Major CMV blitz coming to Arizona interstates next week

Law enforcement will be taking part in a major CMV blitz in southern Arizona next week.

From Monday, February 19, 2024, through Friday, February 23, 2024, the “Operation Southern Shield” CMV enforcement blitz will take place on I-10 from Phoenix to the New Mexico state line, and on I-19 from Tucson to the international border, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS).

The purpose of the blitz is to curb crashes involving commercial vehicles.

During the five day enforcement effort, more than 80 commercial vehicle enforcement inspectors will patrol I-10 and I-19.

Inspectors will be emphasizing motor carrier safety regulations, including driver qualification, hours of service, and overall safe operations.

“Inspectors and enforcement officers will target hazardous moving violations, distracted driving, and seatbelt violations while conducting commercial vehicle inspections to ensure commercial drivers and vehicles comply with commercial vehicle regulations and state laws. Non-commercial vehicles that are operating unsafely around commercial vehicles will also be stopped,” AZDPS said.

Participating agencies include the Arizona Commercial Vehicle Safety Partnership, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Tucson Police Department, and the Marana Police Department.