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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The operation included saturation patrols and a temporary inspection site established along rural state highways, where officers and transportation inspectors conducted inspections, traffic enforcement and commercial vehicle weight checks.

According to the New Mexico State Police, the initiative was designed to identify safety violations, remove unsafe vehicles and drivers from service, and ensure commercial motor vehicles operating in the state comply with federal and state safety regulations.

More Than 150 Safety Inspections Conducted

During the enforcement effort, inspectors completed 153 commercial vehicle safety inspections while also conducting 62 traffic enforcement inspections.

As a result of those inspections, authorities placed 20 commercial vehicles out of service and removed seven drivers from service after identifying violations that met federal out-of-service criteria. Vehicles or drivers placed out of service are prohibited from operating until the violations are corrected.

Citations Issued for Equipment and Traffic Violations

Officers issued a total of 62 citations during the operation.

Among those citations were:

• 58 moving violation citations
• Four equipment-related citations

In addition to enforcement activities, inspectors weighed 100 commercial vehicles and identified five overweight trucks operating on New Mexico roadways.

Commercial vehicle weight enforcement helps protect highway infrastructure while ensuring carriers comply with state weight limits and permitting requirements.

Enforcement Remains a Safety Priority

Targeted commercial vehicle enforcement operations are conducted throughout the year by state agencies to identify violations involving vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, hours-of-service compliance and other safety requirements.

While most inspections end without major violations, vehicles that fail to meet minimum safety standards may be placed out of service until necessary repairs are completed, and drivers found to be operating in violation of federal regulations may also be prohibited from continuing their trip.

Following the operation, the New Mexico State Police reaffirmed its commitment to commercial vehicle safety.

“New Mexico State Police remains committed to keeping New Mexico’s roadways safe through proactive enforcement and ensuring commercial vehicles traveling our state meet required safety standards,” the agency said.

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 21, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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That is one reason drivers may want to pay attention to the latest announcement from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

CVSA has scheduled this year’s Brake Safety Week for Aug. 23-29. During the seven-day initiative, certified inspectors throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico will conduct commercial vehicle inspections with a heightened focus on braking systems.

For many drivers, the announcement serves as a reminder that August will arrive faster than expected.

Brake Drums and Rotors Will Receive Extra Attention

Each year, CVSA places additional emphasis on a specific brake-related area during the inspection campaign. This year, inspectors will focus closely on brake drums and rotors.

According to CVSA, damaged drums and rotors can reduce braking performance and create hazards for everyone sharing the road. Cracked components, excessive wear, and other defects can affect stopping ability. In more serious cases, pieces may separate from the vehicle while it is traveling, creating risks for nearby motorists.

While inspectors will evaluate overall brake system condition, drivers can expect drums and rotors to receive additional scrutiny throughout the week.

A Small Problem Can Become a Large Violation

Many out-of-service violations do not begin as major mechanical failures. In many cases, maintenance issues develop gradually and become more serious when they are ignored.

Brake Safety Week often highlights problems that may have been identified earlier through inspections, maintenance reviews, or driver reports. What begins as a repair that can be scheduled during routine maintenance may eventually become a violation that sidelines equipment and disrupts freight schedules.

For drivers paid by the mile, unexpected downtime can quickly become more costly than the repair itself.

Inspection Data Helps Identify Industry Trends

In addition to roadside inspections, CVSA uses Brake Safety Week to collect information about brake-related violations across North America.

Inspectors participating in the initiative will submit inspection data to the organization after the event concludes. CVSA will then analyze the findings and release the results later this year.

The annual reports often provide a snapshot of where brake maintenance issues continue to surface and how frequently inspectors encounter serious violations during roadside inspections.

The Goal Is Not Just Enforcement

Although enforcement receives most of the attention, Brake Safety Week also includes an educational component.

CVSA says inspectors and transportation officials will use the initiative to engage with drivers, carriers, and maintenance personnel about the role proper brake maintenance plays in preventing crashes and improving roadway safety.

The organization continues to encourage drivers and carriers to conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections and address maintenance concerns before they become larger problems.

What Drivers Can Do Before August

With several months remaining before Brake Safety Week begins, drivers still have time to identify issues that could attract attention during inspections.

That starts with taking brake concerns seriously when they appear. Unusual noises, vibrations, pulling during braking, or visible component damage are all issues worth reporting before they become violations.

The announcement may be months ahead of the actual enforcement period, but drivers who use the time to address maintenance concerns now are less likely to find themselves dealing with unexpected downtime once inspectors begin their focused inspections later this summer.

Author: TDUSA Editorial Team

Author bio: 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 drivers can use.

