2025 Brake Safety Week Results: Insights from the CVSA

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has released the findings from this year’s Brake Safety Week, which took place from August 24 to 30. Inspectors across 52 jurisdictions in North America conducted a total of 15,175 inspections, specifically targeting brake systems and components.

The results are out: 84.9% of the inspected commercial motor vehicles passed without any out-of-service (OOS) brake violations that would prevent them from continuing their route. A total of 2,296 vehicles were placed OOS due to brake-related issues, reflecting a 15.1% out-of-service rate among the inspected fleet.

Each year, nearly 4 million commercial motor vehicle inspections are performed across North America at weigh stations, during roving patrols and at temporary inspection sites. These inspections ensure that vehicles meet federal safety regulations. A vehicle is placed out of service if critical violations are identified, meaning it cannot be operated until those violations are rectified.

Brake Safety Week is critical because brake-related violations remain the most frequently cited OOS issue during roadside inspections. Properly functioning brakes are vital for the safe operation of commercial vehicles.

During this year’s initiative, U.S. inspectors conducted 13,700 inspections, identifying 2,035 brake-related OOS violations (14.9%). In Canada, 1,459 inspections were completed, revealing 260 violations (17.8%), while Mexico conducted 16 inspections with one OOS violation (6.3%). Overall, 15,175 inspections across North America led to 2,296 brake-related OOS violations.

The leading cause for vehicles being placed OOS was found to be issues with 20% or more of the service brakes. Inspectors reported 1,199 such violations, representing a significant 52.2% out-of-service rate.

In addition to standard brake inspections, this year’s focus included violations related to drums and rotors, with 113 violations recorded. As a result, 39 commercial motor vehicles were placed OOS specifically for issues related to these components.

Fifteen states utilized performance-based brake testers (PBBT) during Brake Safety Week, conducting 528 inspections. These testers evaluate the braking performance of vehicles. To pass a PBBT inspection, a vehicle must achieve a minimum braking efficiency rating of 43.5%. Approximately 25 vehicles (4.7%) failed to meet this standard and were placed OOS, while 503 vehicles passed successfully.

Brake Safety Week is part of CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing brake safety across North America. The goal is to reduce brake-related incidents by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, and motor carriers on the importance of proper brake maintenance and operation.

Mark your calendars: Next year’s Brake Safety Week is scheduled for August 23-29, 2026.