Roadside Inspection Programs

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Operation SafeDRIVE was conducted earlier this year by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). During the three-day effort, FMCSA inspectors, and law enforcement partners in 26 states and the District of Columbia, carried out targeted enforcement actions along major freight corridors and other high-risk locations that resulted in nearly 2,000 unqualified truckers and vehicles being placed out of service. These activities also resulted in:

• 8,215 inspections
• 704 drivers placed out of service (including nearly 500 for English proficiency violations)
• 1,231 vehicles placed out of service
• 56 arrests (including DUI and illegal presence in the U.S.)

“This operation was about safety,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs. “When drivers ignore the rules, operate without proper qualifications, or get behind the wheel impaired, they put all our lives at risk. Operation SafeDRIVE demonstrates the value of focused enforcement and strong partnerships in removing these drivers and vehicles from our roads.”

No information was released about future events.

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)

CVSA has released the dates for their inspection initiatives in 2026, including two unannounced events:

International Roadcheck

During International Roadcheck, inspectors at weigh/inspection stations and pop-up inspection sites primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-

step procedure that includes two major parts – an examination of the driver’s operating requirements and an assessment of the vehicle’s mechanical fitness.

For the driver portion of the inspection, inspectors check the driver’s qualifications, license, record of duty status, medical examiner’s certificate, seat belt usage, skill performance evaluation certificate (if applicable), and status in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (in the U.S.). Inspectors also look for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. If an inspector identifies driver out-of-service violations, they will place the driver out of service, restricting that driver from operating their vehicle.

For the vehicle portion of the inspection, inspectors assess the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement (this year’s focus), coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers. If out-of-service violations are found during an inspection, the vehicle will be placed out of service and restricted from movement until all out-of-service violations have been properly addressed.

Inspections of motorcoaches/buses and other passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles also include examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments. If out-of-service violations are found during an inspection, the vehicle will be placed out of service and restricted from movement until all out-of-service violations have been properly addressed.