Vermont DMV fines truck driver for violating previous out-of-service order for unsafe equipment, tows truck

A Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (VT DMV) inspector found several equipment and driver violations during two traffic stops on the same semi truck in a short period of time.

On January 10, 2026, a VT DMV inspector responded to a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) issued regarding a commercial vehicle driver who was reported to be operating erratically and failing to maintain their lane.

When the inspector located the vehicle, the driver was observed using a cellphone behind the wheel.

“The Inspector conducted a traffic stop and performed a commercial motor vehicle inspection on the tractor-trailer combination and driver. As a result of the inspection, the CMV was placed out of service due to multiple safety violations, including defective air hoses, multiple tires with less than 1/32 inch of tread depth, more than 20 percent of the combination’s brakes out of adjustment, inoperable turn signals on the trailer, air leaks not at proper connections, and loose air reservoir tanks,” officials said.

The truck driver was issued a citation for using a cellphone while operating a commercial vehicle.

The semi truck was ordered out-of-service for the equipment violations.

“A short time later, the same CMV was observed leaving the area. A second traffic stop was conducted, and it was determined that none of the previously identified out-of-service violations had been corrected. The owner/operator of the CMV was issued a fine for violating the out-of-service order. The tractor-trailer combination was subsequently towed from the roadway,” said VT DMV.