Strict enforcement of ELP (English Language Proficiency) is a top priority for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck. This year, the event takes place from 12-14 May.
In Castaic, CA, and across North America, the CVSA will conduct a Level I inspection during this period. They will focus on an examination of the driver’s operating requirements (ELP enforcement) and an assessment of the vehicle’s mechanical fitness.
“During International Roadcheck, inspectors at weigh/inspection stations and pop-up inspection sites primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes two major parts – an examination of the driver’s operating requirements and an assessment of the vehicle’s mechanical fitness.”—CVSA.org.
A CDL holder who fails the ELP exam will be put Out-of-Service (OOS), and the fleet must provide another CDL holder before the vehicle can be moved.
The GCVEF at Castaic is located on I-5 in the Grapevine area of the Tejon Pass, about an hour north of Los Angeles. This facility sits on one of the busiest corridors for commercial traffic in the nation.
Drivers must be prepared for an examination of both mechanical fitness and driver operating requirements. Drivers must be prepared for an examination of both mechanical fitness and driver operating requirements.
The Critical Role of ELP Enforcement & Driver Qualifications
A primary focus this year is the driver’s ability to communicate effectively in English.
Under 49 CFR Section 391.11, drivers must speak and read English well enough to converse with officials.
If a CDL holder fails the ELP enforcement assessment, they will be placed OOS (Out-of-Service). The vehicle cannot move until the fleet provides a different, qualified CDL holder to take over.
Inspectors will also scrutinize the following driver requirements:
- ELD Compliance: Checking for logs and any evidence of tampering.
- Documentation: Verification of CDL, endorsements, and online medical examiner’s certification (hard copies of medical certificates are no longer valid for inspection).
- Duty Status: A full review of the driver’s previous seven days’ record of duty status (RODS), and their ability to transmit the same.
- Safety Gear: Ensuring proper seat belt usage.
- SPE Certificate: Verification of the Skill Performance Evaluation certificate, if required.
Commercial drivers with logbook, seat belt, or cell phone use violations are encouraged to contact a CA traffic attorneyfor assistance.
The New CSA Severity Point System
The FMCSA has updated its Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity point system. Under this new model, paid fines for violations are weighted heavily to identify high-risk carriers.
Rather than the previous complicated system of CSA points, the FMCSA will assess a two-point “penalty” for an OOS order, a "serious offense," or a "major offense," the highest assessment, or a one-point penalty for other convictions for moving violations.
These points directly impact the carrier's SMS percentile for up to one year. But the driver’s PSP will still maintain the record for up to three years, or five years for a collision report.
Percentiles of 65 or above lead to increased fleet insurance premiums, more frequent roadside inspections, or other DOT FMCSA interventions.
For a driver, paid fines for violations makes them a liability to your current and future employers. It also makes it more difficult to negotiate higher pay or better benefits.
Resolving Violations in Kern County
Any citations or violations issued at the GCVEF are not handled in Los Angeles. These cases must be resolved at the Lamont Courthouse in Kern County, CA.
A "language" violation or an ELD tampering allegation can end a career. It is vital to challenge these assessments rather than simply paying the fine and accepting the points.
The best strategy to prevent the points from hitting your PSP record is with experienced legal assistance.
Contact Bigger & Harman About Commercial Violations During the International Roadchecks 12-14 May 2026
Bigger & Harman are Kern County traffic ticket defense attorneys. That is our only practice. We resolve traffic ticket for CA drivers.
We regularly defend commercial drivers at the Lamont Courthouse in Kern County, CA. We can often request a dismissal, negotiate a no-point violation, or represent you in court without your presence, and fight for the best possible outcome for your driving record.
You can reach us at (661) 349-9300 or 859-1177, para Español.
Alternatively, you can email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our secure website contact form for a free consultation.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What is the CVSA 37-point Level I inspection?
A: This is the most thorough inspection conducted by the CVSA or the CHP. It covers everything from brake systems and lighting to the driver’s requirements, such as ELP enforcement and online medical certification.
Q: What happens if I am placed Out-of-Service for failing the English Language Proficiency assessment?
A: You will be prohibited from driving. Your company must send another CDL holder to the GCVEF to move the truck. The OOS order will also appear on your PSP record.
Q: How do CSA points affect my employer?
A: High severity points raise the fleet's SMS percentile. High percentiles mean a low record of safety for the carrier, which could leave them open to DOT FMCSA audits and significantly increase the cost for fleet insurance coverage.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers & 49 CFR Part 393.11, General Qualification of Drivers.
The DMV Class A Checklist Tractor Semi-Trailer or Truck & Trailer or Bus & Trailer.pdf.
The CVSA website article, CVSA’s International Roadcheck Scheduled for May 12-14, 2026.