The one-day inspection campaign took place on April 14 and involved enforcement agencies throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to CVSA, inspectors completed 4,021 commercial vehicle inspections during the initiative.

Inspection results released this week showed that 574 commercial vehicles were placed out of service due to brake-related violations discovered during roadside inspections.

CVSA said vehicles are removed from operation when inspectors determine the violations are serious enough to make continued travel unsafe.

Most Vehicles Passed Without Brake-Related Out-of-Service Violations

According to the inspection data, 3,447 commercial vehicles completed Brake Safety Day without any brake-related out-of-service violations.

CVSA also reported participation from 47 jurisdictions across North America during this year’s enforcement campaign.

Inspectors placed additional attention on brake drums and rotors this year. The organization said inspectors identified 43 drum and rotor violations, including 21 that resulted in out-of-service orders.

Brake hoses, tubing systems, steering axle components, air loss rate failures, parking brake systems, and low-air warning devices were also among the violations identified during inspections.

Performance Brake Testing Was Used in Multiple States

CVSA said 10 U.S. jurisdictions used performance-based brake testers during 349 inspections conducted throughout the initiative.

The testing equipment measures actual braking performance to determine whether a commercial vehicle meets minimum braking efficiency standards required under federal regulations and CVSA out-of-service criteria.

According to CVSA, 26 vehicles failed to meet the required 43.5% braking efficiency threshold and were placed out of service.

Most inspections completed during Brake Safety Day were North American Standard Level I Inspections, which involve a 37-step inspection process reviewing both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical condition.

The Level I inspection remains the most commonly performed commercial vehicle inspection throughout North America.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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Inspection Summary

From January 1 through February 14, CVED officers conducted 6,455 commercial vehicle inspections. These inspections resulted in 653 drivers being placed out of service and 752 vehicles being removed from operation. Inspectors also recorded 49 oversize violations and 278 overweight violations. Maintaining compliance with regulations remains critical for drivers and fleets to stay on the road safely.

Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign

During the week of January 12 to 16, ISP CVED participated in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign. Officers used this initiative to identify potential risks and support safe operations across the trucking industry.

Winter Storm Response

Between January 25 and 28, CVED personnel responded to the aftermath of a severe winter storm. During that time, officers investigated 131 vehicle crashes and answered 2,342 calls for service. These efforts were beyond their normal duties, demonstrating the division’s commitment to public and driver safety even under challenging conditions.

Maintaining Compliance

These results emphasize the importance of proactive compliance for all truck drivers. Staying current on vehicle maintenance, weight limits, and safety standards can prevent being placed out of service and protect drivers’ ability to operate efficiently.

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The enforcement detail took place on December 11 between Benson and Wilcox, marking the anniversary of Merrill’s death on December 11, 1978. Merrill was struck by a tractor-trailer while performing a traffic stop on I-10 near Benson. His death remains a reminder of the risks faced by roadside officers and drivers alike.

The focus of the detail was enforcement of Arizona’s Move Over Law, along with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations. Interstate 10 is one of the state’s busiest freight corridors, making it a key location for safety enforcement and awareness efforts.

According to the Arizona Highway Patrol, officers conducted traffic stops and commercial vehicle inspections throughout the operation. The results included 81 traffic stops and 48 total citations. Of those, 27 citations were issued for Move Over Law violations, and 18 were classified as hazardous violations. Two arrests were made during the detail.

Commercial vehicle enforcement was also a major component of the operation. Officers completed 30 commercial motor vehicle inspections and documented 134 driver vehicle examination report violations. As a result, nine drivers and four vehicles were placed out of service until violations could be corrected.

For truck drivers and carriers, enforcement efforts like this reinforce the continued emphasis on roadside safety and regulatory compliance, particularly in high-traffic freight corridors. Move Over Law violations remain a frequent enforcement priority nationwide, and citations can lead to fines, points, and increased carrier risk.

The inspection results also highlight the importance of vehicle condition, documentation, and adherence to commercial vehicle regulations. Out-of-service violations can delay loads, disrupt schedules, and increase costs for fleets.

Beyond the enforcement numbers, the detail served as a memorial for an officer whose death continues to shape roadside safety awareness. Officer Merrill’s death in 1978 underscores why Move Over laws exist and why caution is critical during roadside stops. For today’s trucking community, the reminder is straightforward. Awareness, compliance, and respect for roadside safety laws help protect drivers, carriers, and law enforcement alike.

Source: Truckers News

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According to a public update, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) carried out a Mobile Enforcement and Education Team (MEET) Detail on U.S. 287 south of Laramie on September 30. The initiative was designed to focus on commercial carrier traffic and highway safety compliance.

