U.S. inspectors placed 2,134 vehicles out of service
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance released results November 6 from Brake Safety Week, held August 23–29. U.S. jurisdictions conducted 14,165 commercial motor vehicle inspections and placed 2,134 vehicles out of service for brake-related violations, a 15.1% rate. Across the United States, Canada and Mexico, inspectors completed 15,528 inspections and placed 2,369 vehicles out of service for brake violations, while 84.7% of inspected vehicles had no brake-related out-of-service violation.
Most inspections used the full Level I procedure
CVSA says 14,150 inspections—91% of the North American total—were North American Standard Level I inspections. The brake portion can include adjustment, slack adjusters, linings and pads, return springs, brake chambers, camshafts and steering-axle components. Inspectors also check air pressure and air loss, tractor protection, air tanks, hoses and fittings, parking and emergency brakes, breakaway systems and anti-lock braking systems.
The 20% defective-brake criterion was the largest named category
Among all vehicles placed out of service for brake-related conditions, 1,176 met the 20% defective-brake criterion, meaning at least 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle or combination had an out-of-service condition. CVSA also reported 600 out-of-service violations involving brake hoses or tubes, 145 involving air-loss rate, 92 involving steering-axle linings and 119 involving other steering-axle conditions. Counts are violations rather than unique vehicles, so one vehicle may appear in more than one category.
The campaign found 141 drum and rotor violations
Drums and rotors were the campaign’s special focus. Inspectors reported 141 related violations: 97 involving air-disc brakes, 36 involving S-cam brakes and eight involving hydraulic brakes. Those findings included broken or rusted rotors, metal-to-metal contact and broken drums, and resulted in 64 vehicles being placed out of service. The numbers describe inspected vehicles during a targeted enforcement week and should not be treated as the defect rate for the entire national fleet.
Performance-based testing identified additional failures
Twelve U.S. jurisdictions used performance-based brake testers during 657 inspections. Twenty-nine vehicles, or 4.41% of that tested group, failed to meet the required 43.5% minimum braking-efficiency rate and were placed out of service. This is a separate, selected testing group and is not directly comparable with the overall inspection out-of-service rate. CVSA says brake safety remains a year-round responsibility; the next Brake Safety Week is scheduled for April 18–24, 2027.
Driver and fleet takeaway
Drivers should complete the required pre-trip inspection and report air leaks, low-air warnings, damaged hoses or tubing, abnormal pull, delayed response, unusual noise, warning lamps and any visible lining, drum or rotor concern before moving the vehicle. Do not diagnose beyond training or operate equipment placed out of service until the condition is properly repaired and the order is cleared. Fleets should review roadside and maintenance records by unit and component, prioritize repeat hose, air-loss, adjustment and steering-axle findings, document qualified repairs and verify brake performance before release. Use the CVSA results to focus maintenance and training, not as a substitute for the applicable inspection procedure, manufacturer instructions or federal and state requirements.
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance — 2026 Brake Safety Week Results
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