Last updated: June 3, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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The effort comes after several winter crashes involving tractor-trailers, commercial vehicles, and passenger cars, which caused significant traffic disruptions, particularly in western New York. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported in those incidents.

During the operation, troopers issued a total of 535 citations to passenger and commercial drivers. Of those, 224 tickets, or 42 percent, were for speeding. Additional violations included Move Over Law infractions, distracted driving due to electronic devices, and failure to wear seatbelts. Commercial vehicle-specific citations were also issued for issues with permits, registration, and equipment.

Troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit inspected 148 trucks, and 49 were immediately placed out of service for safety violations, including overweight or over-height loads. In addition, 60 drivers received citations for attempting to evade the CVEU checkpoint. Troopers also made four DWI arrests during the day.

“A core mission of the State Police is to ensure the safety of the state’s roadways, and our troopers work hard every day to successfully carry out this mandate,” said NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James. “Focused enforcement details such as these allow us to proactively respond to specific challenges, educate the public about safe driving, and, when necessary, remove unsafe vehicles and motorists from the road. We’ve had an active winter, and it’s not over yet. While we can’t control Mother Nature’s impact on road conditions, we can — and must — control how we operate behind the wheel.”

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol WHP, the operation was carried out with the Colorado State Patrol as part of what they call a Mobile Enforcement and Education Team MEET Detail. The teams set up inspection checkpoints on US 287 south of Laramie, putting up signs requiring commercial trucks to pull in.

Any driver who kept rolling past the inspection zone was stopped and directed back for review by troopers and mobile inspectors.

One of those stops involved a white box truck, which rolled through the southbound inspection area without stopping. A trooper pulled the vehicle over and returned it to the checkpoint.

During that inspection, officers found the same driver had previously been cited in Colorado.

“While being inspected, troopers discovered the driver had been in violation of the English Language Proficiency ELP requirements on September 13 in Colorado and was put Out of Service,” the release stated. “The driver was arrested on repeat violations for violating Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, English Language Proficiency, and the box truck was towed.”

Across the day, 82 commercial trucks were inspected. By the time the teams wrapped up, enforcement numbers showed how seriously the agencies were taking repeat violations and unsafe vehicles

• 24 trucks were put out of service
• 16 drivers were sidelined
• 4 arrests were made
• 1 marijuana citation was issued

Three of the arrests involved commercial drivers with repeat offenses. Two were tied to operating without a CDL, and the other was the ELP repeat offender. Colorado State Patrol also made an arrest connected to an outstanding statewide warrant.

The WHP spelled out why these checks are not just routine boxes to tick; they are aimed at the safety of professional drivers and the public.

“The Wyoming Highway Patrol takes commercial vehicle safety very seriously,” the release stated. “Various driver violations, including ELP and driving without a CDL license, and vehicle violations, brakes, overweight, etc., can lead to a driver or a vehicle being put Out of Service, meaning the driver can no longer operate the vehicle.”

They added that putting a driver or truck OOS is about preventing dangerous incidents.

“Being put Out of Service is done to ensure the safety of everyone using our roadways, regular and commercial drivers alike. When a driver is found to be operating while not complying with critical FMCSA regulations, along with repeat violations like ELP, the driver may be arrested.”

For truckers who run legally and keep their equipment compliant, operations like this can help weed out the drivers and carriers who cut corners, the same ones that give the rest of the industry a bad name. But it is also a reminder that troopers are watching closely along the Wyoming-Colorado corridor, and repeat offenses are no longer getting a slap on the wrist.

Image Source: WHC
Source: The Trucker

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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.

Summary of Results

A total of 443 inspections were carried out during the three-day event, leading to the discovery of 1,309 violations. Key findings included:

• Vehicles Placed Out of Service: 168 (38%)
• Drivers Placed Out of Service: 19 (4%)
• CVSA Decals Issued: 60

This effort brought together officials from various law enforcement agencies, including Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troopers, Level I certified Highway Patrol Troopers, and MCSAP officers. Agencies such as the Midland Police Department, Odessa Police Department, Ector County Sheriff’s Office, and Ward County Sheriff’s Office participated in the initiative.

About the International Roadcheck

The International Roadcheck is an annual event aiming to ensure compliance with commercial motor vehicle regulations. The initiative spans Canada, Mexico, and the United States, focusing on high-volume inspections conducted by trained law enforcement personnel to promote road safety.

Spotlight on the Permian Basin

The Permian Basin, one of the world’s most prominent oil-producing regions, extends across 61 counties in Texas and reaches into southeastern New Mexico. Stretching roughly 250 miles wide and 300 miles long, the region sees substantial commercial vehicle traffic related to the energy industry.

