Roadside inspection prep
What officers actually check at each CVSA level, what most often puts a truck or driver out of service, and a checklist to walk into an inspection ready.
The inspection levels (I–VIII)
The full 37-step inspection of both driver and vehicle — the most thorough. Passing a clean Level I (with no defects) earns a CVSA decal.
Same driver and vehicle items as Level I, but only what the inspector can check without physically going under the truck.
Driver-only: license, medical certificate/SPE, record of duty status & HOS, seat belt, the driver’s inspection report, and carrier ID/status. No vehicle inspection.
A one-time exam, usually of a single item, to study or confirm a suspected trend.
A full Level I vehicle inspection with the driver not present — can be done at any location. Decal-eligible if clean.
For select radiological shipments: a Level I plus enhanced radiological and transuranic/HRCQ out-of-service criteria.
For vehicles not covered by other levels — school buses, limousines, and similar, per the jurisdiction’s program.
A wireless inspection performed electronically while the vehicle is in motion — no stop required.
🧑✈️ Driver side — what they check
- ✓CDL/CLP — correct class & endorsements, not expired, suspended, or disqualified
- ✓Medical examiner’s certificate (and SPE certificate if applicable)
- ✓Record of duty status / ELD — current, logged in, and within the 11/14/70-hour limits
- ✓The driver’s own DVIR / vehicle inspection report
- ✓Seat belt in use
- ✓Signs of illness, fatigue, alcohol, or drugs
- ✓Carrier identification and operating status
- ✓HazMat / shipping papers and endorsements when applicable
🚚 Vehicle side — what they check
- ✓Brake systems (service & parking)
- ✓Coupling devices / fifth wheel
- ✓Steering & suspension
- ✓Tires, wheels, rims, hubs & fasteners
- ✓Lighting — all required lamps
- ✓Cargo securement
- ✓Frame & frame members
- ✓Exhaust & fuel systems
- ✓Windshield, wipers & mirrors
- ✓Driveline / driveshaft
- ✓Emergency exits & seating (buses)
- ✓Van & open-top trailer bodies
What most often puts you out of service
The usual culprits — verify against the current CVSA Out-of-Service Criteria.
The #1 vehicle out-of-service category. Defective service brakes, brakes out of adjustment past the limit, or a steering-axle brake defect — roughly 20%+ defective brakes puts the vehicle OOS.
Flat, audible air leak, tread/belt or cord exposed, or tread depth below the limit (2/32" steer, 1/32" others).
Excessive steering lash or damaged components; kingpin/fifth-wheel or pintle defects that could let the trailer separate.
Required lamps inoperative — an automatic OOS at night for headlamps, tail, or stop lamps.
Too few or defective tiedowns, loose/shifting load, or securement that can’t hold the load.
Cracked/broken wheels, loose or missing fasteners, or hub oil/grease leaks onto the brake.
No, expired, wrong-class, suspended, or disqualified CDL; no valid medical certificate.
Over the 11/14/70-hour limits, or false / not-current logs. The #1 driver out-of-service category.
Alcohol, drugs, or fatigue/illness that makes it unsafe to keep driving.
✅ Do
- •Have your CDL, medical card, and paperwork within reach before you’re stopped
- •Know your ELD cold — how to log in, switch duty status, and pull up your logs
- •Do a real pre-trip and fix what you can before you roll
- •Be calm, professional, and cooperative
- •Get a copy of the DVER (inspection report) and read every line
⛔ Don’t
- •Don’t argue or get into it with the officer
- •Don’t volunteer or admit fault to things you’re not sure about
- •Don’t hand over expired or wrong documents — check dates first
- •Don’t ignore a violation you think is wrong — you can challenge it through DataQs
- •Don’t drive away from an OOS order until the defect is fixed and cleared
Already got written up?
Look up exactly what a code means and its point impact, or draft a DataQs challenge if it’s wrong.
Educational reference, not legal advice or the official criteria. Inspection procedures and out-of-service thresholds are set by CVSA and FMCSA and change — always confirm against the current CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. Sources: CVSA — All Inspection Levels, CVSA — 2024 International Roadcheck Results.