CVSA Releases 2026 Brake Safety Week Inspection Results

The results of the annual inspection campaign organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), known as Brake Safety Week, were released on November 6. During the weeklong inspection campaign, only 15% of the vehicles inspected were found to be non-compliant.

A total of 15,528 commercial motor vehicle brake inspections were conducted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, according to the CVSA’s official announcement. Of that total, 84.7% (13,159 vehicles) had no brake-related violations warranting an out-of-service (OOS) order. Meanwhile, 2,369 vehicles (15.3%) were placed out of service due to brake-related violations.

The campaign took place from August 23–29, 2026. Inspectors in the three participating countries focused on identifying brake system violations and educating commercial motor vehicle drivers, motor carriers, and other industry stakeholders about the importance of properly functioning brake systems.

2026 Brake Safety Week Results

This year’s Brake Safety Week focused on brake rotors and drums. The CVSA added that some vehicles had multiple brake-related violations, including:

• 141 drum and rotor-related violations (64 vehicles placed out of service).
• 45 violations involving rusted rotors.
• 32 violations involving cracked rotors.
• 20 violations involving metal-to-metal contact.

Inspections were conducted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the largest number taking place in the United States. The results for each country were as follows:

Other violations resulting in out-of-service orders identified during Brake Safety Week included:

• 92 violations involving steering axle brake linings.
• 119 violations involving other steering axle conditions.
• 145 air loss rate violations.
• 600 violations involving brake hoses or tubing.
• 759 other brake-related violations (including violations involving tractor protection systems, air tanks, parking brakes, emergency or breakaway brakes, low air pressure warning devices, and hydraulic or electric brake systems, among others).

Most of the inspections conducted were Level I inspections, in accordance with North American standards. These accounted for 91% (14,150 inspections) of all inspections performed during the campaign. A Level I inspection is a comprehensive, 37-step procedure that evaluates driver operating requirements and the vehicle’s mechanical condition, including an examination of air brake system components.

Inspectors removed 1,176 vehicles (49.6%) from service for meeting the 20% defective brake criteria established under the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. This means that 20% or more of the vehicle’s service brakes, or those of a combination of vehicles, were found to be in a condition warranting an out-of-service order.

CVSA Encourages Drivers to Prioritize Safety

“CVSA encourages drivers and motor carriers to conduct regular vehicle inspections and proactive maintenance, promptly address any identified issues, and ensure commercial motor vehicles operate safely with properly functioning brake systems,” the organization stated.

According to the CVSA, the 2027 Brake Safety Week is scheduled for April 18–24.