In 2019, from June 4th to June 6th, there’s a roadside inspection carried out by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). CVSA, in alliance with the Department Of Transportation, conducts these yearly inspections to ensure that commercial vehicles driven on the roads are in compliance with federal rules and regulations.

About CVSA

The CVSA is an alliance of state, territorial, local and federal commercial vehicle safety officials and industry representatives. This alliance provides counsel to local, state, and federal commercial motor vehicle inspectors on how to improve driver and vehicle safety.

It began informally in 1980 with a number of US state agencies and Canadian provincial agencies meeting to devise more effective commercial vehicle safety standards and procedures. This ended up in MOUs being signed that provided uniform commercial vehicle safety standards. Years later, today, they have come into effect across most of North America.

The Inspections

These include 3 major levels of inspections that can be expected either at the weigh stations or the roadside.

Level 1 Inspections

The level 1 inspection of the commercial driver safety week is a thorough inspection where the inspector is likely to examine anything and everything related to vehicle safety and compliance. Inspectors check the driver’s license, insurance, equipment registrations, seat belt, medical certificate, fire extinguisher, steering mechanics, brake systems, the frame of all your equipment, headlights, taillights, cracks on your windshields, windshield wipers, properly mounted side mirrors, tire treads, rims, lug nut, radiator belts and even the engine components.

Level 2 Inspections

These are a bit lenient and less thorough than the level one inspections. These usually involve the inspector scrutinizing the vehicle from the outside to ensure that things such as the windshield wipers, tires, seat belts, headlights, trailer lights, etc. are in good working condition. The driver will still be expected to provide insurance papers, their driver’s license, and all the relevant documents.

Level 3 Inspection

A milder inspection than the other two in which the focus will be on the driver’s credentials and fitness as well as on the cargo and equipment information.

A Few Guidelines to Help You Survive the Inspection Week

1. Expect to be stopped randomly for no apparent reason. Keep your vehicle clean as generally, inspectors go for the ones that do not look well-maintained from the outside.
2. Failure to pass this inspection could lead to a shutdown and loss of potential earnings.
3. Some companies offer prizes for clearing these inspections, so claim your prize if you’ve cleared them.
4. Keep eye drops handy to hide any signs of fatigue.
5. Air fresheners can be used to enhance the ambiance of the vehicle.