Every year, it hits the trucking industry like clockwork – DOT Blitz Week. For truckers across North America, this annual inspection period can feel like running the gauntlet. With an intense focus on DOT inspections, it’s easy to see why.
At OTR Solutions, we understand the pressure this puts on drivers and carriers. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the 2025 International Roadcheck with confidence.
Table of Contents:
- What Is DOT Blitz Week?
- What Happens During DOT Week?
- When Is DOT Blitz Week 2025?
- What to Expect from This Year’s International Roadcheck
- How to Prepare for DOT Blitz Week
- Training Your Team For Compliance
- 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid During DOT Week
- OTR Solutions Can Help You Stay Prepared During DOT Blitz Week
- Ready to Strengthen Your Compliance Program?
What Is DOT Blitz Week?
DOT Blitz Week is the trucking industry’s nickname for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual International Roadcheck [1]. This 72-hour enforcement initiative happens simultaneously across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with law enforcement conducting thorough inspections of commercial vehicles and their drivers.
What Happens During DOT Week?
The International Roadcheck is no small operation – it’s the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles in the world. During this 72-hour period, CVSA-certified inspectors conduct comprehensive examinations at weigh stations and roving patrols throughout North America.
Thorough Vehicle Inspections
Inspectors primarily conduct Level I inspections (37-point examination), along with Level II (walk-around driver/vehicle), and Level III (driver-only) inspections. These thorough checks examine everything from driver credentials to vehicle maintenance.
Focus on Specific Safety Areas
While inspectors review all aspects of compliance, each year has special emphasis areas based on previous violation data. Whereas 2024 DOT Blitz Week was all about tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substances, here in 2025, inspectors will pay special attention to hours-of-service regulations and tire maintenance.
Recording and Analyzing Results
All inspection results are documented and compiled into a comprehensive report that helps shape future safety initiatives and regulations. This data provides valuable insights into industry-wide compliance trends.
Awarding Compliance Decals
Vehicles that pass inspection without critical violations receive a CVSA decal, which typically exempts them from re-inspection for up to three months (unless an obvious violation is observed).
When Is DOT Blitz Week 2025?
Mark your calendars now – DOT Blitz Week is approaching quickly, and preparation should begin well in advance to ensure your fleet and drivers are ready for the scrutiny.
When: May 13-15, 2025
Where: Highways throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico
This 72-hour enforcement period will see increased inspection activity at weigh stations and roadside inspection points. Planning ahead now can help you avoid costly violations and unnecessary downtime.
What to Expect from This Year’s International Roadcheck
The 2025 International Roadcheck will continue the CVSA’s mission to reduce commercial vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Here are this year’s special focus areas.
Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations
Inspectors will scrutinize drivers’ Records of Duty Status (RODS) to ensure compliance with federal HOS regulations, including:
- Accurate and complete logging
- Proper use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
- Adherence to required rest periods
Tire Maintenance
Vehicle inspections will emphasize proper tire care, including:
- Adequate tread depth
- Correct inflation pressure
- Absence of wear, damage, or leaks
- Safe and undamaged sidewalls
Standard Inspection Components
Inspectors will examine critical systems such as:
- Brake systems
- Cargo securement
- Coupling devices
- Driveshaft components
- Fuel and exhaust systems
- Windshield wipers
Driver Qualification
Inspectors will verify the proper qualification of the driver including:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Medical examiner’s certificate
- Skill performance certificate (if applicable)
- Seatbelt use and signs of impairment
How to Prepare for DOT Blitz Week
Getting ready for DOT Blitz Week isn’t just about passing an inspection—it’s about maintaining a culture of safety and compliance year-round. Here are practical steps to ensure you’re prepared.
Pre-Inspection Checklist for Carriers and Drivers
A thorough pre-trip inspection is your first line of defense against violations. Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your vehicle and documents are in proper order.
Driver Documentation
Ensure all drivers have their CDL, medical card, skill performance certificate, and properly maintained RODS readily available. Double-check that all documents are current and not approaching expiration.
Hours of Service Records
Verify that all electronic logging devices are functioning properly and that drivers understand how to use them correctly. Review recent logs for any patterns of non-compliance that need correction.
