The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) annual Brake Safety Week is back this August.
For those hauling cargo across Interstate 80 (I-80), be ready for delays. Likewise, commercial drivers should be ready to get pulled in for an inspection of their brakes and brake system components.
In particular, the inspectors focus on drums and rotors at the weigh station on I-80 near Truckee, CA.
Commercial drivers and fleet mechanics should start preparing now to ensure their vehicles are ready for increased scrutiny.
Why Brake Inspections Matter Now More Than Ever
Brake problems cause the highest number of out-of-service (OOS) orders during commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspections.
In 2024, more than 25% of all out-of-service violations, or one-fourth, were brake-related, according to CVSA data.
Of the 16,725 CMV inspections conducted, there were 2,149 vehicles identified with brake-related violations and placed OOS, which was a 12.8% OOS rate.
Vehicles placed OOS cannot be driven until the violations are corrected, which means further expense for fleet to transfer cargo.
These OOS orders could result in missed deadlines, which could mean canceled shipping contracts.
What Inspectors Are Looking for This Year
In 2025, the focus will be on drums and rotors.
“Brake drum and rotor issues may affect a vehicle’s brake efficiency. Broken pieces of drums and rotors may become dislodged from the vehicle enroute and damage other vehicles or result in injuries or fatalities to the motoring public.”—CVSA.org.
Inspectors will check wear, condition, and whether your brake’s drum and rotor components meet safety standards.
Some inspection sites will use the Performance-Based Brake Tester (PBBT) to gather and report statistics to the CVSA,though it’s unclear if it’ll be used this year at the Truckee weigh station on Donner Pass.
NOTE: Beginning 10 June 2025, the DMV started accepting CDL renewals online. Click the “Start CDL Renewal” button.
Prepare for CVSA Brake Safety Week Inspections
CMV operators and fleet managers should inspect their brake systems now rather than waiting until the last minute.
The CVSA also offers these resources to assist carriers, drivers, fleet mechanics, and independent owners in preparing for this year’s Brake Safety Week.
Daily inspections using the Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) remain your best defense—nothing beats a proactive approach to maintenance.
Brake Safety Week Includes Data Collection & Outreach
During Brake Safety Week, inspectors collect brake system data across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This includes violations, roadside inspection findings, and any data from jurisdictions that use PBBTs.
The CVSA will review that data and publish a report later this year, typically released in October.
This effort is part enforcement, part education—designed to make roads safer for everyone.
What This Means If You’re Cited in Truckee or Nearby
Commercial drivers can’t afford to ignore traffic violations or turn down a load to dispute a ticket in court.
Brake-related citations lead to Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points and time-weight multiple that help determine the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile, which many fleet insurance providers use to determine premiums.
Likewise, carriers with a percentile of 75 or higher may trigger DOT FMCSA interventions, such as increased roadside inspections or headquarters audits.
If you’ve had a similar violation in the last six months, your carrier may receive a time-weighted multiple of three and, within six months to a year, a multiple of two.
These CSA points and their time-weight multiples remain on the carrier’s record for two years, and the driver’s Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three.
Brake Safety Week: A Roadway Safety Campaign with Real Consequences
“Brake Safety Week is a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and driver inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative, a brake-safety awareness and outreach opportunity, and a brake-related inspection and violation data-collection project.”—CVSA.org.
This week isn’t just about paperwork—it can affect your job, pay, and future hiring potential. Carriers and drivers should take it seriously and start preparing now.
Consult One of Bigger & Harman’s Nevada County Traffic Attorneys
If you receive a citation near Truckee or the Donner Pass weigh station in Nevada County, don’t go it alone. In fact, you should consult a traffic attorney about any traffic tickets before you decide to pay the fine or contest it in court.
We help commercial drivers fight citations in Truckee Courthouse. Our goal is to keep your CA driving record and CSA score clean to protect your PSP record.
You work hard—we work just as hard defending your right to stay on the road.
Contact us if you’ve been stopped on I-80 near Truckee or anywhere in California for a free consultation.
Ask Bigger & Harman About Traffic Violations Pertaining to the CVSA Brake Safety Week or Other Traffic Violations
If you were issued a traffic violation during Brake Safety Week that requires resolution in Truckee Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
To schedule a complimentary consultation, please email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our contact formnow.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What is Brake Safety Week, and why does it matter to commercial drivers?
A: It’s an annual CVSA event across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico focused on brake inspections and safety.
Q: What happens if I fail a brake inspection during Brake Safety Week?
A: Depending on the deficiency, you could be issued an OOS Order and traffic ticket that could affect your driving record and CSA score if convicted. The issue that caused the OOS Order must be corrected before the vehicle can be driven.
Q: Can Bigger & Harman help me dispute a traffic ticket?
A: Yes, although we can’t help with an OOS Order, we can help you dispute a traffic violation in court.
References:
The CVSA article, CVSA Releases 2024 Brake Safety Week Results.
The CVSA announcement, CVSA’s Brake Safety Week Scheduled for Aug. 24-30.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.