CVSA: Don’t Disturb Off-Duty Drivers

DECEMBER 18, 2018 – The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announced earlier this fall that drivers shouldn’t be interrupted during their off-duty or sleeper berth hours for random vehicle inspections. This guidance was included in the Alliance’s most recent operational policy, which was released at the end of September.

In the document, which outlines 11 pieces of guidance for selecting vehicles for inspection, the CVSA stated:

 “Certified inspectors shall not disturb/interrupt any driver of a commercial motor vehicle in off-duty or sleeper berth status when legally parked for the purposed of conducting a random inspection.”

The key here is “legally parked.” If a vehicle is parked in an unauthorized location, inspectors do have the right to interrupt the driver for the purpose of issuing a violation and/or requesting that the vehicle be moved.

Although not law, the CVSA policy aims to provide guidance that will make truck inspections more consistent. According to Collin Mooney, executive director of the CVSA, the decision to include guidance on this topic wasn’t based on specific complaints against any inspectors or departments. Instead, it was based on general feedback from drivers who had either experienced an off-duty interruption or were concerned about the possibility of it occurring.

Have you been interrupted for a random inspection while off duty? Leave your comments below!