04/29/2021
Mark your calendars for the International Roadcheck May 4-6, 2021. Over this 72-hour period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions throughout North America will conduct inspections on commercial motor vehicles and drivers.
During International Roadcheck, inspectors will primarily conduct a procedure that includes two main inspection categories: an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. This year, inspectors will focus on one driver operating requirement category (Hours of Service) and one vehicle mechanical fitness category (Lighting).
GENERAL INSPECTION PREPARATION:
Prepare yourself and your drivers –
Always wear your seat belt
Have your CDL
Have your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (as required)
Maintain professionalism
Have these items readily available –
A copy of your company’s insurance certificate in the tractor
A copy of your company’s Hazardous Materials Certificate in the tractor (if applicable)
A current, up-to-date permit book
A charged and secure fire extinguisher in the tractor
The required emergency equipment in the tractor (three reflective triangles)
Proof of annual inspection for all equipment, including trailers
Prepare your company’s equipment –
Keep your company’s vehicle(s) neat and clean
Conduct proper and thorough pre-trip, on road and post-trip inspections
Pay particular attention to –
Vehicle lighting
Brakes
Wheels, tires and rims
Observable defects
DRIVER REQUIREMENTS – HOURS OF SERVICE:
Drivers of commercial property-carrying vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles are subject to rules that limit the hours spent driving and working and regulate the minimum amount of time drivers must rest between driving shifts. Canada, Mexico and the U.S. all have strict Hours of Service regulations in place to help reduce the occurrence of driver fatigue.
For Hours of Service, ensure you know –
The type of ELD installed in the vehicle, per the ELD mandate in December 2019
How to provide instructions to the Inspector to transfer Records of Duty Status electronically
How to display required and requested information on your ELD
For more information on Hours of Service, visit the FMCSA’s Hours of Service webpage.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS – LIGHTING: Lighting devices include headlamps, tail lamps, clearance lamps, identification lamps, license plate and side marker lamps, stop lamps, turn signals and lamps on projecting loads. All required lighting devices are inspected for proper color, operation, mounting and visibility. The condition and location of reflectors and retroreflective sheeting are also inspected. For more information on Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Electrical Wiring visit 49 CFR 393 Subpart B.
