CVSA Roadcheck 2025: What They’re REALLY Looking for and Why It Matters

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction – Another Inspection Blitz? Yup. But Here's the Real Story

From May 13 to 15, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is rolling out its annual International Roadcheck — a 72-hour roadside inspection spree that truckers know all too well. And if you thought this was just about “routine safety,” think again.

This year, they’ve got their magnifying glasses locked in on steering systems, suspension components, and tractor protection systems (yep, that part you probably haven’t touched since CDL school).

But here’s the deal: while the CVSA says it’s all about keeping the roads safer, a lot of drivers are asking — is this actually about protecting the public, or is it another money grab in a slow freight season?

Let’s dig into what’s really going down out there.

What CVSA Is Targeting — And Why It Matters

Each year, the Roadcheck puts the spotlight on specific systems. This time, it’s all about the parts that keep your rig from falling apart or falling over. Here’s what’s on their hit list:

🛞 Steering systems –
If your wheel’s got play, your gear box is leaking, or your tie rods look like they’ve been through a tornado, expect to get flagged. Steering issues can lead to major control loss — and if you're hauling 40,000 pounds, that's no small matter.

🔩 Suspension systems –
Broken springs, worn bushings, or a sagging axle? Those are red flags. Suspension isn't just about comfort — it's about keeping your tires on the ground and your truck balanced during turns, potholes, and wind gusts.

💨 Tractor protection systems –
This one's tricky. These systems keep your air lines in check during a trailer disconnect or brake failure. But how many drivers outside of CDL school really test the tractor protection valve or the trailer air supply on the daily?

If your answers include “I’ll Google it later” — now’s the time.

Let’s Get Real: What Drivers Say Behind the Scenes

You won’t hear this part in a CVSA press release.

🧾 Is this about safety… or citations?
Truckers across forums and Facebook groups are calling this the “May Money Grab.” With freight rates down and fuel prices climbing, a DOT fine for something minor — like a chafed air line or loose bracket — can break your week.

⏳ Inspection delays kill your clock
Whether you’re OTR or local, time off the road is time off the money train. Drivers stuck in long inspection lines or waiting on paperwork to clear are losing precious drive time. And with strict HOS rules, every minute counts.

🚚 Older trucks = bigger targets
It’s no secret that drivers in older rigs or with independent authority tend to get pulled over more. If your truck ain’t got that shiny fleet-new look, it might be a wrap before you hit the scale.

🧠 New drivers feel blindsided
Many new CDL grads say they weren’t taught how to properly inspect suspension systems or tractor protection valves — let alone what they look like. That lack of training leaves a lot of rookies vulnerable to violations they don’t even understand.

How Smart Fleets & Drivers Are Prepping

So how do you stay ready without burning out? Here’s what the veterans are doing:

📋 Pre-trip 2.0 –
Drivers are beefing up their pre-trip routines. No more quick walkarounds. Folks are crawling under the rig, checking bushings, torque rods, and more. Some are even hiring a shop for a full “mock DOT inspection” ahead of the blitz.

📚 Refresher training for the win –
Good carriers are giving their teams a crash course on how to inspect steering and suspension. This is especially key for company drivers who don’t touch much more than the keys.

📱 Tech tools to the rescue –
Apps like KeepTruckin, Fleetio, and even simple PDF inspection checklists are helping drivers catch things early. You don’t need to be a mechanic — you just need a game plan.

🤝 Driver-to-driver education –
Veterans on TikTok, YouTube, and trucker forums are dropping knowledge for free. Look up “pre-trip hacks” or “CVSA survival tips” and you’ll find fellow drivers walking through real-life inspections.

The Bottom Line – It Ain’t About Fear, It’s About Being Ready

Nobody loves CVSA Roadcheck week. But it ain’t going away. The truth is, your best defense is being ready. Not paranoid — just prepared.

Don’t wait for a DOT officer to tell you what’s wrong with your truck. Do your checks. Ask questions. Watch a few videos. Take 30 extra minutes before rolling out.

Because let’s be honest — being safe doesn’t mean just avoiding tickets. It means avoiding breakdowns, lost loads, or worse — putting yourself or others at risk.

And if you’re thinking long-term? A solid inspection routine keeps you sharp for your own equipment when you make the jump to owner-operator or start a fleet.

Call to Action – Don't Just Drive. Plan Your Way Out.

You weren’t born to die in a truck. The road is a season — not a sentence.

👉 Start building your off-duty income plan today at RetireFromTrucking.com
👉 For more tips on pre-trips, gear, and life behind the wheel, visit LifeAsATrucker.com

Stay safe out there. And remember — the DOT might inspect your rig, but only you can inspect your future.