International Roadcheck took place May 12-14 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. During the event, inspectors completed 54,575 commercial vehicle inspections and identified thousands of vehicle and driver violations.

More Than 13,500 Out-of-Service Orders Issued

According to CVSA, inspectors placed 10,350 commercial vehicles and 3,184 drivers out of service after identifying violations that required corrective action before the vehicle or driver could continue operating.

Inspectors documented 11,952 vehicle out-of-service violations in the United States, 1,923 in Canada, and 49 in Mexico. Driver inspections resulted in 3,806 out-of-service violations in the United States and 163 in Canada. Mexico reported no driver out-of-service violations.

Because a single inspection can uncover multiple violations, the number of violations exceeded the number of vehicles and drivers placed out of service.

For comparison, the 2025 International Roadcheck resulted in 10,148 vehicles and 3,342 drivers being placed out of service.

Missing Medical Certificates Led Driver Violations

The most common reason drivers were placed out of service during this year’s inspection campaign was failing to have a valid medical examiner’s certificate.

Inspectors issued 1,072 out-of-service violations for missing medical certificates, representing 27% of all driver out-of-service violations. Every one of those violations occurred in the United States.

Other leading driver violations included:

• Hours-of-service violations: 929
• Operating without a commercial driver’s license: 620
• English language proficiency violations: 361
• False duty status records: 266

CVSA also made electronic logging device compliance the driver focus area for this year’s Roadcheck. Inspectors issued 146 out-of-service violations involving electronic logging device tampering, falsification or manipulation, making it the seventh most common driver out-of-service violation identified during the inspection campaign.

In addition, inspectors cited 667 commercial drivers for failing to wear a seat belt during the event.

Brake Violations Remained the Leading Vehicle Issue

Brake-related defects continued to account for the largest share of vehicle out-of-service violations.

Inspectors identified 3,379 brake system violations, representing 24.3% of all vehicle out-of-service violations. Another 2,072 violations involved vehicles with at least 20% defective brakes.

Combined, those two categories accounted for 5,451 brake-related out-of-service violations, or 39.1% of all vehicle out-of-service violations reported during International Roadcheck 2026.

This year’s vehicle emphasis area focused on cargo securement. Inspectors identified 1,724 cargo securement violations serious enough to place vehicles out of service, making it the fourth most common vehicle violation during the enforcement campaign.

Hazardous Materials Inspections Also Conducted

Inspectors completed 2,590 inspections involving vehicles transporting hazardous materials or dangerous goods.

Those inspections resulted in 368 vehicle out-of-service violations and 63 driver out-of-service violations involving hazardous materials transportation.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 31, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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Federal inspection data also shows an important distinction between common violations and out-of-service conditions. Lighting and paperwork issues may generate citations, while serious brake, tire or cargo securement defects can prevent a truck from returning to the road until repairs are completed.

Hours-of-Service Records Draw Close Review

False or inaccurate records of duty status remain among the violations most often identified during roadside inspections. ELDs have removed much of the handwritten work, but they have not eliminated incorrect duty selections, unidentified driving time, missed certifications, or edits that conflict with supporting documents.

A driver should be able to account for the current day and the previous required days when an officer reviews the log. Any malfunction also requires an immediate shift to the approved backup process, which may include paper logs and reconstructed records.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance placed added attention on ELD tampering and falsification during its 2026 International Roadcheck campaign. That focus reflects continuing concern about devices or practices used to conceal hours-of-service violations.

CDL and Inspection Documents Can Stop a Trip

An otherwise clean inspection can still produce violations when the driver or vehicle records are not current.

Officers may verify the CDL class, endorsements, restrictions and medical certification status. A downgraded license, missing endorsement, or expired credential can prevent a driver from legally operating the vehicle assigned to the trip.

Proof of the truck’s periodic inspection also must be available. Federal rules generally require covered commercial vehicles to pass that inspection at least once every 12 months. The work may have been completed, but an unavailable or expired document can still create a roadside problem.

Lighting Defects Remain Easy to Find

A failed lamp is one of the simplest violations for an officer to identify before speaking with the driver.

