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.