The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual International Roadcheck is once again on the calendar — scheduled for May 12–14, 2026. This 72-hour inspection and enforcement initiative draws enforcement personnel from across the United States, Canada and Mexico to weigh stations, inspection sites and roadside checkpoints to conduct North American Standard inspections and improve highway safety.

What Is International Roadcheck?

International Roadcheck is one of the largest targeted enforcement programs for commercial motor vehicles in the world. During the three-day blitz, inspectors follow a standardized Level I inspection — a comprehensive 37-step check that includes both driver compliance and vehicle mechanical fitness. At each stop, enforcement personnel examine everything from licenses and hours-of-service records to brakes, tires and cargo securement.

Each year, CVSA selects two emphasis areas to highlight for inspectors — one focused on drivers and one on vehicles. For 2026 the spotlight is squarely on electronic logging device (ELD) tampering on the driver side, with cargo securement as the vehicle focus.

Why ELD Tampering Is a Priority in 2026

ELDs have been required in most commercial trucking operations for nearly a decade, designed to ensure accurate recording of a driver’s hours of service and keep fatigued drivers off the road. However, enforcement data and industry reporting show that tampered or manipulated logs continue to be a persistent problem.

For 2026’s Roadcheck, inspectors will be on the lookout for:

• Signs of ELD tampering, falsification or unauthorized manipulation.
• False or manipulated entries that do not reflect actual driving and on-duty time.
• Irregularities that may conceal hours-of-service violations or misrepresent duty statuses without appropriate edits.

While inaccurate ELD entries sometimes occur from misunderstanding the regulations, the CVSA notes that deliberate manipulation — such as changing records to hide violations — is a serious concern. Last year, falsification of duty status was one of the most frequently cited driver violations, underscoring why this issue is a priority for inspectors in 2026.

Being cited for an ELD tampering violation can result in the driver or vehicle being placed out of service until the condition is properly corrected. The consequences go beyond fines — they impact safety records, fleet compliance scores and operating time.

How Drivers and Fleets Can Prepare

To reduce the risk of violations during Roadcheck, drivers and carriers should:

• Review ELD usage policies and ensure all entries accurately reflect duty and drive time.
• Confirm that any edits to logs are made with proper documentation and compliant procedures.
• Provide driver training on ELD operation and hours-of-service regulations to eliminate unintentional errors.
• Conduct internal audits before May to catch and correct potential issues.

Remember, inspectors will check all aspects of a driver’s log — even beyond the emphasis area — so maintaining thorough, compliant logs year-round is essential.

The Other Side: Vehicle and Cargo Checks

While the driver focus for 2026 is ELD tampering, vehicles on the Roadcheck circuit will be examined with an emphasis on cargo securement — ensuring loads are properly tied down and contained so they pose no risk on the roadway. Improper cargo securement not only invites violations but can also cause serious accidents when loads shift or fall.

During inspections, enforcement personnel will assess:

• The security of cargo on trailers, including flatbed tie-downs.
• Dunnage, equipment and loose items that could become hazards.
• All standard mechanical and safety components, from brakes to lights and suspension.

Wrapping Up

The 2026 International Roadcheck is more than a yearly enforcement event — it’s a reminder of the importance of safety, compliance and preparedness in the trucking industry. With a heightened focus on ELD tampering, drivers and fleets should take proactive steps now to ensure their logs and records meet federal regulations, minimizing the risk of roadside violations and costly out-of-service orders.

As the May Roadcheck period approaches, staying informed and compliant will not only help carriers and drivers pass inspections but also contribute to the broader mission of safer roads for everyone.