DOT Blitz Week May 13-15, 2025
DOT Blitz Week May 13-15, 2025
Kicking off Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Blitz week with reminders to all commercial drivers. International Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks and motorcoaches inspected, on average, every minute across North America for 72 hours, according to the CVSA website.
Today through Thursday, May 15, law enforcement officials will be conducting inspections on the road. This year’s Blitz Week will emphasize tires and the driver’s record of duty status (RODS). Specifically, officials will be looking for falsified or tampered records in driving logs.
Hours of Service
Hours-of-service (HOS) are in place to limit driving hours and mandate rest breaks for truck drivers. The goal is to account for and protect drivers’ rest time and ensure they aren’t fatigued on the road. Fatigue is linked to impairments comparable to being under the influence of alcohol.
Failing to maintain the log accurately or to falsify it can result in an out-of-service (OOS) violation. Carriers are even liable to prosecution, and drivers will be placed on OOS until the issue is corrected.
According to the International Roadcheck 2025 flyer, inspectors will look for:
- 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 a non-motor carrier
Tires
Tire health is a critical factor in overall safety. Tire failure has the potential to harm both drivers and the public. Not only can tire failure be dangerous, but repairing tires on the road can cause significant delays. Proactive tire health is far less expensive and time-consuming in comparison.
The International Roadcheck 2025 flyer states that officers will look for the following:
- Low tread depth
- Audible air leaks
- Flat tires
- Belt material or casing ply exposed in the tread or sidewall
- Tread or sidewall separation
- Bulges in the sidewall
- Improper repairs, such as rubber-coated plugs in the sidewall
- Items logged between dual tires
It’s important to remember Blitz Week is all about safety. If you are on the road this week, plan for stops, be patient, as you may have to wait in line for an inspection, and remember, everything you check during a pre-trip inspection is what officers are checking during a level one inspection. Be Safe on The Road!
At PTP Transport, we’re committed to helping our drivers succeed on the road and beyond.