Commercial vehicle safety is a responsibility that extends beyond the driver behind the wheel. Proper inspections, maintenance, documentation, and compliance with state and federal regulations all play an important role in keeping our highways safe.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) recently shared its list of the 10 most common commercial vehicle violations encountered by OHP Troop S – Size & Weights troopers during June 2026.
According to OHP, commercial vehicle inspections are an important part of making sure large trucks and other commercial vehicles operating on Oklahoma highways meet required safety standards.
“An 80,000-pound commercial vehicle is a tremendous responsibility.”
With that responsibility in mind, here are the violations OHP encountered most frequently during the month.
The Top 10 Violations
1. Brake Out of Adjustment – 186 Violations
Improperly adjusted brakes were the most frequently reported violation in June, accounting for 186 violations. Proper brake adjustment is essential for maintaining adequate stopping performance, particularly when operating a heavily loaded commercial vehicle.
2. No Documentation of Required Periodic Inspection – 169 Violations
Commercial vehicles are subject to required periodic inspections. OHP reported 169 violations involving vehicles operating without documentation showing that a required inspection had been completed.
3. State Registration/Tag Violations – 141 Violations
Registration and tagging requirements are another important part of commercial vehicle compliance. OHP recorded 141 violations related to state registration or tag requirements.
4. Excessive Weight: 1–2,500 Pounds Over – 124 Violations
Overweight vehicles can create additional stress on tires, brakes, suspension components, and other equipment. There were 124 violations involving vehicles that exceeded the allowable weight on an axle or axle group by 1 to 2,500 pounds.
5. Tire Inflation Below Safe Limits or Leaking Tire – 123 Violations
Tire condition and inflation are critical to commercial vehicle safety. OHP reported 123 violations involving tires that were underinflated beyond safe limits or leaking.
6. Defective Brakes – 95 Violations
OHP found 95 violations involving defective brakes affecting 20% or more of a vehicle’s service brakes. Brake system problems can significantly affect a truck’s ability to stop safely.
7. Automatic Air Brake Adjustment System Failure – 93 Violations
There were 93 violations involving failures of automatic air brake adjustment systems. Maintaining properly functioning brake systems is especially important for heavy commercial vehicles.
8. Audible Air Brake Leak – 92 Violations
OHP recorded 92 violations involving audible air brake leaks. Air leaks can affect brake system performance and should be addressed promptly when discovered.
9. Excessive Weight: 2,501–5,000 Pounds Over – 91 Violations
Another 91 violations involved vehicles exceeding the allowable weight on an axle or axle group by between 2,501 and 5,000 pounds.
10. Speeding 6–10 MPH Over the Posted Limit – 91 Violations
Rounding out the list were 91 speeding violations involving commercial vehicles traveling 6 to 10 mph over the posted speed limit.
Why Regular Inspections Matter
Several of the violations on OHP’s list involve areas that drivers and fleets can address through regular inspections and preventative maintenance.
Brakes and tires, in particular, are critical safety components. A problem that might seem minor during a pre-trip inspection can become a serious safety issue if it isn’t addressed before the vehicle gets on the road.
Documentation and registration requirements are equally important. Staying current with inspections and required paperwork helps prevent compliance issues during roadside inspections.
Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
OHP emphasized that the purpose of commercial vehicle inspections isn’t simply to identify violations. It’s about making sure commercial vehicles are operating safely alongside everyone else on the road.
As OHP noted, most commercial drivers are committed professionals who take safety seriously. Troop S troopers conduct inspections to help ensure that commercial vehicles traveling Oklahoma’s highways are as safe as possible for drivers, passengers, and families sharing the road.
At Pohl Transportation, safety is an important part of responsible trucking. Proper vehicle maintenance, thorough inspections, and attention to regulations all contribute to safer roads and a stronger transportation industry.
Safe trucks make for safer highways—and every driver on the road benefits.