Inspections may be conducted at a variety of locations, such as weigh stations, border checkpoints, bus terminals, a carrier’s terminal, or when a law enforcement official stops a CMV.
All inspectors must be certified to conduct roadside inspections as outlined by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Alliance (CVSA). CVSA developed the North American Standard Inspection Criteria, which outline procedures based on the level of inspection conducted.
Motor carriers may be stopped by Federal, State, or other law enforcement officials for a variety of reasons, most often common traffic violations. Not all traffic stops result in an FMCSA roadside inspection.
Carriers are subject to inspections throughout the life of their business.