmental requirements.

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This connected approach gives fleets the operational insight they need to succeed—not just during the International Roadcheck, but year-round.

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Staying Inspection-Ready All Year Long

While the CVSA’s International Roadcheck is a concentrated window of enforcement, it is not the only time your fleet may be subject to scrutiny. Every roadside inspection, Level I or II, presents a test of your fleet’s operational standards.

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Reducing fleet Roadcheck violations is a matter of preparation, education, and consistency. When drivers are trained, vehicles are maintained, and your organization supports a safety-first culture, compliance becomes second nature.

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Fleet managers aiming to strengthen their inspection readiness and improve fleet sustainability can trust AtoB to deliver fuel management tools that support efficiency, visibility, and compliance. Learn how AtoB’s fuel card and telematics solutions can help your business stay inspection-ready and cost-effective in every mile ahead.

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Sources:

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. CVSA Releases 2024 International Roadcheck Results. https://cvsa.org/news/2024-roadcheck-results/

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. All Inspection Levels. https://cvsa.org/inspections/all-inspection-levels/