Brake Safety Week involves a thorough inspection by agents who evaluate multiple components of a truck's brake system.
This year, the CVSA Brake Safety Week will take place from August 24 to 30, 2025, with a focus on brake system safety across North America. This annual initiative emphasizes brake-related violations, one of the leading causes of accidents involving commercial vehicles. The inspection is conducted to encourage compliance with regulations, as failing an inspection can result in fines, out-of-service orders, and delivery delays.
This year, Brake Safety Week will focus on brake drums and rotors. According to CVSA, issues with these parts can compromise brake effectiveness and may even detach from the vehicle, potentially causing serious damage or injury.

What areas will be inspected?
Brake Safety Week involves thorough evaluations by agents who inspect multiple components of a truck’s brake system. Although this year the inspection will focus on drums and rotors, inspectors will assess all brake system components. Key inspection areas, according to CVSA, include:
- Brake pads and shoes – proper thickness and even wear.
- Air brake systems – compressors, tanks, lines, and valves.
- Hydraulic brake fluid lines and levels – proper levels and no leaks.
- Brake drums and rotors – inspecting for cracks, deformations, and structural damage.
- Slack adjusters – correct position and operation.
- Brake warning systems – dashboard lights, indicators, and audible alarms.

How to prepare for the inspection?
For many drivers, avoiding inspections may seem like a way to pass them, but the importance of these events is often overlooked. These inspections emphasize the need to comply with safety regulations and maintain a good driving record. The best approach is to be prepared in advance, and it’s easier than it seems:
1. Inspect your brakes thoroughly
Before facing the CVSA inspection, make sure to perform one yourself. Check the following truck components:
- Air pressure levels and potential leaks.
- Brake pads and shoes.
- Brake lines and hoses.
- Warning lights, indicators, and alarms.
- Brake chambers and air tanks.
2. Schedule maintenance in advance
In addition to routine checks, don’t forget to take your truck to a certified mechanic for proper maintenance. Having a professional ensure everything is in working order gives you peace of mind, knowing that potential issues are caught before they become violations, ensuring compliance during the inspection.
Make sure to schedule maintenance in advance to ensure it’s thorough and of high quality.
3. Prepare your documentation
Keep your paperwork organized and ready. Make sure to carry your records in order, along with your ELD and DVIR data, as well as medical cards and certifications. Disorganized documentation may lead to more detailed inspections, while organized drivers usually pass through faster.

While you can’t always control the outcome of an inspection, you can make an effort to achieve the main goal: passing. With these three simple steps, we guarantee you’ll be fully prepared for the inspection.

USDOT Withholds $40 Million from California Over English Proficiency “Rule Rebellion”
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced that it will withhold more than $40 million in federal highway safety funds from California for failing to enforce national English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards for commercial truck drivers.

ICE operation detains 120 drivers along the I-40
A three-day ICE operation along the I-40 led to the detention of 120 drivers for immigration-related violations. A three-day operation along Interstate 40 in western

October’s bankruptcy spike: 5 carriers file for Chapter 11 in just two weeks
During the first half of October five transportation-related companies filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. The transportation industry has gone through difficult months, but October

Could It Happen with Trucks? Tesla Investigation Reopens the Debate on Autonomous Freight Safety
Could It Happen with Trucks? Tesla Investigation Reopens the Debate on Autonomous Freight Safety

Road Safety in the U.S.: Faulty Brakes and Slow Tech Adoption Still Cause Thousands of Truck Crashes Every Year
Road Safety in the U.S.: Faulty Brakes and Slow Tech Adoption Still Cause Thousands of Truck Crashes Every Year

U.S. Trucking Companies Prepare for the Winter Season: Maintenance, Safety, and Efficiency
As winter approaches across the United States, trucking companies strengthen their maintenance, safety, and efficiency protocols to ensure uninterrupted freight movement. Preparing for harsh weather is essential for drivers, fleets, and logistics operators to maintain performance and protect both cargo and personnel.