With inspections revealing extensive violations, the focus of these efforts is clear—to enhance safety and compliance within this critically important economic region.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Texas Department of Public Safety

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Dedicated to Trucking Compliance

“The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division remains committed to ensuring commercial vehicles remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations,” emphasized Sgt. Dale Turner. “Focused efforts like this raise both awareness and voluntary compliance with those laws and regulations.”

Troopers stationed at the Lowell, Bremen, and Ft. Wayne posts supported this campaign. The CVED, which primarily monitors trucks exceeding 10,000 pounds, enforces both state and federal laws specific to large commercial vehicles. Notably, the Lowell post conducted a similar enforcement operation in 2024, continuing the division’s dedication to highway safety.

Operation Focus Areas

The enforcement initiative targeted 10 key crash causation factors often associated with commercial vehicles, including but not limited to:

• 392.2FC: Following too closely

• 392.2C: Disobeying traffic control devices

• 392.2LC: Unsafe lane changes

• 392.2S: Speeding or driving too fast for conditions

• 392.2Y: Failing to yield right of way

• 392.3: Operating while ill or fatigued

• 392.16: Not wearing a seatbelt

• 392-71A: Driving with a radar detector in a commercial vehicle

• 392.80: Texting while operating a commercial vehicle

• 392.82: Using a hand-held cell phone while driving

Noteworthy Results

Over the course of the enforcement effort, officials documented 126 truck violations. Specific figures include:

• 47 speeding violations, divided into 15 citations and 32 warnings.

• 7 seatbelt violations.

• 43 Other violations.

• 29 Level 3 truck inspections focusing on driver-specific compliance checks.

• 10 Level 2 inspections included checks on drivers and vehicle mechanical conditions.

• 3 Level 1 comprehensive inspections, involving thorough driver, documentation, and vehicle checks.
• 126 total truck violations were noted during those inspections.

Indiana State Police’s Ongoing Efforts

Through focused operations like this, Indiana’s law enforcement works to improve road safety by reducing crashes involving commercial vehicles. To stay informed or learn more about the mission of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, visit Indiana State Police CVED.

Source: The Trucker

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What’s New in the 2025 Out-of-Service Criteria?

Last year, CVSA’s voting members approved 15 key modifications to the out-of-service criteria. These adjustments are now active and will impact inspections across North America. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable changes:

• License Endorsements & Restrictions: Updates have been made to “Part I, Item 2. Operator’s/Chauffeur’s License or Permit (Non-CDL), B. Endorsements and Restrictions” and “Part I, Item 3. Commercial Driver’s License, c. Endorsements and Restrictions” to clarify Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate requirements.
• Commercial Learner’s Permit: “Part I, Item 3. Commercial Driver’s License, b. Commercial Learner’s Permit (1)” now explicitly states that a supervising driver for a learner must be fully authorized to operate a commercial vehicle.
• Medical Certification Updates: In “Part I, Item 4. Driver Medical/Physical Requirements, b. Medical Certificate (3),” passenger-carrying and property-carrying vehicles are now included under the same out-of-service condition, removing property-carrying vehicles from a separate clause.
• Brake System Changes: A new out-of-service condition has been added for inoperative brakes caused by an unplugged electrical cable in “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, A. Defective Brakes, (7) Hydraulic and Electric Brakes, (H).” Additionally, language was added to address a disconnected service gladhand in “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing.”
• Air Brake Hose & Tubing Adjustments: The previous out-of-service condition for crimped hoses and tubing, which restricts airflow, has been removed from “Part II, Item 1.” Brake Systems, h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing, (5).”
• Brake Hose and Line Markings: Language has been introduced to “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, h. Air Brake Hose/Tubing” and “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, o. Hydraulic Brakes (3)” to address cases where brake hoses or lines are marked for applications other than the specified brake system.
• Tractor Protection System: “Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, l. Tractor Protection System” now requires both the primary and secondary systems to be below 20 psi, rather than just one.
• Cargo Securement Clarifications: Additional language has been included in “Part II, Item 2. Cargo Securement, a. General Securement” to clarify violations of regulation 392.9(a)(2).
• Lighting Device Updates: A new section has been added specifically for projecting load lamps under “Part II, Item 9. Lighting Devices (Headlamps, Tail Lamps, Stop Lamps, Turn Signals and Lamps/Flags on Projecting Loads), b. At Any Time – Day or Night.”
• Suspension System Adjustments: Clarifications regarding U-bolt bottom plates have been included in “Part II, Item 11. Suspensions, a. Axle Parts/Members (1).” A note and updated diagram have been added to “Part II, Item 11. Suspensions, d. Suspension Connecting Rod and Tracking Component Assembly (2).”
• Tire Regulations: Additional notes have been added to “Part II, Item 12. Tires, a. Any Tire on Any Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit, (8)” and “b. All Tires Other Than Those Found on the Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit (4)” regarding rubber mud flaps.
• Tire Leaks & Automatic Tire Inflation Systems (ATIS): In “Part II, Item 12. Tires, b. All Tires Other Than Those Found on the Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit,” a new out-of-service condition has been introduced for tires without ATIS if a leak is present in the tread area. Meanwhile, leaks in the sidewall are now considered out of service, regardless of whether ATIS is used.
• Radial & Bias Tires Unified: Changes to “Part II, Item 12. Tires, b. All Tires Other Than Those Found on the Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit, (6)-(7), (8)-(9)” eliminate separate out-of-service conditions for radial and bias tires, merging them into a single category.

