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Prepare for International Roadcheck 2025

Mar. 7 2025 Safety By McCandless Idealease

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As commercial vehicle operators, staying informed about regulatory changes and safety initiatives is crucial for ensuring compliance and safety on the road. One such initiative is the International Roadcheck, scheduled for May 13-15, 2024, by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).  In this blog post, we'll delve into the key focuses of this year's Roadcheck, including tire safety and hours-of-service regulations, alongside best practices for ensuring compliance. Whether you're a driver, a fleet manager, or someone in the trucking industry, the insights and guidance offered during this event can help you navigate the regulatory landscape effectively. Read on to understand what to expect and how to prepare for this important event!

In this issue:

  • How to Properly Mark a Commercial Motor Vehicle
  • Frost Laws in states and 9 Provinces
  • International Road-check 2025 is May 13-15
  • Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminar!

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Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.


The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its International Roadcheck for May 13-15. This initiative is a high-profile three-day inspection series aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance among commercial motor vehicles in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

CVSA-certified law enforcement personnel will conduct inspections at weigh stations, designated inspection sites, temporary setups, and mobile patrols to ensure that drivers and vehicles comply with federal, state, provincial, and territorial regulations. Data gathered during the 72-hour event will be compiled, and the results are expected to be published this summer.

Each year, the International Roadcheck focuses on particular types of violations. In 2024, the emphasis will be on tires and false records of duty status (RODS).

Maintaining proper tire condition is essential for road safety. Tire failures during transit can endanger all road users, lead to substantial delays, and incur costly repairs for trucking companies.

During the tire inspection process for commercial vehicles, inspectors will examine:

  • Low tread depth
  • Audible air leaks
  • Flat tires
  • Exposed belt material or casing ply in the tread or sidewall
  • Tread or sidewall separation
  • Bulges in the sidewall
  • Improper repairs, such as rubber-coated plugs in the sidewall
  • Items lodged between dual tires

Hours-of-service regulations are designed to restrict driving hours and require rest breaks to prevent fatigue among commercial motor vehicle drivers. However, these regulations can only be effective if drivers properly document their work hours and duty statuses in their Record of Duty Status (RODS). During inspections to ensure compliance with hours-of-service rules, inspectors will verify:

  • Electronic logging device (ELD) tampering, including driving while not logged in, disconnected devices, and improper edits
  • “Ghost drivers” (claiming a co-driver when no co-driver is present)
  • Improper use of the personal conveyance special driving category
  • Improper use of other exceptions, including adverse driving conditions
  • Recording off-duty time while performing work for a motor carrier or non-motor carrier

During International Roadcheck, inspectors will be on hand to address inquiries regarding tire maintenance, regulatory violations, and hours-of-service rules, assisting drivers and motor carriers in understanding compliance within their areas.

Over the course of the three-day event, inspectors will carry out standard North American Level I Inspections, a thorough 37-step process that assesses vehicle parts, driver documentation, and adherence to regulatory standards.

For more details on Roadcheck 2025, please visit:

CVSA’s International Roadcheck Scheduled for May 13-15 - CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance)

How to Properly Mark a Commercial Motor Vehicle

I frequently ask customers, “What should the size of the letters and numbers be on the placard or marking on my commercial vehicle?” Interestingly, measurement doesn’t outline a specific size requirement. Let’s examine how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates vehicle markings.

All self-propelled Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs), as defined in CFR 390.5, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,000 lbs must be appropriately marked and display the following information:

  1. The motor carrier’s legal name or a designated trade name responsible for operating the self-propelled CMV is documented on the motor carrier identification report (Form MCS-150) and submitted according to CFR 390.19.
  2. The motor carrier identification number issued by the FMCSA is preceded by the letters “USDOT.”
  3. The city and state of the motor carrier are no longer required to be displayed.

The marking must:

  1. Appear on both sides of the self-propelled CMV.
  2. Be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
  3. Be readily legible during daylight hours from 50 feet (15.24 meters) while the CMV is stationary.
  4. Be kept and maintained in a manner that retains the legibility of the above requirements.

Construction and Durability:

The marking may be painted on the CMV or consist of a removable device as long as it meets the identification and legibility requirements listed above.

Marking of Rented CMVs from Idealease:

A motor carrier that operates a self-propelled Idealease commercial motor vehicle (CMV) under a rental agreement lasting 30 days or less complies with this section if the following conditions are met:

  • The Idealease CMV is appropriately marked, adhering to the specified marking requirements.
  • The legal name or single trade name of the Idealease location is visibly displayed.
  • The Idealease location identification number is shown, preceded by “USDOT.”
  • The signed Idealease rental agreement includes the following details:

The full name and physical address of the primary business location of the Idealease customer renting the CMV.