Brake lights, turn signals, headlamps, clearance lamps and identification lights all deserve attention during the pre-trip. The trailer connection matters too. A tractor may pass its initial lighting check, then develop a problem after coupling to a different trailer.

Reflective material can also draw scrutiny when it is damaged, missing, or obscured. Those defects may look minor in daylight but reduce the visibility of the combination at night.

Brake and Tire Problems Carry Greater Consequences

Brake defects continue to account for a substantial share of commercial vehicle out-of-service violations. Inspectors look for worn or damaged components, air leaks, improper adjustment, and other conditions that reduce braking performance.

Tires receive similar attention. Exposed cords, sidewall damage, inadequate tread depth and audible air loss can lead to immediate restrictions, particularly when the defect affects a steering axle.

These problems are not always obvious from the driver’s seat. Changes in air pressure, pulling during braking, vibration or unusual tire wear should be reported before the next roadside inspection confirms the defect.

Cargo Securement Requires More Than a Pickup Check

A load that was secure when it left the shipper may not remain that way for the full trip. Straps can loosen, chains can shift, and freight can settle after the truck begins moving.

Federal securement rules require drivers to inspect certain loads again after departure and at prescribed points during the trip. Open-deck freight receives particular attention, but enclosed cargo can also become a concern when movement affects vehicle stability or damages the trailer.

Tie-down condition matters as much as placement. Cut straps, damaged chains, and defective binders may no longer provide the working load limit required for the freight.

The Violations Most Likely to Be Prevented

Some roadside defects develop without warning, but several common violations leave clear signs before the inspection begins. The log contains an unresolved event. A lamp fails during a trailer swap. A license or annual inspection date is approaching. A strap begins to loosen after the load settles.

A careful pre-trip cannot guarantee a clean inspection, but it can remove many of the issues that repeatedly appear in enforcement data. Accurate records, current documents, and a complete walk-around give drivers the best chance of addressing those problems before an officer records them.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 11, 2026

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According to the agency, Size and Weights troopers perform thousands of inspections each year, checking critical safety systems including brakes, tires, steering, suspension, lighting, and cargo securement.

OHP says identifying violations before they contribute to a crash remains one of the primary goals of its inspection program.

Brake Violations Led the List

Brake-related issues accounted for several of the most frequently cited violations during June inspections.

The most common violation involved brakes that were out of adjustment, with troopers documenting 186 violations. Another 95 inspections found defective brakes affecting at least 20 percent of a vehicle’s service brakes, while 93 violations involved automatic air brake adjustment system failures. Troopers also recorded 92 violations for audible air brake leaks.

The concentration of brake-related violations highlights the importance of regular brake inspections and maintenance before vehicles return to the road.

Inspection Records and Registration Remain Common Issues

Mechanical problems were not the only issues identified during June inspections.

Troopers issued 169 violations for operating without documentation of a required periodic inspection, making it the second most common violation overall. State registration and tag violations ranked third with 141 citations.

Maintaining current inspection records and ensuring registration documents are up to date can help drivers avoid violations during roadside inspections.

Tire Condition and Weight Compliance Continue to Matter

Tire maintenance and axle weight compliance also remained recurring enforcement issues.

Troopers cited 123 vehicles for tires that were underinflated or leaking. Weight violations also appeared twice among the top ten, with 124 vehicles exceeding axle weight limits by 1 to 2,500 pounds and another 91 exceeding limits by 2,501 to 5,000 pounds.

Proper weight distribution and routine tire inspections can help reduce the likelihood of both equipment failures and enforcement actions.

Top 10 Commercial Vehicle Violations in June

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the ten most common violations identified during June inspections were:

Brakes out of adjustment – 186
Missing required periodic inspection documentation – 169
State registration or tag violations – 141
Axle weight 1 to 2,500 pounds over the limit – 124
Underinflated or leaking tires – 123
Defective brakes affecting at least 20 percent of service brakes – 95
Automatic air brake adjustment system failures – 93
Audible air brake leaks – 92
Axle weight 2,501 to 5,000 pounds over the limit – 91
Speeding 6 to 10 mph over the posted speed limit – 91

OHP noted that the vast majority of commercial drivers are committed to operating safely and said roadside inspections are intended to help ensure commercial vehicles remain safe for everyone traveling Oklahoma’s highways.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 23, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: GHP

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What is Brake Safety Day?

