CVSA Approves Changes to Out-of-Service Criteria for Commercial Vehicles

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has approved 17 changes to the 2026 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria that will take effect on April 1, 2026. While some of the updates are technical in nature, several of the changes will directly affect how drivers and small fleets in the maritime transportation industry are inspected on licensing, electronic logging devices (ELDs), brakes, and other critical safety systems. According to FreightWaves, the new out-of-service criteria will impact areas such as: - Driver's license and medical certificate requirements - ELD violations, including failure to have the device properly connected and malfunctions - Brake system defects, including issues with brake linings, drums, and rotors - Lighting and reflective tape requirements for commercial vehicles 'These changes will require small carriers and owner-operators to carefully review their maintenance and compliance practices ahead of the 2026 implementation date,' said John Smith, director of safety at the American Trucking Associations. 'Proactively addressing these new out-of-service conditions can help avoid costly roadside inspections and potential fines.' The CVSA, which is responsible for developing the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, noted that the revisions were made to enhance safety and align the criteria with evolving industry regulations. Maritime companies that operate commercial motor vehicles will need to ensure their fleets and drivers are prepared to meet the new standards before they take effect in 2026.