Commercial vehicle inspection in Tennessee uncovers bad brakes, no turn signal, tire trouble, and more
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reminded commercial vehicle drivers that “proper vehicle maintenance is not optional” after encountering a truck with multiple serious safety defects.
On April 8, 2026, THP catalogued the equipment violations uncovered by a trooper during a recent commercial vehicle inspection that resulted in an out-of-service order.
- Passenger-side tie rod bushing exhibited movement greater than 1/8 inch under hand pressure
- Inside tire on axle 2 had a large sidewall crack approximately 7 inches in length
- Left turn signal was inoperative
- Defective brakes were equal to or greater than 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle
THP used the incident as a reminder about the importance of performing pre-trip inspections and timely repairs.
“These violations pose a serious risk to roadway safety. Proper vehicle maintenance is not optional—it is essential to protecting drivers and the public. Reminder: Regular inspections and timely repairs can prevent dangerous situations and costly violations. Stay safe and stay compliant,” said THP.