New CVSA OOS Criteria: Important Changes Coming in April

CVSA Updates Out-of-Service Rules for 2025

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced changes to its North American Standard Out-of-Service (OOS) Criteria. These updates take effect on April 1, 2025. The new rules apply to both drivers and vehicles. They focus on brakes, tires, suspensions, lighting, and cargo securement.

The goal of these changes is to make enforcement clearer and reduce redundant violations. CVSA members approved the updates in October 2024. An official letter from CVSA confirmed these changes.

CVSA Driver Out-of-Service Rule Changes

1. Prohibited Drivers Cannot Accompany Learners

A driver in prohibited status can no longer accompany a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder. This includes drivers who lost their CDL privileges due to a failed drug test.

The rule follows updates in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse-II regulations. In November 2024, these rules removed CDL privileges from drivers with certain drug or alcohol violations.

2. Medical Certificate Now Required for All Commercial Drivers

Drivers must have a valid medical certificate at all times. This applies whether they are transporting freight or passengers.

Previously, different rules existed for property and passenger carriers. Now, the requirement is the same for all drivers.

3. Transporting Dangerous Goods in Canada

If a driver’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certificate lists specific hazardous material classes, they may only transport those exact classes.

This update ensures that hazardous materials are handled by properly trained drivers.

CVSA Vehicle Out-of-Service Rule Changes

1. Brake System Changes

• Electric Trailer Brakes: If an electric trailer’s brakes do not work due to an unplugged electrical cable, the vehicle will receive one OOS violation instead of multiple.
• Air Brakes: A disconnected service gladhand will now result in one OOS violation, rather than multiple violations.
• Crimped or Kinked Air Lines: This issue is no longer an automatic OOS violation. Inspectors cannot always tell how much airflow is restricted.
• Hydraulic Brakes: A hose or line labeled for something other than brakes (such as a fuel line) is now an OOS condition.
• Tractor Protection System: Both primary and secondary air systems must drop below 20 psi before a truck is placed out of service. Previously, only one system had to fall below 20 psi.

2. Cargo Securement Rules

• Loose dunnage or unsecured vehicle parts now count as an OOS violation. This change makes it clear that cargo must be properly secured at all times.

3. Lighting System Changes

• Projecting load lamps now have their own section in the OOS criteria. They are no longer grouped with headlamps and tail lamps.

4. Suspension and Tire Regulations

• Cracked or broken U-bolt bottom plates are now an OOS condition.
• Mudflaps touching a tire (rubber only) are not an OOS violation.
• Tires without an automatic inflation system (ATIS) are now OOS if they have a visible leak in the tread area.
• Radial and bias tire rules are now combined into one standard.

Why These Changes Matter

These updates help simplify enforcement. They also ensure rules reflect real-world conditions faced by inspectors.

• The medical certificate requirement makes sure all drivers are medically fit before operating a commercial vehicle.
• The braking system updates reduce unnecessary violations. They also make inspections more practical and accurate.
• The tire and suspension changes focus on road safety and vehicle performance.

CVSA has confirmed that these changes will be included in North American Standard Inspection training materials. The updated rules will be available in English, French, and Spanish.

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