The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has set this year’s Brake Safety Week for August 23–29, launching a coordinated enforcement effort across North America. During the event, CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct roadside inspections, underscoring the critical role of properly functioning brake systems in commercial vehicle safety.
Throughout Brake Safety Week, vehicles identified with brake-related out-of-service (OOS) violations—serious defects that compromise safe operation—will be sidelined until repairs are made. In 2026, inspectors will place heightened emphasis on brake drums and rotors, components that may affect a vehicle’s brake efficiency.
Earlier this year, during CVSA’s unannounced Brake Safety Day on April 14, nearly 600 commercial vehicles were removed from the road due to brake violations. Of 4,021 inspections conducted across North America, 574 vehicles (14.3%) were placed out of service. In the U.S. alone, 460 of 3,301 inspected vehicles (13.9%) were cited for brake-related OOS violations.
This trend mirrors last year’s Brake Safety Week results when inspectors evaluated 13,700 vehicles nationwide and placed 2,035 out of service—a 14.9% OOS rate.
Brake Safety Week is part of CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program, a trilateral initiative spanning the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The program aims to reduce crashes caused by brake system failures through a combination of inspections and education efforts targeted at drivers, mechanics, and fleet operators. CVSA will report the results of the 2026 inspection and enforcement blitz later this year.
With 2026 Brake Safety Week approaching, motor carriers and drivers should prioritize proactive brake inspections and maintenance. Well-maintained brake systems not only improve road safety but also help ensure a smoother inspection process.
To support these efforts, CVSA is offering a 2026 Brake Safety Week flyer outlining key drum and rotor inspection tips, along with additional educational resources on its website.
