Roadcheck Results Show Shift in Driver Violations and New English Rules

Inspectors placed nearly 3,200 drivers out of service during the May 12 to 14, 2026 International Roadcheck. Medical certificate problems became the most common reason for driver stops. They accounted for 28 percent of driver violations, up from 18 percent last year.

English language requirements now appear as a leading driver violation. Inspectors cited 9 percent of driver stops in the United States for this issue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration added English proficiency to the out-of-service list in June 2025. A proposed rule to make the requirement permanent was released earlier this month.

Carriers and drivers can still use paper medical certificates for a limited time. A temporary exemption allows paper copies to serve as proof of certification for up to 60 days after issuance. This window runs from April 11 through October 11, 2026. Two states have not yet connected to the new electronic medical system.

Other driver violation rates dropped during the inspection period. Hours-of-service stops fell to 23 percent. False duty status records dropped below 6 percent. Drivers operating without a commercial license fell to 16 percent. Inspectors also issued 146 out-of-service orders for electronic logging device tampering.

Vehicle inspections showed brake problems remain the top mechanical issue. Brake defects caused 39 percent of vehicle stops. Cargo securement violations made up 12 percent of vehicle stops. Inspectors checked nearly 2,600 hazardous materials loads and found placarding errors in about a quarter of those stops.

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking — https://www.truckinginfo.com/news/medical-cards-english-proficiency-reshape-roadcheck-violations