CVSA’s 2024 Out-of-Service Criteria Begins

Effective 4-1-24, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has officially implemented its 2024 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. These criteria serve as the benchmark for law enforcement officials to determine if a driver or vehicle poses a safety risk and should be taken off the road. It’s crucial to note that these criteria have replaced the previous standards, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the updates.

In response to evolving safety needs, the CVSA made several significant changes last year. These changes aim to enhance clarity and address emerging safety concerns. Let’s take a closer look at the updates:

1. Clarification on Hazardous Materials Endorsement: A note has been added to provide clarity regarding the status of a hazardous materials (HM) endorsement when a driver’s Transportation Security Administration screening/HM determination is expired.
2. Driver Medical/Physical Requirements: The Ontario Class D license has been removed from the driver medical/physical requirements section, streamlining the criteria.
3. Prohibited Substances and Safety-Sensitive Functions: Amendments have been made to include a new violation code and note regarding substances prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions.
4. Commercial Learner’s Permit Drivers: The applicability table for commercial learner’s permit drivers has been updated in relation to prohibited substances and safety-sensitive functions.
5. Defective Brakes Criteria: Missing cam shaft bushings have been included in the 20% criterion for defective brakes, enhancing safety assessments.
6. Identification Enhancements: Watermarks have been added to better identify the 20% out-of-service criterion and its relevance to steering axle brakes, aiding enforcement efforts.
7. Performance-Based Brake Test: A change from “shall” to “may” has been made, granting inspectors discretion regarding retesting requirements for performance-based brake tests.
8. Coupling Devices Criteria: Amendments have been made to include latches not in use and mismatched ball hitches, further ensuring safety compliance.
9. Clarity on Lighting Devices: Language has been added to clarify that lights not being turned on does not constitute an out-of-service condition, reducing ambiguity.
10. Additional Note on Lighting Devices: A note has been included to provide further guidance on lighting devices, enhancing understanding and enforcement consistency.
11. Renumbering in Tires Section: Sections have been renumbered due to the addition of a new number (2) in the tires section, ensuring organizational clarity within the criteria.

These changes have been seamlessly integrated into North American Standard Inspection Program training materials, alongside updated driver or vehicle credentials and or  hours of service inspection bulletins, procedures, operational policies, and training videos.

The 2024 out-of-service criteria are available in various formats (print, electronic, other languages) for purchase through the CVSA online store. Additionally, they can be conveniently accessed via the CVSA Out-of-Service Criteria app, available on the App Store or Google Play.

CVSA conducted a webinar in January to outline the changes to the out-of-service criteria. This webinar is accessible to CVSA members through their CVSA member portal. Simply log in, navigate to the CVSA Learning tab, and click on “Roadside” to view the webinar.

For any inquiries regarding the criteria, please feel free to contact CVSA’s Director of Inspection Programs, Kerri Wirachowsky, by calling 202-998-1650.