Brake Safety Day is an unannounced event under CVSA’s Operation Airbrake program. During this initiative, certified inspectors carry out routine roadside inspections with a special focus on brake systems and components. This includes identifying violations and collecting brake-related data.

According to CVSA, the inspections were conducted on April 22, and 91.3% of the vehicles inspected (4,171) were free of brake-related out-of-service violations. However, 8.7% (398 vehicles) presented critical brake issues serious enough to require immediate out-of-service orders.

Key Focus Areas and Findings

This year, inspectors emphasized vehicle drums and rotors. Out of all inspected vehicles, 32 (8%) were found with drum/rotor violations, 14 of which resulted in out-of-service orders. CVSA emphasized, “Brake drum and rotor issues may affect a commercial motor vehicle’s brake efficiency and result in violations or out-of-service conditions that may affect a motor carrier’s safety rating. Furthermore, broken pieces of drums or rotors may dislodge and damage other vehicles, causing injuries or fatalities.”

Additional brake-related findings included:

• Defective brakes: 237 vehicles (59.5%) had 20% or more of their brakes in out-of-service condition.
• Brake hose/tubing violations: 77 vehicles were cited for these issues.
• Steering axle violations: 48 vehicles were found with out-of-service steering axle problems.
• Air loss rate test failures: 38 vehicles failed this vital test.
• Other brake-related issues: 112 vehicles faced violations, including worn hoses, inoperative warning devices, hydraulic fluid leaks, and more.

Performance-Based Brake Testing (PBBT)

For added inspection precision, nine U.S. jurisdictions used Performance-Based Brake Testers (PBBTs). A PBBT evaluates a vehicle’s braking performance, and federal regulations mandate a minimum braking efficiency of 43.5%. Out of 100 vehicles tested via PBBT, 8% failed to meet this standard and were placed out of service.

Ongoing Brake Safety Efforts

Brake Safety Day is a part of CVSA’s broader Operation Airbrake program aimed at enhancing commercial vehicle brake safety across North America. The initiative will continue with the upcoming Brake Safety Week, scheduled for August 24–30.

Maintaining commercial vehicle brake systems is not only crucial for regulatory compliance but also essential for ensuring road safety and preventing potentially catastrophic accidents. For commercial drivers and fleet operators, these efforts highlight the importance of regular maintenance and inspections.

Source: The Trucker

The post Nearly 400 Commercial Vehicles Removed from Roads for Brake Violations appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Focus for 2025

This year, inspectors will place a particular emphasis on drums and rotors, performing routine checks on brake systems and components. This targeted focus aligns with CVSA’s mission to enhance road safety by ensuring the functionality and reliability of vital braking components.

Addressing Violations and Key Statistics

Vehicles with brake-related out-of-service violations or any other critical safety violations will be barred from use until the issues are resolved. According to statistics from last year’s Brake Safety Week:

• A total of 16,725 inspections were conducted.
• Out of these, 2,149 vehicles were found to have brake-related out-of-service violations, reflecting a 8% out-of-service rate.
• Among the vehicles taken out of service:
  • 1% had stand-alone brake violations.
  • 1% were cited for steering axle brake violations.

Data Collection and Analysis

Throughout the week, inspectors will capture detailed data on inspections, brake systems, and violations. Some regions will use performance-based brake testers (PBBTs) to evaluate braking efficiency and contribute data to the CVSA’s ongoing research. CVSA will analyze this data and release the findings later this year.

Importance of Brake Safety

Brake Safety Week isn’t just about inspections; it’s a collaborative effort to educate industry stakeholders. Motor carriers, drivers, owner-operators, and mechanics are encouraged to prepare using resources provided by CVSA, which include maintenance guides and tips for ensuring brake system reliability.