  • If applicable, the FMCSA-issued identification number of the Idealease customer is prefixed by “USDOT.” If the customer lacks a USDOT number, the rental agreement must provide:
  • Information on whether the Idealease customer is involved in interstate or intrastate commerce.
  • Information regarding whether hazardous materials are being transported in the rented CMV.
  • The following statement: “Idealease cooperates with all Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials nationwide to provide the identity of Idealease customers who operate the Idealease rental CMV.”

The rental agreement must be kept in the Idealease rental CMV for the entire rental duration.

St. Patrick’s Day Drunk Driving Prevention - March 17

St. Patrick’s Day ranks among the most dangerous holidays for drivers in our country. Between 2017 and 2021, specifically during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period from 6 p.m. on March 16 to 5:59 a.m. on March 18, there were 272 fatalities resulting from drunk-driving incidents. Remember, driving while buzzed is still considered drunk driving.

Frost Laws in 16 States and 9 Provinces!

Spring weather brings driving challenges, as changing ground temperatures can damage roads and vehicles, resulting in bumpy rides. Motor carriers must stay aware of state and provincial spring weight restrictions to prevent damage to roads and rigs.

Be ready for an alternate route.

To maintain roadway conditions, many states implement seasonal weight restrictions starting in late February and often extending into May. Drivers traveling through areas experiencing spring thaws should look for posted signs that indicate permissible weight limits, which may also include reduced speed limits.

When planning a trip, it can be beneficial to check state websites for information on whether specific highways are accessible for your vehicles. If a driver encounters a weight restriction, they will need to seek an alternate route and may need to contact dispatch for guidance.

Disregarding posted restrictions can lead to more than just financial penalties. It may cause damage to the roads, your vehicle, and possibly your cargo. Moreover, it could create hazardous conditions that could lead to accidents, particularly if navigating the road becomes difficult.

To view the laws in states and provinces, go to:

https://oversize.io/regulations/frost-laws-by-state

Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday, March 9! 

Daylight saving time for 2025 will commence on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. local time, when we will move our clocks forward by one hour. This semiannual time change impacts millions of Americans, though not everyone is affected.

Notifying all drivers about the upcoming daylight saving time shift in two weeks is important. Route drivers should receive special attention, as the amount of daylight will vary based on their stops due to the time adjustment.

Don’t forget to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Most sleep specialists advise getting at least seven hours of sleep each night. Many individuals get about 40 minutes less sleep on the night of March 9 after the clocks change. To minimize sleepiness, plan ahead: sleep in on Sunday morning and consider taking a nap during the afternoon.

Keep in mind that not all states observe daylight saving time. Hawaii and Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation) do not follow this practice, nor do the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Daylight saving time will begin for 2025 on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. local time, when our clocks will go ahead one hour. This is part of the twice-annual time change that affects millions, but not all, Americans.

  • Start now to ensure that all your drivers know the change to daylight saving time in two weeks. Caution route drivers that the amount of daylight will change according to their stops with the time change.
  • Also, remember to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Most sleep experts recommend a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night. After daylight saving time returns on Sunday, March 9, many people sleep an average of 40 minutes less. Plan to avoid feeling sleepy. Sleep in on Sunday morning and take a nap on Sunday afternoon.

Not all states observe daylight saving time. Hawaii and Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) do not, nor do the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

International Roadcheck 2025 May 13-15

International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event during which CVSA-certified inspectors carry out safety inspections and educational initiatives for motor carriers, vehicles, and drivers. As the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles worldwide, nearly 15 trucks and motor coaches are inspected every minute across North America on average.

Since its start in 1988, over 1.8 million roadside inspections have occurred. This event aims to highlight the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations. It is sponsored by the CVSA, alongside agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Transport Canada.

Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminars!

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting safety seminars in the spring and fall of 2025. The one-day seminar this year will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars and will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals.


Spring Seminars 2025

  • 4/16/2025 – Dallas, TX
  • 4/21/2025 – Hudsonville, MI
  • 4/23/2025 – Brookfield, WI
  • 4/29/2025 – San Leandro, CA
  • 5/1/2025 – Portland, OR
  • TBD – Harrisburg, PA
  • TBD – Columbia, SC
  • TBD – Miami, FL
  • 5/15/2025 – Tampa, FL


To register for an upcoming spring seminar in 2025, click on the following link:
Safety Seminar Registration


Note: Fall seminars will be announced in a later bulletin.


*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.