Get ready for International Roadcheck 2026 (DOT Week)
Updated March 25, 2026
International Roadcheck is coming up May 12-14, and that means law enforcement will be stepping up
commercial motor vehicle inspections across North America.
This safety inspection blitz affects carriers and shippers alike, so we’ve create a quick guide to navigating this year’s Roadcheck.
What is International Roadcheck?
Also commonly referred to as DOT Week in the U.S., International Roadcheck is a 72-hour event involving federal, state, provincial and municipal law enforcement officials in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, law enforcement officials will inspect about 15 trucks every minute across North America. These inspections have been conducted every year since 1988, with nearly 2 million vehicles inspected across those years.
Who conducts International Roadcheck inspections?
Inspections are conducted by a CVSA-certified law enforcement officer.
How long do the inspections take?
Most drivers will undergo a Level I North American Standard Inspection, which covers 37 aspects of truck and trailer safety and operation. This includes inspecting the tractor/trailer and reviewing driver documentation. These Level 1 DOT inspections can take as little as 15 minutes – but if an inspector identifies issues, the inspection and write-up could take longer.
What do the inspectors look for?
They check the same things that drivers are expected to check during pre- and post-trip inspections, like brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, lights, and more. If you are a driver and conduct these daily, and you address maintenance or safety issues before hitting the road, if you’re stopped for inspection, you should do well.
Inspectors will also ask drivers for their medical certificates and for electronic logs regarding duty status and hours of service.
What are the International Roadcheck (DOT Week) focus areas for 2026?
Inspectors will pay special attention to, and this is a critical update for 2026, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Tampering/Falsification (Driver focus) and Cargo Securement (Vehicle focus). As well as, possession of alcohol or controlled substances, according to a statement from the CVSA.
Why is International Roadcheck focusing on Record of Duty Status this year?
In 2025, falsification of records of duty status (RODS) was the second most-cited driver violation, with over 58,000 violations reported. Five of the top 10 violations are related to HOS (hours-of-service) or ELD compliance, including falsifying logs, tampering with entries, unauthorized edits, or drivers operating while not logged in to conceal their HOS. More stats are available in the CVSA Release of International Roadcheck Results.
Why the focus on ELD and Cargo this year?
Inspectors will be looking closely at the tractor’s protection, supply, and anti-bleed back valves. These valves are sometimes overlooked during pre-trip and roadside inspections, so they are getting extra focus in 2026. These docs below will tell you more:
- 2026-02 – False Records of Duty Status and Electronic Logging Device Tampering (Effective April 1, 2026) (Spanish) (French)
- 2026-01 – Unified Carrier Registration Agreement Enforcement Bulletin for 2026 Registration Year (Created Jan. 1, 2026) (Spanish)
I’m a driver. How can I be ready for International Roadcheck 2026?
First – do a thorough pre-trip inspection every day you’re on the road. Every. Single. Day.
Daily pre-trip inspections are the absolute best way to spot potential safety issues with your truck or trailer – tire problems, burned-out tail lights, worn hoses – and address them before they become an issue with an inspector or (worse yet) lead to an accident.
Chances are good you know what to cover in a pre-trip inspection. If not, reach out to your employer for a refresher. If you are a Halvor Lines driver or an owner operator who contracts with us, we can put you in touch with someone who can give you a quick refresher.
If you’re a recent graduate from the Finishing Program, we know you’ve been recently trained in the finer trips of pre-trip inspections – and questions always come up, so feel free to reach out to your instructors or your trainer.
I’m a shipper. What can I expect during International Roadcheck / DOT Week?
Given the increased inspections, it is likely that trucks hauling your goods will be stopped. This could lead to delivery delays, though if you’re working with a company like Halvor Lines, we’ll do our best to schedule enough time into a driver’s day to accommodate for possible delays.
