Commercial Vehicle Inspections Across the U.S. Lead to Multiple Out-of-Service Orders

Authorities responsible for commercial vehicle inspections across the United States continue to strengthen enforcement efforts to remove unsafe trucks and unqualified drivers from the nation’s roadways. Through random inspections conducted in different parts of the country, state and federal agencies aim to enforce safety regulations and improve highway safety.

This week, New York, Arizona, and New Jersey were among the states where surprise enforcement operations took place. The inspections uncovered numerous safety violations, highlighting that many carriers and drivers continue to disregard federal and state regulations.

Inspections of commercial trucks in the United States result in multiple take-offs from service

New York cracks down on toll evasion

On July 29, the New York State Police (NYSP), in partnership with the New York State Thruway Authority, released the results of four enforcement operations conducted during the first half of 2026 to combat toll evasion through the use of “ghost plates.“ The initiative was designed to improve roadway safety and targeted violations during operations carried out in March, May, and June at various locations along the Thruway.

According to officials, the operations resulted in the seizure of 214 vehicles and the issuance of more than 1,100 traffic citations for violations including fraudulent or obscured license plates, speeding, cellphone use while driving, failure to wear a seat belt, expired driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations, and suspended registrations due to unpaid tolls or insurance violations.

In addition, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit inspected trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with state and federal safety regulations.

The inspections were conducted at the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (GMMCB), Interstate 190 in Buffalo, and Interstate 87 in Albany. Governor Kathy Hochul said the operations are intended to enhance public safety while preventing toll evasion.

Overweight commercial vehicle violations in Arizona

A commercial vehicle enforcement operation was conducted on July 27 along U.S. Highway 60 in Arizona. Troopers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Highway Patrol (AZDPS), working alongside the Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Unit and the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) Enforcement and Compliance Division (ECD), carried out inspections to identify commercial vehicles operating in violation of state regulations.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety released the results of the one-day operation in Pinal County. Of the 113 commercial vehicles inspected, officers found:

• 64 total violations
• 3 drivers placed out of service
• 9 vehicles placed out of service
• 6 citations issued
• 26 overweight vehicles

Approximately 23% of the vehicles inspected were found to be overweight, one of the violations that poses the greatest risk to roadway safety. According to AZDPS, operations like this are designed to identify these and other safety violations and remove unsafe vehicles and drivers from service before they endanger themselves or other motorists.

Distracted driving enforcement in New Jersey and Arizona

On July 29, the Dunellen Borough Police Department (DBPD) conducted a distracted driving enforcement operation along the 100 block of North Washington Avenue using an unusual tactic.

As part of the operation, one officer dressed as a bush to blend into the surroundings and catch distracted drivers by surprise.

“Did you see our bush today? If your head was buried in your phone, you probably didn’t!” the department joked in a social media post. During the six-hour operation, officers issued 74 distracted driving citations.

Meanwhile, on July 26, 2026, Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers responded to a fatal crash on Interstate 10 near Willcox. While managing the incident, troopers observed heavy traffic congestion that led to several near-collisions caused by drivers slowing down or stopping to record the crash scene with their phones.

As a result, troopers took enforcement action against those drivers. Sixteen motorists were cited for violating Arizona’s hands-free driving law, while one driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

These enforcement operations are designed to identify drivers who put roadway safety at risk—not only to issue citations, but also to reinforce the importance of complying with traffic laws. Beyond fines and other penalties, these dangerous behaviors can place both the offending drivers and everyone else on the road at serious risk.