What This Means for Drivers

These updates have been fully integrated into the North American Standard Inspection Program, impacting training materials, inspection procedures, operational policies, and training videos. Truck drivers should ensure they understand these changes to remain compliant during inspections.

For further details, truckers can contact CVSA Director of Inspection Programs Kerri Wirachowsky by calling 202-998-1650.

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What Are DOT Chain Regulations?

DOT chain regulations are standards established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the proper securement of cargo. These rules are designed to minimize the risks of accidents, avoid load damage, and ensure a safer driving environment.

Chains are one of the most effective tools for securing cargo like heavy machinery, construction materials, and logs. For truckers, especially flatbed drivers, understanding these regulations is essential for avoiding fines, ensuring safety, and maintaining compliance.

Key Insights Into DOT Chain Standards

DOT regulations detail specific requirements for securing various types of loads. Here’s what you need to know:

Choosing the Right Chain

Picking an appropriate chain for your cargo is the first step to proper securement. Here are the common chain grades and their uses:

• Grade 70 Chains: Perfect for lighter loads like building materials or smaller equipment.

• Grade 80 Chains: Designed for medium-to-heavy machinery, offering enhanced durability.

• Grade 100 Chains: The most robust choice, ideal for oversized loads requiring maximum strength.

How Many Chains Do You Need?

The number of chains required is based on cargo weight and type:

• Loads over 10,000 pounds must be secured with at least two chains.

• Additional devices, like straps, ratchets, or binders, may be needed for increased stability and to prevent shifting.

Proper Chain Tension

The key to safe cargo securement is striking the right balance in chain tension:

• Too tight? Chains can snap or damage your cargo.

• Too loose? The load may move, creating serious safety risks.

Using ratchet binders can help maintain the ideal tension to keep cargo steady.

Specialized Cargo Rules

Certain cargo types come with additional requirements:

• Heavy equipment typically requires chains threaded through axles or frames for stability.

• Logs or lumber often need extra straps and proper tensioning to stay secure.

• Bulky machinery may require a combination of chains, straps, and binders to lock everything in place.

Equipment Inspections

Drivers are required to inspect their securement equipment at least every 150 miles or after each driving shift. These inspections help catch potential issues like loose chains or damaged components before they become a safety hazard.

Why Compliance Isn’t Optional

Failing to meet DOT chain regulations can lead to significant consequences. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Costly Penalties: Non-compliance can result in hefty fines.

• Operational Delays: Vehicles with improperly secured loads can be declared out of service until corrections are made.

• Accidents and Legal Risks: Unsecured cargo poses severe safety hazards, leading to accidents, injuries, or worse.

Maintaining compliance is not just about avoiding fines—it’s about fostering safer roads for everyone.

Best Practices for Safe Cargo Securement

To ensure you meet DOT standards and protect your cargo, consider these pro tips:

1. Inspect Chains Before Use

Look for signs of wear, such as rust or fraying. Damaged chains should be replaced immediately to prevent failures on the road.

2. Choose the Right Grade

Select chains that match the weight and type of your load. Grade 70 chains work for lighter loads, but heavier pieces may require Grade 80 or 100 to ensure strength and reliability.

3. Maintain Proper Tension

Use ratchet binders to tighten chains appropriately. Avoid overtightening, which can weaken chains, or under tightening, which can lead to shifting cargo.

4. Plan Your Securement Strategy

Before loading, map out where chains will attach and decide whether additional binders or straps are necessary.

5. Carry Extra Supplies

Keep spare chains, binders, and straps on hand for emergencies. You never know when an issue might arise.

6. Stay Updated

DOT regulations and FMCSA guidelines evolve over time. Regular training or refresher courses can help ensure you’re up to date.

Why Cargo Securement Is Vital to Your Success

Properly securing cargo is both a safety measure and a professional standard. It protects your livelihood, your cargo, and other road users. Following DOT chain regulations ensures smoother operations, builds a reputation as a reliable driver, and enhances the safety of everyone on the road.

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