During the operation, officers conducted inspections on 82 commercial vehicles. From those inspections, 16 drivers and 24 vehicles were taken out of service. Officers also made four arrests and issued one citation related to marijuana possession.

In its statement, the Wyoming Highway Patrol noted that troopers made three of the arrests, each involving commercial drivers with repeat offenses. Two arrests were for repeated violations of operating without a CDL, while the third was connected to repeated English Language Proficiency violations.

Meanwhile, the Colorado State Patrol confirmed one arrest involving a driver wanted on a state-wide warrant.

The MEET Detail represents a continued cooperative effort between Wyoming and Colorado agencies to identify unsafe carriers and drivers while promoting safer highways across both states.

Source: Wyoming Highway Patrol
Source: Truckers News

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On Thursday, August 28, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) shared the results from its annual hazardous materials and dangerous goods inspection effort. The five-day blitz, conducted from June 9 through June 13, aims to “reduce hazardous materials/dangerous goods incidents and encourage uniformity and consistency in the application of the regulations.”

Inspectors examined 4,629 commercial motor vehicles across the United States and Canada during the event. A total of 1,169 hazardous materials violations were found, with 598 of those resulting in vehicles being placed out of service until the issues were corrected.

CVSA reported that 45 jurisdictions participated in the blitz, including 35 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces. Vehicles with out-of-service violations were immediately removed from operation to prevent further risk.

“The transportation of HM/DG demands rigorous training and heightened compliance requirements,” CVSA said in a statement. “For motor carriers and drivers, safely transporting HM/DG is imperative to the safety of the driver, the public, and the environment.”

The most frequent violations identified in U.S. inspections were non-bulk placarding 104, bulk package marking 99, and bulk placarding 88.

Meanwhile, 831 vehicles, nearly 18 percent of those inspected, received CVSA decals. These decals indicate that no critical vehicle or specific cargo tank violations were found and remain valid for up to three months. Vehicles displaying a decal are typically not subject to re-inspection during that period.

For context, last year’s safety blitz involved 3,929 inspections, with over 85 percent of vehicles found to have no critical violations, showing consistent compliance improvements within the industry.

Source: Landline Media

Image Source: Jared Murray (Unsplash)

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From August 24 through August 30, law enforcement officers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will take part in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week. This week-long initiative concentrates specifically on commercial vehicle brake systems to help keep roads safer.

During this period, certified CVSA inspectors will carry out routine inspections targeting brake components, with a special focus on brake drums and rotors, which are the central theme of this year’s safety emphasis.

Damaged or broken brake drums and rotors can seriously reduce braking efficiency. Loose fragments may fall off while the vehicle is moving, posing risks not only to the truck but also to other motorists, potentially causing accidents or injuries.

Any commercial motor vehicle found with brake-related violations or other critical out-of-service issues will be taken off the road until repairs are completed.

Last year’s data shows the importance of these inspections. Out of 16,725 commercial vehicle checks conducted during Brake Safety Week, 2,149 vehicles were cited for brake-related out-of-service violations,  an out-of-service rate of 12.8%.

In the U.S. alone, inspectors performed 14,692 inspections last year and found 1,900 brake-related violations that required vehicles to be removed from service, marking a 12.9% out-of-service rate.

Source: Truckers News

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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

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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

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Vehicles passing Level I or Level V inspections without critical violations may earn a CVSA decal valid for three months.

During the 2024 International Roadcheck, tire issues and brake-related violations accounted for over 50% of all Out-of-Service (OOS) violations.

“According to CVSA, nearly one in four commercial vehicles inspected during last year’s event was placed out of service,” said TJ Thomas, director of marketing and customer solutions for Bendix. “With brake systems, tires and other aspects of vehicles, attention to detail, consistent training and regular maintenance can deliver real-world safety and compliance improvements.”

To help drivers, technicians, and fleets prepare for Roadcheck 2025, Bendix offers key insights and best practices.

The Vital Role of Brake Maintenance in Safety

Brake-related violations remained the leading cause of OOS orders in 2024. CVSA reported that defective service brakes accounted for 25% of vehicle violations, while additional brake system-related issues comprised another 18%.

“Brake systems are the backbone of any truck’s safety suite,” said Rick Conklin, director of wheel-end engineering at Bendix. “Not only do they bring vehicles to a stop, but they also enable advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), like full-stability control and collision mitigation, to function optimally. If brakes underperform, the entire safety architecture is compromised.”

To prioritize brake safety, Bendix recommends daily walkarounds and in-shop inspections.

