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Don't Get Burned by Roadcheck 2021

  • Friday, April 30, 2021
  • John Cole


This year's Roadcheck 2021 enforcement emphasis begins Tues, May 4 and ends Thurs, May 6. 
 
This year's special emphasis is on lighting and hours of service.

 
 
 
Why should you take roadcheck seriously?
 
During last year's Roadcheck 2020:
  • There were over 45,000 Level 1, 2, & 3 inspections conducted
  • 27.5% of Level 1 inspections put a truck/trailer out of service
  • 5.3% of drivers inspected were placed out of service 
 
Inspectors will be looking for critical vehicle inspection item violations.  If those violations are found, the vehicle will be placed out of service, which means that vehicle cannot be operated until the identified out-of-service conditions have been corrected.
 
Vehicles that successfully pass inspection without any critical vehicle inspection item violations found after a completed Level I or Level V Inspection should receive a CVSA decal. In general, vehicles with a CVSA decal are not re-inspected during the three-month period during which the decal is valid. Instead, inspectors focus their efforts on vehicles without a valid CVSA decal.
 
Also, during an inspection, inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-of-service documentation, seatbelt usage, and for alcohol and/or drug impairment. A driver will be placed out of service if an inspector discovers driver-related out-of-service conditions.
 
Are You Ready?
 
HOS: 
CDL Drivers must follow rules that limit the hours spent driving and working and that regulate the minimum amount of rest between driving shifts.  The strict hours of service regulations are in place to help reduce driver fatigue.  If stopped during Roadcheck 2021, you will be required to show the inspector that you know how to use your ELD/Platform Science Tablet.  Refresh your memory by watching this video overview. 
 
Lights:
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.
 
The top vehicle violation in the U.S. in fiscal 2020 was inoperable required lamp, accounting for 12.2% of all vehicle violations and 4.4% of all out-of-service vehicle violations. Moreover, taking into account all possible lighting-related violations issued in fiscal 2020, one in four vehicles chosen for inspection (25.3%) was issued a lighting-related violation.  Slightly more than one in seven out-of-service violations (16.4%) in the U.S. was lighting related. 
 
These violations can be largely avoided by checking the condition and location of reflectors and retroreflective sheeting, and by checking all required lamps/turn signals mentioned above and ensuring they are operative, properly mounted and not obscured in any way.
 
Good Pre-Trip Inspections are a must!

Will you and your vehicle be ready?
 

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