‘Routine’ traffic stop ends in out-of-service order after Tennessee troopers find serious CMV safety defects
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) took a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) off the road after a traffic stop for a faulty turn signal turned into an inspection that revealed multiple equipment violations.
In an August 11 social media post, Tennessee troopers called on truckers to check their equipment after a recent encounter with a poorly-maintained commercial vehicle.
A traffic stop was initiated after a trooper spotted a CMV with an inoperative turn signal.
“What began as a routine traffic violation led to a Level II inspection that uncovered several serious safety defects,” state police said.
Equipment issues discovered during the inspection include:
- Outer hub leaking on Axle 1
- All rearmost lights inoperative, including turn, tail, and stop lamps
- Drop axle frame mount broken completely through at the support near the bolt holes while the axle was actively in use and the truck was fully loaded
- Loose U-bolt, allowing the axle to shift when the wheels were turned
Because of these equipment violations, the CMV was placed out-of-service.
“This inspection is another example of why commercial motor vehicle inspections are so important. Identifying serious mechanical defects before they contribute to a crash can make all the difference,” THP said.