International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 12–14, 2026, and enforcement agencies across the United States, Canada, and Mexico are preparing for another 72-hour inspection push.
Roadcheck happens every year, but the emphasis areas change. In 2026, inspectors will be paying closer attention to two specific issues: ELD tampering on the driver side and cargo securement on the vehicle side.
For drivers, the message is simple. Expect more scrutiny of logs. Expect more questions when the record of duty status does not match what the truck appears to be doing in the real world.
For equipment, securement will be a major focus. Inspectors will be looking for loads and equipment that could shift, fall, leak, spill, or blow out of the trailer.
Most inspections during Roadcheck are North American Standard Level I inspections. That is the full inspection. It covers both the driver and the vehicle.
Inspectors typically review licenses and credentials, record of duty status, and safety-related documents. They also examine the truck and trailer, including visible mechanical issues and cargo securement.
Drivers who pass can receive a CVSA decal, which may help reduce the odds of another inspection for up to three months.
The driver focus for 2026 is ELD tampering and falsification. Inspectors will be looking for logs that appear manipulated, edited improperly, or inconsistent with supporting documents.
Some violations happen because drivers do not understand exemptions or edits. Those are common problem areas. But Roadcheck is also aimed at intentional manipulation used to hide hours-of-service violations.
Falsification of duty status was reported as the second most-cited driver violation in the most recent year referenced by enforcement, with 58,382 violations.
Another important change is how strict enforcement is expected to be when a log is proven false due to ELD tampering. False logs tied to tampering are being treated as an out-of-service violation under 49 CFR 395.8(e)(2) effective April 1, 2026.
Cargo securement is the vehicle emphasis for 2026, and it’s not limited to flatbeds. Inspectors can and do cite securement problems on vans, reefers, and any trailer where freight or equipment can move or fall.
Enforcement data shows two common categories of violations. One is cargo that is not secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling. The other is equipment or dunnage that is not properly secured.
Inspectors will be watching for loads that are not immobilized, straps and tie-downs that show serious wear, and loose items that can become hazards. That includes tarps, chains, binders, blocks, pallet jacks, and other equipment drivers often carry.
Roadcheck is not the time to “hope it’s fine.” A few minutes of preparation can save a shutdown.
For logs, make sure you understand your status and that your record matches reality. If you are using exemptions, document them correctly. If you are making edits, make sure they are done the right way and that supporting documents make sense with the log.
For securement, do a thorough walk-around before you roll. Re-check after the first few miles. Re-check after rough roads or hard braking. Small problems early can turn into a major violation later.
Do you think enforcement is getting tougher on ELDs this year?
What is the most common securement mistake you see drivers make?
If you have been through Roadcheck before, what did they focus on most?