The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently released the results of its 2024 International Roadcheck. This inspection and enforcement initiative highlights the work of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspectors throughout North America and acknowledges the compliance of motor carriers and professional drivers by issuing a CVSA decal on eligible vehicles.
During the three-day initiative in 2024, 48,761 inspections were conducted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico; approximately 77% of the CMVs examined had no out-of-service (OOS) violations. However, 9,345 CMV combinations were removed from the roadways for OOS violations, and 13,567 vehicles, 2,714 drivers, and 163 hazardous materials (HM)/dangerous goods OOS violations were discovered. OOS violations can affect motor carriers’ Compliance, Safety and Accountability scores, and Safety Fitness Determination ratings.
The CVSA places a different emphasis on the International Roadcheck each year. In 2024, the focus relating to vehicles was on traffic protective systems (TPS), including tractor protection valves, trailer supply valves, and antibleed back valves. TPSs protect the tractor’s air supply and prevent air loss when the tractor is not connected to a trailer or if the trailer detaches unexpectedly. In total, there were 564 TPS-related violations on CMV combinations. The focus concerning drivers was on alcohol and controlled substance possession. Inspectors issued 78 drug and 26 alcohol use or possession OOS violations.
The most cited driver OOS violations in North America were due to hours-of-service (HOS) violations, accounting for 870, or 32.1%, of all driver OOS violations. HOS refers to the maximum amount of time drivers are permitted to be on duty, including driving time. Drivers and motor carriers are in violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations if they do not comply with the HOS regulations that are designed to prevent crashes from fatigue, protect quality of life, health, and well-being, and ensure road safety.
The five most common OOS vehicle violations in the United States found during this year’s International Roadcheck inspections were:
- Defective service brakes: 3,093 (26.5%)
- Tires: 2,577 (22.1%)
- Other brake violations: 1,919 (16.4%)
- Lights: 1,406 (12.0%)
- Cargo securement: 1,022 (8.8%)
Meanwhile, the five most common violations that resulted in a driver being placed OOS in the United States included:
- HOS: 845 (32.3%)
- No commercial driver’s license (CDL): 679 (25.9%)
- No medical card: 304 (11.6%)
- False logs: 283 (10.8%)
- Suspended driver’s license/CDL: 138 (5.3%)
Additionally, the top five HM OOS violations in the United States involved:
- Loading: 60 (42.9%)
- Placards: 35 (25%)
- Shipping Papers: 35 (25%)
- Package Integrity: 3 (2.1%)
- Markings: 3 (2.1%)
Trucking operations should take note of these common violations and implement measures to ensure compliance with all regulations to improve safety and driver well-being.
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