Roadcheck 2026: What to Know and How to Be Ready

• When: May 12–14, 2026

• What it is: A 72-hour inspection blitz across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico

• Who’s involved: CVSA-certified inspectors pulling over commercial vehicles and drivers

• Where it happens: Weigh stations, roadside stops, and temporary inspection sites

• What’s at stake: Violations can put a driver or truck out of service on the spot

If you’ve been in the trucking industry long enough, you know Roadcheck isn’t anything new. But every year, it still catches fleets off guard. The difference usually comes down to preparation—and attention to the basics.

2026 Focus Areas: Where Inspectors Will Spend Their Time

Each year, inspectors place extra focus on a couple of areas where they’re seeing issues across the industry. In 2026, that comes down to ELDs and cargo securement.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Inspectors aren’t just checking that you have an ELD—they’re looking at how it’s being used.

• Hours-of-service records need to be accurate and complete

• Edits should be clear and justifiable

• Drivers should know how to operate the device and transfer data

Most problems here aren’t intentional—they’re due to poor training or drivers trying to figure it out on the fly. That’s where fleets get into trouble.

Cargo Securement

This is one area where there’s no gray zone. Either the load is secure, or it isn’t.

• Loads need to be properly balanced and tied down

• Chains, straps, and binders should be in good condition

• Nothing should be at risk of shifting or coming loose in transit

If cargo isn’t secured the right way, it doesn’t just lead to violations—it puts drivers and everyone else on the road at risk.

What Inspectors Will Still Check Every Time

Even with focus areas, a Roadcheck inspection is still a full look at the truck and driver.

Expect inspectors to go over:

• Brakes – still one of the top reasons vehicles get placed out of service

• Tires and wheels – worn tread, damage, or improper inflation

• Lights – brake lights, turn signals, and visibility

• Driver credentials – CDL, medical card, and required documentation

• Hours-of-service compliance – logs and supporting records

None of this should be a surprise. These are the same things that should be checked every day before a truck leaves the yard.

What Fleets Need to Keep in Mind

• You won’t always see it coming. Inspections can happen anywhere, not just at weigh stations.

• Out-of-service means lost time. If a truck gets sidelined, deliveries stop until the issue is fixed.

• Clean inspections matter. A passed inspection can earn a CVSA decal and help reduce repeat stops in the near term.

• This data sticks. Roadcheck results feed into broader safety records and can impact how your fleet is viewed over time.

A Straightforward Take

Roadcheck isn’t about trying to get through three days in May. It’s about whether your fleet is operating as it should year-round.

The fleets that do well during Roadcheck are the ones that:

• Stay on top of maintenance

• Train their drivers properly

• Don’t cut corners on compliance

Attention to detail is what keeps trucks moving and drivers safe. And when you get that right, Roadcheck becomes just another week on the road.

Why Partnership Matters in Trucking

Having the right support behind the scenes can make a real difference in managing risk and keeping trucks on the road.

At Acuity, we understand the day-to-day realities trucking businesses face. From responsive claims handling to practical safety resources, our focus is on helping fleets stay prepared and protected.

Roadcheck is a reminder of how important that preparation is—and why having the right partner matters. Learn more about how Acuity supports trucking businesses through our commercial auto coverage.