Indiana troopers conduct CMV blitz targeting overweight trucks

This week, Indiana State Police (ISP) teamed up with a local sheriff’s office for a commercial vehicle enforcement effort following complaints from residents about overweight trucks.

The enforcement activity took place on June 7 on U.S. 41 and on S.R. 55 in Newton County, Indiana.

The ISP’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, and ISP’s Lowell Post teamed up, using portable scales to check the weight of commercial vehicles passing through the area.

“The blitz resulted in some findings that are concerning not only to law enforcement, but to the public. One truck was driving on a flat tire, one driver was found driving without a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), and one driver was found to be in possession of marijuana.  These were each placed “Out of service.” Of the 20 trucks that were weighed, 10 of them were found to be overweight on their gross or on an axle group,” ISP said in a news release.

Police conducted a total of 20 inspections — 17 level II inspections and 3 level III inspections — and uncovered 70 violations.

Officers issued nine citations and 13 warnings.

Sgt. Dale Turner stated, “The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will continue to partner with our local law enforcement agencies to conduct these traffic blitzes in the future to keep Indiana roadways safe.” 

Sheriff Shannon Cothran stated that he is already looking forward to the next CMV blitz in the very near future.