Essential Guide to DOT Brake Inspection Week: Key Insights and Tips

Every year, commercial motor vehicle fleets across the country prepare for one of the most important safety events on the calendar: DOT Brake Inspection Week. Organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), this initiative is a crucial effort to ensure the safety and reliability of vehicles on our roads, and it can have a big impact on your fleet if you're not ready.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is DOT Brake Inspection Week?

DOT Brake Inspection Week is part of CVSA's Brake Safety initiatives, designed to raise awareness about the importance of brake system maintenance. During this period, inspectors across North America conduct thousands of roadside inspections focusing specifically on brake systems.

Their goal? To ensure that brakes are properly maintained, functional, and compliant with federal regulations. Vehicles found with out-of-service violations related to braking issues can be removed from the road immediately, affecting operations and profitability.

Why Are Brake Inspections So Critical?

Brakes are one of the most vital safety components of any vehicle, especially for large trucks and buses. Faulty brakes can lead to longer stopping distances, loss of control, and catastrophic accidents.

Some of the common brake violations identified during past inspections include:

• Loose or missing parts

• Air leaks

• Worn brake pads or drums

• Improperly adjusted brakes

• Contaminated brake linings

A strong, proactive brake maintenance program can prevent violations, reduce downtime, and, most importantly, save lives.

What Happens During Brake Inspection Week?

During Brake Inspection Week, certified inspectors perform Level I or Level V inspections, with a strong focus on the vehicle's braking system components. Here's what they typically check:

• Brake system warning devices (ABS indicator lights)

• Brake hoses and tubing

• Slack adjusters

• Air or hydraulic fluid leaks

• Pushrod travel

• Brake pads and rotors

If defects are found, they could result in citations, fines, or the vehicle being placed out of service.

What Are Inspectors Focusing on This Year?

During this year's Annual Brake Safety Week, commercial motor vehicle inspectors will place special emphasis on detecting brake system violations that could compromise the safety of drivers and everyone else on the road.

Inspectors will be conducting roadside inspections that focus heavily on key components of a vehicle’s braking system, including:

• Air compressor pressure gauge functionality
  Inspectors will check to ensure that the air pressure builds up properly and that the air compressor is maintaining the correct pressure levels. A faulty gauge or low air pressure can indicate serious issues that may lead to a brake system violation.

• Brake lining and pad condition
  Worn, cracked, or missing brake linings are among the most common defects cited during inspections. These issues represent a major threat to safe operation and will be a top focus this year.

• Air leaks and slack adjuster condition
  Inspectors will listen for audible air leaks and examine whether slack adjusters are properly adjusted — both critical elements that can prevent brake failure.

• Performance during pre-trip inspections
  Drivers are expected to demonstrate knowledge of proper pre-trip inspection procedures, particularly around the brake system. Failure to identify issues before departure can affect a motor carrier's safety rating if systemic problems are found.

According to the Office of the Motor Transport Administrator, brake-related issues have historically made up the largest percentage of all vehicle out-of-service violations during inspection periods. That’s why inspectors will be paying close attention to both obvious defects and subtle signs of wear or misadjustment this year.

By preparing early and focusing on these critical inspection points, motor carriers can significantly reduce the risk of violations, keep their vehicles on the road, and maintain a strong safety record.

How Fleets Can Prepare

Preparation is key to passing inspections and maintaining smooth fleet operations — not just during Brake Safety Week, but year-round. Taking proactive measures ensures your team is ready when commercial motor vehicle inspectors arrive, and helps avoid costly downtime due to a brake-related violation or vehicle violation.

Here are a few key steps to get your fleet inspection-ready:

• Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections focused specifically on brakes. Drivers should be trained to recognize early warning signs of faulty brake systems, such as air leaks, worn brake linings, or uneven stopping patterns.

• Schedule regular brake maintenance checks ahead of Brake Safety Week. Preventive maintenance is your best defense against unexpected issues. Make sure qualified technicians inspect all critical components, including air systems, pads, rotors, and slack adjusters.

• Train drivers and maintenance teams to identify and report issues. Knowledge is power: ensuring that everyone understands the signs of brake wear and failure can prevent a brake failure incident that could lead to serious safety risks or failed inspections.

• Check for any ABS indicator light malfunctions. Functional Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) are crucial for maintaining control during emergency stops and are a common point of focus during the inspection process. An illuminated ABS warning light can trigger a vehicle violation even if the brakes themselves are otherwise operational.

• Promptly replace worn or damaged brake components. Delaying repairs can escalate small problems into major safety hazards — and significantly increase the likelihood of a brake-related violation during inspection.

Participation in brake safety campaigns and keeping up with best practices recommended by industry groups can also strengthen your safety program. Motor carriers that prioritize brake safety not only reduce risk but also reinforce their commitment to protecting drivers, freight, and public roadways.

By investing consistent time and attention into brake system upkeep, companies can confidently face Brake Safety Week, minimize the chance of costly violations, and build a strong safety reputation that benefits their entire operation.

How Double Nickel Helps You Stay Ahead

Staying compliant doesn't have to be stressful. At Double Nickel, we make it easy for fleets to manage compliance effortlessly. With integrated background checks, real-time document management, and expiration tracking, you can be confident that your team is prepared, not just for DOT Brake Inspection Week, but every day.

Want to see how Double Nickel can simplify your recruiting and compliance process? Book a demo today!