Caltrans reminds truckers not to skip mandatory brake check areas

Caltrans is reminding the trucking community that brake checks are not optional in the wake of a commercial vehicle fire that shut down a stretch of I-80 last week.

On July 23, 2026, a brake issue caused a semi truck to catch fire on westbound I-80 east of Colfax, California.

No injuries were reported, but the truck sustained severe damage, a small brush fire was sparked, and the interstate was partially shut down for hours.

On July 29, Caltrans District 3 responded to last week’s fire by issuing a traffic alert to commercial truck drivers.

Caltrans asked truck drivers to stop at all designated areas, including the mandatory brake check areas along westbound I-80 near Nyack, the Donner Summit Rest Areas along I-80, the brake check area along U.S. Highway 50 near Echo Summit, and the Luther Pass chain control area along State Route 89.

Caltrans said that the California Highway Patrol is actively enforcing the mandatory brake checks, and drivers who skip them could be subject to “citations and additional inspection requirements for failing to comply.”

Officials pointed to signage in the areas informing commercial vehicle drivers of the mandatory stopping areas.

“Brake check compliance is a critical safety measure that helps to prevent brake failures that may result in a larger incident like a roadside fire, wildfire or major traffic collision. Stopping to check brakes ensures that drivers can inspect and adjust their brakes before entering steep downhill grades,” Caltrans said.