CVSA Level II Inspection: The Complete 31-Step Walk-Around Guide
The CVSA Level II inspection is a walk-around examination of both the driver and the vehicle — without going under the truck. It covers 31 steps and is the most common type of roadside inspection you will encounter. Here's exactly what inspectors look for and how to prepare.
What Is a CVSA Level II Inspection?
A Level II inspection is a walk-around driver/vehicle inspection defined by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). It examines both the driver (credentials, hours of service, medical fitness) and the vehicle's exterior — but unlike Level I, inspectors do not go under the vehicle. This is the most frequently performed CVSA inspection level on the road today.
Level II at a Glance
31
Total Steps
30-60
Minutes Average
Driver + Vehicle
No Undercarriage
How Level II Differs from Level I
Key Difference
Level II includes everything in a Level I except the undercarriage inspection. Inspectors do not crawl under the vehicle, which means components like pushrods, brake chambers, and frame rails are checked visually from the outside only. Because of this, a Level II inspection cannot result in a CVSA decal being issued.
20% Brake Rule
If during a Level I inspection, more than 20% of pushrod travel on exposed pushrods cannot be measured, the inspection is automatically downgraded to a Level II. A five-axle vehicle combination with one axle not measured will still require two defective brakes to be placed out of service under the 20% brake criteria.
Walk-Around Diagram
The Level II inspection follows a specific path around the exterior of the vehicle. The diagram below shows where each numbered step is performed on a typical tractor-trailer combination.
Complete 31-Step Inspection Procedure
Jump to a Phase:
Phase 1: Site Selection & Driver Contact Steps 1-4
Step 1: Choose the Inspection Site
- Select a safe location — paved, level, away from traffic
- Must be able to support the weight of the vehicle
- Avoid hills, curves, soft shoulders, and construction sites
Step 2: Approach the Vehicle
- Observe the driver
- Adhere to inspector safety policies
- Be alert for leaks and unsecured cargo
Step 3: Greet and Prepare the Driver
- Identify yourself and explain the inspection procedure
- Ensure engine is off
- Check seat belt usage and condition
- Observe driver's overall condition for illness, fatigue, or impairment
- Check for illegal presence of alcohol, drugs, weapons, or contraband
Step 4: Interview the Driver
- Ask about starting location, final destination, load description, time traveled
- Most recent stop and fueling location(s)
- Ask what other jobs the driver has worked in the past week
Phase 2: Document Review Steps 5-12
Step 5: Collect the Driver's Documents
- Medical Examiner's Certificate and SPE Certificate (if applicable)
- Driver's license or CDL and record of duty status
- Shipping papers
- Periodic inspection certificates, CVIP
- Bills of lading, receipts, trip envelope
Step 6: Check for Hazardous Materials
- Check shipping papers, markings, labels, and placards
- Check for any leaking material or unsecured cargo
Step 7: Identify the Carrier
- Use vehicle identification, vehicle registration, insurance
- Operating authority and driver interview
Step 8: Examine Driver's License or CDL
- Check expiration date, class, endorsements, restrictions, and status
Step 9: Check Medical Examiner's Certificate and SPE Certificate (If Applicable)
- Check certificate(s) date — may be valid for up to 24 months
- Check corrective lens requirement
- Check hearing aid requirement
- Check physical limitations
Note: The medical qualifications may be contained in the driver's license. Proper class indicates adequate medical requirements.
Step 10: Check Record of Duty Status
- Verify hours of service
- If driver claims to be exempt, check that driver meets all criteria for said exemption(s)
- Check accuracy of record
Step 11: Review Daily Vehicle Inspection Report
Review the required vehicle inspection report to verify that listed safety defects have been repaired.
Step 12: Review Periodic Inspection Report(s)
Ensure vehicle has passed the required periodic inspection and has the required documents and decals.
Phase 3: Vehicle Inspection Preparation Step 13
Step 13: Prepare Driver for Vehicle Inspection
- Explain the vehicle inspection procedure
- Advise the driver of the use of hand signals
- Check the chock blocks, have the driver put the vehicle transmission in neutral, release all the brakes, ensure the air pressure is at maximum, turn engine off and ensure the key is in the "on" position
- Instruct the driver to remain at the controls
- Inspect the driver's seat
Phase 4: Exterior Walk-Around Steps 14-27
Step 14: Inspect Front of Tractor
- Check headlamps, turn signals (do not use four-way flashers to check turn signals) and all other required lamps for improper color, operation, mounting, and visibility
- Check windshield wipers and washers for proper operation
- Check the function of the horn
Step 15: Left Front Side
- Check front wheel, rim, hub, and tire
Step 16: Left Saddle Tank Area
- Check fuel tank area
- Check exhaust system
Step 17: Trailer Front
- Check air and electrical lines
- Check driveline/driveshaft
Step 18: Inspect Left Rear Tractor Area
Caution: Never place yourself between tires of tandem axles.
