The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck 2025 is set to take place May 13-15, 2025, and this year, there’s more for fleet managers to consider. This year’s International Roadcheck will focus on tires and false records of duty status.

Since its inception in 1988, roadside inspections conducted during International Roadcheck have numbered more than 1.8 million. CVSA sponsors International Roadcheck with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.

What Is International Roadcheck?

International Roadcheck is a three-day blitz where CVSA-certified inspectors conduct North American Standard Level I and Level V Inspections across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Fleets that pass inspection receive CVSA decals that are valid for three months.

• North American Standard Roadside Inspection Vehicle Cheat Sheet – Download this flyer detailing the components of the commercial motor vehicle that the inspector will inspect when conducting a Level I Inspection.

• North American Standard Roadside Inspection Driver Cheat Sheet – Download this flyer outlining the details, requirements, and steps of the driver portion of an inspection. 

Tire Health Takes Center Stage

Tire-related violations accounted for over 20% of out-of-service violations during Roadcheck 2024. Underinflated tires, tread depth issues, and sidewall damage led the list. Bendix recommends using tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) like SmarTire and Trailer-Link for real-time monitoring.

“Underinflated tires aren’t just a wear issue, they’re a safety liability,” noted Brian Screeton, Bendix Manager of Technical Training and Service. “With today’s technology, there’s no reason not to monitor pressure in real time and catch problems before they turn into emergencies.”

Bendix's Key Maintenance Tips for Roadcheck 2025

During the 2024 Roadcheck, brake systems and tire violations dominated out-of-service citations, with nearly one in four commercial vehicles failing inspection. According to TJ Thomas, Bendix's Director of Marketing and Customer Solutions, the statistics underline the importance of consistent preventive maintenance and thorough inspections.

“With brake systems, tires, and other aspects of vehicles, attention to detail, consistent training, and regular maintenance can deliver real-world safety and compliance improvements,” Thomas said.

Bendix is rolling out essential maintenance tips to help fleets pass inspections:

• Brake Chamber Stroke Checks: Measure stroke length and confirm proper adjustment.

• Air Leak Testing: Conduct brake applications at or above 80 psi and listen for leaks.

• Friction Inspection: Look for cracks, wear, or contamination.

• Drums and Rotors: Inspect for heat spotting or other signs of damage.

“Brake performance starts with using the right friction,” said Rick Conklin, Bendix Director of Wheel-End Engineering. “It’s critical to use components engineered to OEM specs and to meet Reduced Stopping Distance (RSD) standards.”

New for 2025: English Proficiency Requirements

Starting June 25, 2025, drivers operating in the U.S. must demonstrate English language proficiency during inspections as part of CVSA’s updated North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. 

This change is a result of President Donald J. Trump’s executive order, Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers, which directed the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) to add English Proficiency (U.S. Only) as a required inspection standard.

The new criteria align with 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), which mandates that drivers must be able to:

• Communicate effectively with safety officials during inspections,

• Respond to official inquiries promptly and clearly,

• Understand highway traffic signs and signals in English, and

• Complete required reports and documentation accurately.

If a driver cannot read and speak English sufficiently to perform these tasks, inspectors may declare the driver out of service on the spot. This new measure aims to boost safety and compliance, ensuring that all drivers can communicate effectively during critical inspection moments.

To support smooth enforcement, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will issue guidance to ensure consistent application of the new standard across all inspections. CVSA also plans to petition FMCSA to harmonize commercial driver’s license English language requirements with the new out-of-service criteria, providing clearer expectations for carriers and drivers alike.

Building a Culture of Safety Year-Round

Safety isn’t just about a three-day blitz for Bendix, it’s a year-round mission. The company supports fleets with:

• Brake Training School – Hands-on training, available in-person and online.

• Brake-School.com – Over 100 self-paced courses covering braking, electronics, and more.

• Knowledge-Dock.com – A library of expert videos, blogs, FAQs, and Tech Tips.

• Bendix YouTube Channel – Practical videos on maintenance and system operation.

• 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) – Technical support for diagnostics and service guidance.

“Roadcheck is more than a once-a-year challenge,” Thomas shared. “It’s a chance to turn insight into action and reinforce habits that drive year-round safety.”

Looking Back: Getting Ready for International Roadcheck 2024