What happens during the driver portion of a CVSA inspection?

With International Roadcheck 2024 only weeks away, now is a good time to review the driver portion of a CVSA inspection.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is taking place May 14 — 16, 2024, throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The two areas of focus for Roadcheck 2024 will be tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession.

North American Standard Driver Inspection

As part of Roadcheck, CVSA inspectors will conduct North American Standard Level I Inspections, which will include both a vehicle component and a driver component.

Here is what the CVSA says that you can expect from the driver component of the North American Standard Level I inspection:

• The inspector will check the condition of the seat belt and ensure the driver is wearing their seat belt properly and it’s fastened. Note: Everyone in the commercial motor vehicle, including passengers and co-drivers, must be wearing a fastened seat beat.
• The driver’s overall condition will be observed for illness, fatigue or other signs of impairment.
• The inspector will look for any unauthorized passengers.
• The inspector will check for the illegal presence of alcohol, drugs or other contraband.
• Inspectors will check the driver’s medical examiner’s certificate and skill performance evaluation certificate (if applicable) and verify their validity. The inspector will also check for corrective lens, hearing aids and any other physical limitations indicated on the driver’s license.
• Drivers should have their record of duty status and supporting documents ready. If the driver has an electronic logging device, they must be knowledgeable in its use and able to perform the tasks asked by the inspector. The driver is required to transmit the records upon request. The inspector will verify the driver’s hours of service and check the accuracy of the record.
• If the driver is utilizing an exemption, the driver should indicate that to the inspector. The inspector will ensure the driver meets all criteria for the exemption(s). To avoid delays, it is recommended that drivers print any exemptions they are utilizing and provide them to the inspector.
• The inspector will collect the driver’s license or commercial driver’s license (CDL), and check the expiration date, class, endorsements, restrictions and status. Note: If a commercial motor vehicle is being operated by a commercial learner’s permit holder accompanied by the holder of a valid CDL (see Code of Federal Regulations 383.25), the CDL holder must have their CDL available and be fully qualified to operate the vehicle.
• U.S. Only – The inspector will query the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to ensure the driver’s license is not suspended or cancelled.

For information on the vehicle component of the inspection process, you can click here.