Truck, trailer, and driver out-of-service after Tennessee trooper finds flat tire, empty fire extinguisher, and more
A Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) trooper found numerous driver and equipment violations during a recent commercial vehicle inspection.
On January 21, 2026, THP said that a Motor Carrier Plus East Region trooper conducted a Level I inspection on a commercial vehicle and “identified multiple serious safety violations” including:
- Semi-trailer was operating with a deflated air suspension, with all four air bags completely flat
- Flat tire on trailer
- Semi-trailer did not have a valid annual inspection on file
- Truck tractor had brakes out of adjustment
- Required fire extinguisher was empty
- Driver’s medical certification was invalid
“Due to the severity of these violations, the driver, truck tractor, and semi-trailer were all placed out of service until all safety concerns were properly addressed,” THP said. “Safe roads start long before the wheels turn — with proper maintenance, compliant drivers, and safety equipment that’s ready when it’s needed.”
See images captured by the THP during the inspection below.