- Check wheels, rims, hubs, and tires
- Check the lower, upper, and slider components of the fifth wheel assembly
- Check all required lamps
Step 19: Left Side of Trailer
- Check frame and body
- Check condition of hoses
- Check van and open-top trailer bodies
- Check cargo securement
Step 20: Left Rear Trailer Wheels
- Check wheels, rims, hubs, and tires
- Check sliding tandem
Step 21: Inspect Rear of Trailer
- Check tail, stop, turn signals, all other required lights and lamps/flags on projecting loads
- Check external ABS malfunction lamp
- Check cargo securement
- Inspect the rear impact guard (if applicable)
Step 22: Inspect Double, Triple, and Full Trailers
- Check safety devices on full trailers/converter dollies
- Check the safety devices (chains/wire rope) for improper repairs or missing components
- Inspect pintle hook, eye, and drawbar for cracks, excessive movement, and improper repairs
Steps 23-27: Right-Side Mirror Inspection
Steps 23-27 mirror the left-side inspections. Perform the same checks on the right side of the vehicle:
Phase 5: Brake & Functional Checks Steps 28-30
Step 28: Inspect Required Brake System Warning Devices
- Inspect the dash panel with the key in the "on" position for the function of the ABS malfunction lamp(s) (if applicable)
- Ensure that the low air pressure warning device activates with the key "on" and the driver pumping the foot valve to exhaust air
- Inspect the brake pedal
Step 29: Test Air Loss Rate
- With the engine running, the spring brakes released, and the air pressure between 80-90 psi (551-620 kPa), have the driver apply the service brakes
- Air pressure should maintain or build
Step 30: Check Steering Wheel Lash
- With the engine running, measure steering wheel lash while wheels are straight
Phase 6: Completion Step 31
Step 31: Complete the Inspection
- Complete documentation
- Conclude with driver
- Follow correct and current out-of-service procedures (if applicable)
What a Level II Does NOT Include
Compared to Level I, a Level II inspection omits the following steps that require going under the vehicle:
Omitted Undercarriage Items
- Undercarriage steering axle inspection
- Undercarriage axle inspection (all axles)
- Brake adjustment measurement via pushrod travel
- Tractor protection system test
- Fifth wheel movement check
No CVSA Decal
- Only Level I and Level V inspections can result in a CVSA decal
- Level II cannot award a decal even if no violations are found
- However, violations found during Level II can still result in out-of-service orders
Common Level II Violations
These are among the most frequently cited violations during Level II inspections:
Driver Violations
- Hours of service violations
- Expired or invalid medical certificate
- Incorrect CDL class or endorsements
- Incomplete or inaccurate log books
- No seatbelt usage
Vehicle Violations
- Inoperative lights (headlamps, tail, turn signals)
- Tire defects (worn tread, under-inflation, cuts)
- Brake defects visible from the exterior
- Cargo securement deficiencies
- Fluid leaks (fuel, oil, coolant)
- Damaged or missing mirrors
How to Prepare for a Level II Inspection
Driver Preparation
- Ensure CDL is current and properly endorsed
- Carry a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate
- Keep hours of service records up to date
- Have all shipping papers organized and accessible
- Complete your daily vehicle inspection report
- Ensure seat belt is functional
Vehicle Preparation
- Verify all lights are working (headlamps, tail, stop, turn)
- Inspect tires for wear, damage, and proper inflation
- Secure all cargo properly
- Check for fluid leaks (oil, coolant, fuel)
- Verify windshield wipers work
- Ensure coupling devices are secure and visible
- Check ABS malfunction lamp function
All CVSA Inspection Levels
The CVSA defines eight inspection levels. Level II is the most commonly performed:
Level I: Full Inspection
The most comprehensive inspection — includes going under the vehicle. 37 steps.
Level III: Driver/Credential Inspection
Driver-only inspection — no vehicle mechanical checks. 13 steps.
Level IV: Special Inspection
One-time examination of a particular item for studies or trends.
Level V: Vehicle-Only Inspection
Full vehicle inspection without a driver present. 25 steps.
Level VI: Radioactive Materials
Enhanced inspection for transuranic waste and radioactive material.
Level VII: Jurisdictional Inspection
Jurisdiction-specific programs for school buses, limos, taxis, etc.
Level VIII: Electronic Inspection
Conducted electronically while the vehicle is in motion.
Keep Your Fleet Inspection-Ready
Wayne Truck & Trailer helps Ohio fleets stay CVSA-compliant with professional inspections, brake adjustments, and preventive maintenance. Don't wait for a roadside surprise — schedule your inspection today.