Vehicle Systems
Conduct a systematic check of all major vehicle systems that inspectors will examine, with special attention to this year’s focus area – tires. Ensure proper inflation, adequate tread depth, and no visible damage.
Brake Systems
Test brake functionality, check for air leaks, and inspect brake pads, drums, and lines for wear or damage. Brake violations consistently top the list of out-of-service conditions.
Lights and Signals
Verify that all lights, reflectors, and signals are operational and properly aligned. This is one of the easiest items to check but also commonly cited in violations.
Cargo Securement
Confirm that all cargo is properly secured according to regulations, with appropriate tie-downs, edge protection, and weight distribution.
Training Your Team for Compliance
Preparation goes beyond vehicle maintenance—it requires well-trained drivers who understand regulatory requirements and inspection procedures.
Many carriers find that professional safety training significantly reduces violation risks during DOT Blitz Week and throughout the year. OTR Solutions partners with Simplex Group to provide specialized compliance training for carriers and drivers. Specialists at Simplex Group help ensure you’re following Department of Transportation (DOT) safety guidelines [2] and prepare your team for successful roadside inspections.
The investment in proper training pays dividends not just during Blitz Week but all year long through reduced violations, lower CSA scores, and fewer out-of-service orders that impact your bottom line.
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid During DOT Week
Even well-prepared carriers can fall victim to common oversights during DOT Blitz Week. Awareness of these frequent mistakes can help you avoid costly violations and delays.
1. Overlooking Routine Maintenance
Even well-prepared fleets can miss hidden issues before DOT inspections.
Common problems include:
- Deferred maintenance: Small problems like cracked hoses or low fluid levels can lead to violations.
- Rushed pre-trip inspections: Skipping checklist items increases the risk of being flagged.
- Tire neglect: With tire care a 2025 focus, inflation, tread depth, and visible damage need top priority.
- Leaks: Any visible fluid leaks, even minor ones, may result in violations or out-of-service orders.
2. Incomplete Driver Records
Documentation issues are an easy way to get flagged during inspections. Make sure every driver has up-to-date records and understands what’s required. Common problems include:
- Outdated medical certificates: Missing or expired medical cards can result in immediate violations.
- HOS violations: Inaccurate or incomplete Records of Duty Status (RODS) are a major red flag—especially in 2025.
- Missing documents: Ensure drivers carry their CDL, medical card, registration, inspection reports, and proof of annual inspection.
- Lack of regulatory knowledge: Many violations occur because drivers don’t fully understand compliance requirements.
3. Ignoring ELD and HOS Compliance
With hours-of-service (HOS) regulations under the microscope this year, electronic logging device (ELD) issues are more likely to result in citations or delays. Watch out for:
- Device malfunctions: ELDs must be fully functional, and drivers should know how to log malfunctions and use paper logs if necessary.
- Improper log edits: All changes to logs should be clearly annotated. Unexplained edits raise red flags.
- Misunderstood exemptions: Don’t rely on assumptions—verify that your fleet qualifies for any claimed exemptions.
- Missing supporting documents: Drivers need backup documents (like fuel receipts or dispatch records) to verify log accuracy.
OTR Solutions Can Help You Stay Prepared During DOT Blitz Week
At OTR Solutions, we understand that compliance is just one piece of the puzzle for today’s carriers. That’s why we’ve developed resources and partnerships to help you stay ahead of DOT inspections without slowing down operations.
Key tools to support your team:
- Safety Score Monitor (in the OTR Mobile App): Stay on top of CSA scores in real-time.
- Compliance Training with Simplex Group: Prepare drivers and dispatchers for inspections with expert-led support.
- Documentation Support: Ensure important records are up to date and organized for faster inspections.
DOT Blitz Week doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools in place, you can approach it as an opportunity to demonstrate your fleet’s commitment to safety and professionalism.
Ready to Strengthen Your Compliance Program?
Don’t wait until inspection day to address compliance concerns. Partner with OTR Solutions and gain access to industry-leading resources, expert guidance, and specialized training that can transform your approach to safety and regulatory requirements.
Our network of partners, including Simplex Group, provides the support you need to navigate DOT regulations confidently and keep your business moving forward without costly interruptions.
Join OTR Solutions today and take the stress out of DOT Week.
References:
- CVSA: CVSA’s International Roadcheck Scheduled for May 13-15
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Safety Guidelines