Back To Blog
Source: cvsa.org
Key Takeaways
- Brake Safety Week 2026 takes place August 23–29. Like last year, CVSA inspectors will place special focus on brake drums and air disc brake rotors.
- More than 15,000 commercial vehicles were inspected during Brake Safety Week 2025, and 15.1% were placed out of service for brake-related violations.
- Preventive brake inspections can help fleets avoid violations, downtime and costly repairs.
Brake-related violations continue to be one of the leading reasons commercial vehicles are placed out of service during roadside inspections. In fact, six of the top 20 vehicle violations reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 2025 involved defective, worn or out-of-adjustment brakes. And during last year's Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck, brake violations accounted for nearly 24% of all out-of-service (OOS) violations.
With Brake Safety Week 2026 approaching, now is the time for fleets and owner-operators to inspect brake systems, address maintenance issues and ensure vehicles are ready for inspection.
Brake Safety Week 2026 At a Glance
During Brake Safety Week 2026, inspectors will place special emphasis on brake drums and air disc brake rotors while conducting roadside inspections throughout North America.
- Dates: August 23-29, 2026
- 2026 Focus Area: Brake drums and air disc brake rotors
- Inspection Area: United States, Canada and Mexico
- Vehicles Placed Out of Service in 2025: 2,296 (15.1%)
- Most Common Violation in 2025: 20% Defective Brake Criterion
What Is Brake Safety Week?
Brake Safety Week is an annual CVSA enforcement and education initiative conducted throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. During the weeklong event, CVSA-certified inspectors perform roadside inspections on commercial motor vehicles, placing special emphasis on brake systems and components. Vehicles found with brake-related out-of-service violations are prohibited from operating until repairs are made.
The goal of the campaign is not only enforcement but also education. Brake Safety Week helps raise awareness about proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation while encouraging fleets to address issues before they become safety hazards.
2025 Brake Safety Week Results
During Brake Safety Week 2025, inspectors examined 15,175 commercial motor vehicles across North America. Of those vehicles, 2,296 were placed out of service for brake-related violations, resulting in an out-of-service rate of 15.1%.
By the Numbers
- 15,175 commercial vehicles inspected
- 2,296 vehicles placed out of service
- 15.1% out-of-service rate
- 1,199 violations tied to the 20% defective brake criterion
- 113 brake drum and rotor violations
- 25 vehicles placed out of service after failing performance-based brake testing
These results highlight how frequently brake defects are identified during inspections and why proactive maintenance remains critical for fleets of all sizes.
Top Brake Violations in 2025
The most common violations identified during Brake Safety Week 2025 included:
|
OOS Violation Type |
Number of Violations |
Percentage of OOS Violations |
|
20% Defective Brake Criterion |
1,199 |
52.2% |
|
Other Brake Violations |
375 |
16.3% |
|
Broken Hose/Tubing Violations |
306 |
13.3% |
|
Steering Axle Violations |
199 |
8.6% |
|
Brake Drum or Rotor Violations |
113 |
4.9% |
|
Air Loss Rate Violations |
100 |
4.3% |
Many vehicles were removed from service under the Department of Transportation's 20% brake criterion, which requires a vehicle to be placed out of service when 20% or more of its service brakes are defective. While certain brake defects may not qualify as automatic out-of-service violations on their own, multiple issues can collectively trigger removal from service under this rule.
Why Brake Drums and Rotors Remain a Focus in 2026
During Brake Safety Week 2025, inspectors paid special attention to brake drums and air disc brake rotors. That emphasis resulted in 113 violations, with the most common issues including:
- Rusted rotors (48%)
- Broken drums (30%)
- Broken rotors (22%)
CVSA has announced that brake drums and air disc brake rotors will once again receive special attention during this year's inspections.
How to Prepare for Brake Safety Week 2026
Brake issues identified during a roadside inspection can quickly sideline a vehicle, resulting in costly repairs, missed deliveries, unplanned downtime and out-of-service violations. Scheduling a preventive brake inspection before Brake Safety Week rolls around can help identify and address issues early and reduce the risk of violations when inspectors are actively focusing on brake systems.
Since brake drums and air disc brake rotors are the focus of Brake Safety Week 2026, fleets should prioritize inspecting these components. Cracked, broken or excessively worn drums and rotors can result in out-of-service violations and costly downtime. CVSA provides several resources to help drivers and technicians identify potential brake issues and maintain compliance.
Brake Drum Inspection Tips
For vehicles equipped with drum brakes:
- Include brake drums in daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- Look for cracks extending through the outer portion of the drum.
- Check for visibly broken or missing pieces.
- Ensure repairs comply with manufacturer specifications.
- Document defects in Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs).
Air Disc Brake Rotor Inspection Tips
For vehicles equipped with air disc brakes:
- Include rotors in daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- Inspect rotors for cracks or broken pieces on the friction surface.
- Watch for excessive rust that could indicate the brake is inoperable.
- Check for grooves that suggest metal-to-metal contact caused by worn brake pads.
- Ensure rotor wear has not exposed the center vents.
- Ensure repairs comply with manufacturer specifications.
- Document defects in DVIRs.
Free CVSA Brake Inspection Resources
S-Cam Brake Inspection Checklist
The CVSA Brake Inspection Checklist outlines all brake components typically reviewed during Brake Safety Week inspections. The checklist includes guidance on measuring pushrod stroke and checking brake adjustment.
Download S-Cam Brake Inspection Checklist
Air Brake Pushrod Stroke Guide
The CVSA Air Brake Pushrod Stroke brochure provides guidance on measuring and tracking pushrod stroke to help identify brakes that may not be properly adjusted.
Download Air Brake Pushrod Stroke Guide
Same-Day Brake Service Available at Rush Truck Centers
Ignoring brake issues can lead to potential violations as well as breakdowns and accidents that cause harm, downtime, loss of revenue. And remember, your vehicle can be chosen for an inspection anywhere and at any time, not just during Brake Safety Week.
The best way to ensure your brakes operate at maximum performance and efficiency is to stay on top of preventive maintenance and to regularly inspect and service the brake system and its components.
Rush Truck Centers has more than 140 locations nationwide that offer comprehensive same-day brake system inspections and service. Our factory-trained technicians will inspect and service brake pads, rotors, brake shoes and drums, and will provide per-axle prices for parts and labor. Contact us today to schedule a brake inspection before Brake Safety Week begins.
Request a Service Appointment Find a Location Near You
COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE. Sign up to receive email updates with our latest promotions, blog posts and news from Rush Truck Centers.
