The results are in from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 2025 International Roadcheck, a three-day inspection blitz conducted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico on May 13-15. This initiative, which involved 56,178 commercial motor vehicle, driver, and cargo inspections, is a vital snapshot of our industry’s commitment to safety.
While the good news is that most vehicles (81.6%) and drivers (94.1%) passed without an Out-of-Service (OOS) violation, the statistics clearly highlight where our collective attention needs to be focused.
The Bottom Line: Vehicles and Drivers Placed Out-of-Service
During the inspections, thousands of violations were found, leading to:
- 10,148 vehicles placed Out-of-Service (an OOS rate of 18.1%).
- 3,342 drivers placed Out-of-Service (an OOS rate of 5.9%).
Being placed OOS means the vehicle or driver cannot continue operating until the critical violations are corrected.
The Top 5 Vehicle Violations: Where Pre-Trip Inspections Failed
The top vehicle-related violations across North America centered on systems that are critical to safe operation: brakes, tires, lights, and cargo securement.
- Brake Systems: This category and the related “20% Defective Brakes” were the leading causes of vehicle OOS orders
- Tires: Inspectors found 2,899 tire-related OOS vehicle violations, making this the second most-cited vehicle OOS violation
- Tire violations accounted for 21.4% of all vehicle OOS violations
- Lights
- Cargo Securement
Action Item for Drivers: Don’t just kick the tires! The focused inspection area this year was specifically on tires. A thorough Level I or V inspection—which results in a CVSA decal if passed—confirms your vehicle does not have critical vehicle inspection item violations, so make sure your pre-trip is meticulous. Pay extra attention to tread depth, air pressure, and visible damage.
The Top 5 Driver Violations: Logbook and Paperwork Errors Lead the List
The driver OOS violations showed that while mechanical issues are common, documentation and compliance remain major roadblocks.
- Hours of Service (HOS): HOS violations led the list of top five driver violations across the U.S. and Canada.
- No Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- No Medical Card.
- False Records of Duty Status (RODS): This was the driver focus area for 2025.
- False logs/RODS accounted for 10% (332) of all driver OOS violations.
Action Item for Drivers: Your commitment to accurate logs is vital for safety and compliance. The focus on false records of duty status highlights the seriousness of concealing actual on-duty or driving hours. Additionally, keeping your CDL and medical card current is a non-negotiable step to staying on the road.
Conclusion: The 2025 Roadcheck results reinforce a timeless truth: safety and compliance are continuous responsibilities. By focusing on robust pre-trip inspections, especially for your brakes and tires, and ensuring 100% accuracy in your hours-of-service documentation, you not only avoid costly OOS orders but also contribute to a safer environment for everyone on the road. Drive safe and stay compliant!
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