During walkarounds, look out for:

• Damaged air chambers
• Misaligned slack adjusters
• Extended pushrods

Technicians should perform these shop inspections:

• Measure brake chamber stroke and check adjustments.
• Conduct brake applications above 80 psi to identify air leaks.
• Inspect friction components for cracks, wear, or contamination.
• Evaluate drums and rotors for heat spots or damage.

“Brake performance starts with the right friction components,” Conklin added. “Using OEM-specified parts and meeting Reduced Stopping Distance (RSD) standards ensures braking balance. Replacing brake pads or shoes in matched axle sets is critical to maintaining performance.”

Conklin also emphasized the advantages of air disc brakes, highlighting their ease of inspection, reduced risk of out-of-adjustment violations, and exceptional performance benefits.

Tire Maintenance Tips for Roadcheck Compliance

Tires are another primary focus for Roadcheck 2025, with inspections including tread depth, inflation levels, sidewall integrity, and repair quality checks. Proper tire health reduces the risk of roadside incidents and unnecessary costs.

Over 20% of vehicle violations during the 2024 Roadcheck were tire-related, with underinflation being a common cause of failures.

“Underinflated tires are more than a wear issue – they’re a potential safety liability, increasing the chance of sudden failure due to excessive heat buildup,” said Brian Screeton, manager of technical training and service at Bendix. “With today’s technology, there’s no reason not to monitor the pressure in real-time and catch problems before they turn into emergencies.”

Bendix suggests using tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), like SmarTire and Trailer-Link, which continuously monitor tire pressure and temperature inside the cab.

“TPMS solutions do more than alert you to inflation issues,” Screeton said. “They can identify brake drag, which causes dangerous pressure and heat buildup at the wheel end.”

Tire maintenance recommendations include:

• Checking tread depth to meet legal standards.
• Inspecting sidewalls for damage or embedded objects.
• Ensuring dual tires are properly matched and inflated.
• Conducting routine rotations and alignments.

Tractor Protection Systems (TPS): A Step Not to Overlook

Although not a specific focus category for 2025, Tractor Protection Systems (TPS) remain crucial for trailer safety during unexpected disconnections. Over 560 TPS violations were reported during the 2024 Roadcheck.

“A well-functioning TPS can mean the difference between a safe stop and a runaway trailer,” Screeton stated.

Screeton outlined a straightforward method for verifying TPS operation:

1. Start the engine and allow the air system to pressurize fully.
2. Shut off the engine and disconnect the glad hands from the trailer.
3. Push in the red trailer-supply valve on the dash.
4. When air vents from the trailer-supply glad hand, the red valve should pop out automatically.
5. Press the brake pedal to confirm no air escapes the service glad hand.

“If the sequence behaves unexpectedly, the TPS requires a closer inspection,” he explained.

Screeton warned that contamination, such as dirt in the glad hand connection, can damage downstream components like the trailer relay valve, leading to dragging or brake release issues.

“When uncoupling glad hands, always use dummy couplers to keep out debris and prevent bigger problems,” he advised.

Stay Roadcheck-Ready with Expert Practices

Roadcheck initiatives like these are critical for reinforcing safety measures across North America. With proper maintenance and proactive checks, fleets and drivers can ensure compliance while enhancing overall safety.

By following these guidelines, you’ll meet safety standards and reduce your operational risks significantly. Stay safe out there!

Source: The Trucker

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This coordinated effort involved three branches of the Louisiana State Police alongside the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Police. The crackdown aligns with Governor Jeff Landry’s recent proclamation of January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and corresponds with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative.

Enforcement Highlights

Louisiana State Police Transportation Safety Services (LSP-TSS):

LSP-TSS conducted thorough North American Standard inspections on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). These inspections aimed to enforce both federal motor carrier safety regulations and Louisiana’s criminal and traffic codes. During the operation, officials placed a significant focus on identifying unauthorized passengers within commercial vehicles, a known risk factor in human trafficking cases.

Advanced Air Support Technology:

LSP-Air Support played a pivotal role in the initiative, deploying its Bell 407 GXP/GXI helicopter fitted with the cutting-edge Trakka System. This advanced technology aids law enforcement by facilitating search and rescue missions, mapping, and real-time video management. During the blitz, this system was instrumental in detecting CMVs engaged in unsafe operations, enabling law enforcement teams on the ground to act swiftly.

DOTD Police Oversight:

Meanwhile, DOTD Police reinforced the operation through their fixed-scale facility, where they managed the flow of CMVs. Officers focused on inspecting vehicles entering and exiting these facilities while redirecting bypassing CMVs to designated inspection points for further scrutiny by LSP-TSS.

This multi-agency enforcement effort highlights Louisiana’s commitment to combating human trafficking within the commercial trucking industry, a vital step toward safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring accountability on the roadways.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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