This initiative is a critical step toward improving road safety and reducing accidents caused by brake failures. Make sure you’re prepared and compliant before August 24!

Source: Truckers News

The post CVSA Brake Safety Week is Scheduled for August 24-30 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

During the event, which took place from August 25 to 31 across North America, certified inspectors from Canada, Mexico, and the United States examined 16,725 commercial vehicles. The results showed that a significant majority, 87%, were compliant with safety standards and could remain operational on public roads.

However, among the inspected vehicles, “2,149 of those vehicles had brake-related out-of-service violations, which is a 12.8% out-of-service rate,” according to the CVSA’s press release. Vehicles are classified as out of service when they fail to meet the critical inspection items outlined in the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC). Such vehicles cannot resume travel until all identified issues are addressed.

Among the 2,149 vehicles with violations, 1,355, or 63.1%, were found to have stand-alone out-of-service brake violations. Meanwhile, 217 vehicles, accounting for 10.1%, had out-of-service violations related to the steering axle brakes. Furthermore, 1,216 vehicles, representing 56.6% of the total, did not meet the 20% defective brakes criteria, indicating that these vehicles had defective brakes comprising 20% or more of their braking system.

This year, Brake Safety Week highlighted lining and pad violations. Inspectors focused on identifying issues such as loose, missing, or worn brake linings/pads, as well as cracks or contamination. A total of 654 lining/pad violations were found across both power (tractor) and towed (trailer) units.

The event saw participation from 61 jurisdictions:

• In Canada, 1,926 inspections resulted in 243 brake-related out-of-service violations, translating to a 12.6% out-of-service rate, with 44 power units and 49 towed units showing lining/pad violations.

• Mexican inspectors conducted 107 inspections, finding six out-of-service violations—a 5.6% rate—with one power unit and five towed units having lining/pad issues.

• In the U.S., 14,692 inspections led to 1,900 out-of-service violations at a rate of 12.9%, with lining/pad violations noted on 310 power units and 172 towed units.

Additionally, 18 states used performance-based brake testers (PBBT) for 452 inspections, with a failure rate of 5.75%.

Brake Safety Week is an integral component of the CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program, which is committed to enhancing brake safety in commercial vehicles throughout North America. The initiative aims to minimize accidents due to malfunctioning brakes by conducting roadside inspections and educating stakeholders on the significance of proper brake maintenance.

The next Brake Safety Week is set for August 24-30, 2025.

Source: The Trucker

The post Results of the 2024 Brake Safety Week Released by CVSA appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

U.S. Inspection Highlights

In the United States alone, CVSA-certified inspectors conducted 42,332 inspections, identifying 11,675 vehicle violations, 2,619 driver violations, and 140 hazmat infractions. The inspections resulted in 7,930 vehicles (23.2%) and 2,151 drivers (5.1%) being taken out of service. The most common vehicle violation was related to faulty brakes, tallying up to 3,093 cases, while the primary driver violation involved hours of service, with 845 instances recorded. Loading issues led the hazmat violations at 60 entries.

Special Focus Areas

This year’s Roadcheck placed particular emphasis on certain vehicle and driver aspects. The vehicle checks focused on tractor protection systems, covering components like the tractor protection valve and the anti-bleed-back valve. These systems are critical as they secure the tractor’s air supply, preventing air loss when not connected to a trailer or in case of trailer detachment. A total of 564 violations related to these systems were found.

The driver checks targeted alcohol and controlled-substance possession, leading to 78 drug-related and 26 alcohol-related out-of-service violations across North America. Additionally, 63 U.S. drivers were found operating vehicles despite being listed in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which tracks drivers who violate substance regulations. Another 535 violations were issued for not using safety belts.

Hazardous Materials Violations

Across North America, there were 163 out-of-service violations related to hazardous materials during the 72-hour inspection event, with loading being the most common issue.

These findings underscore the ongoing need for rigorous safety inspections and adherence to regulations to ensure the safety and compliance of commercial motor vehicle operations.

Source: Truckers News

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