Oct 1, 2005 12:00 PM

Maryland Motor Truck Association staff met with the Maryland State Police recently to discuss the impacts of skyrocketing fuel costs. The MSP expressed its commitment to work with the industry to minimize unnecessary vehicle idling at the weigh stations. One way to reduce wait time is by obtaining a Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) inspection decal.

CVSA inspection decals are issued to carriers upon completion of a Level 1 CVSA inspection. A Level 1 inspection involves a check of 13 major mechanical systems (eg, brakes, steering, and suspension) for both a tractor and a trailer. If no defects are found on either piece of equipment, a CVSA decal is issued. The decal, valid for up to 90 days, serves as evidence that the tractor and trailer have passed a Level 1 inspection and are free of safety defects.

Displaying a valid CVSA sticker will prevent equipment from being inspected at roadside weigh and inspection stations across the nation, thereby reducing the amount of fuel wasted idling. Level 1 inspections and decals can be obtained at all of Maryland's weigh and inspection stations.