USVI Public Records

Document text

Roadside inspections conducted by the Motor Carrier Division of the Virgin Islands Police Department are essential to ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of commercial motor vehicles operating throughout the Territory. Roadside inspections may be conducted at various locations, including along roadways and highways during traffic stops, at weigh stations or designated inspection checkpoints, at ports and cargo terminals, at commercial carrier facilities or terminals, and during special enforcement operations. These inspections are performed using standardized North American inspection levels (Levels I–VII), each designed to evaluate specific aspects of driver qualifications, vehicle condition, and operational safety. Level I, the North American Standard Inspection, is the most comprehensive, covering driver documents and a 37-step vehicle inspection, including undercarriage components such as brakes, suspension, and steering. Level II is a walk-around inspection of the driver and vehicle that checks the same driver documents as Level I, but only inspects components visible without going under the vehicle. Level III focuses solely on the driver, reviewing licenses, medical certification, logbooks, and safety records. Level IV consists of special, one-time inspections targeting a specific vehicle component, such as the brake system, while Level V is a vehicle-only inspection conducted without the driver, typically at the carrier’s terminal. Level VI is an enhanced inspection for vehicles transporting select radioactive materials, requiring stricter safety standards. Finally, Level VII applies to intrastate passenger vehicles, including buses and vans, with inspections often conducted at schools or terminals to ensure safe passenger transport. The following tables present the number of roadside inspections conducted by the Motor Carrier Division for FY2024 through FY2026, Quarter 1. Commercial vehicle roadside inspections play a critical role in identifying safety risks and ensuring compliance with federal and territorial regulations. During these inspections, a range of violations are commonly detected, generally falling into two primary categories: driver-related and vehicle-related 1452 1439 367 0 1000 2000 FY24 FY25 FY26 (Qtr. 1) Total Number of Violations Recorded During Roadside Inspections violations. Driver-related violations often include failure to use seat belts, speed related, and use of mobile phone. These issues directly impact roadway safety, as they can lead to reduced reaction times and increased crash risk. Vehicle-related violations are frequently associated with mechanical deficiencies and improper maintenance. These violations can significantly increase the likelihood of equipment failure, posing a danger to both the driver and the public. The following graph illustrates the total number of violations identified during CMV inspections for FY2024, FY2025, and the first quarter of FY2026. On average, approximately 1.8 violations were recorded per inspection across each of these fiscal years. A subset of inspections results in out-of-service (OOS) orders, where either the driver or vehicle is deemed unsafe to continue operating until the violation is corrected. OOS violations are particularly critical, as they represent immediate safety hazards. The graph below shows the number of inspections that resulted in out-of-service orders. The inspections resulting in out-of-service orders accounted for 16.4% (134 of 816) in FY2024, 20.9% (164 of 786) in FY2025, and 16.2% (32 of 197) in FY2026 Quarter 1. 138 164 32 0 50 100 150 200 FY24 FY26 (Qtr. 1) Number of Inspections Resulting in Out-of-Service Orders