The Nebraska State Patrol sprung surprise inspections on truckers in the Lincoln area this week — placing dozens of trucks and several drivers out of service.
The surprise inspections were conducted by officers with the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement division in conjunction with the Lincoln Police Department on Tuesday, May 22. The surprise inspections were meant to target truckers who don’t travel outside the city of Lincoln as well as those who avoid weigh stations, according to a news release from the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP).
From NSP:
“During the special enforcement effort, the Metropolitan Aggressive and Prevention Selective (MAPS) Team conducted 110 vehicle inspections, discovered 313 violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and state law, and took 45 vehicles out of service (not allowed to return to the road). Vehicles are placed out of service for a variety of reasons relating to bad brakes or tires, or other problems that post immediate safety risks. Troopers also placed five drivers out of service, for no CDL (3), improper class of CDL (1), and no log book (1). Troopers also arrested one person on an outstanding warrant and issued $6,575 in citations.“
The NSP says that more surprise inspections are planned throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
The Nebraska State Patrol conducted numerous surprise truck inspections last year, with many of the inspections coming on back-to-back days. Last May, troopers conducted surprise inspections in Lincoln on Tuesday, May 16, in Omaha on Wednesday, May 17, and then again in Sarpy County on Thursday, May 18.