The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its annual Brake Safety Week for Aug. 23-29, 2026. The enforcement and education campaign will take place throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, focusing attention on the critical role brake systems play in commercial vehicle safety. Brake-related violations remain one of the leading causes of out-of-service orders issued during roadside inspections. Through Brake Safety Week, certified inspectors will conduct targeted inspections of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and remove vehicles with serious brake deficiencies from service until repairs are made.
Focus on Brake Drums and Rotors
This year’s initiative will place special emphasis on brake drums and rotors, key components that help dissipate heat and provide the friction necessary for safe braking. Excessive wear, cracking or other damage to these parts can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of crashes.
During the weeklong event, inspectors will evaluate vehicles using the CVSA’s North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. In addition to enforcement efforts, the campaign includes educational outreach designed to help drivers, technicians and motor carriers better understand proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation practices.
CVSA schedules Brake Safety Week each August in conjunction with Brake Safety Awareness Month. The organization also provides educational resources and guidance to help fleets establish effective inspection and maintenance programs.
2025 Inspection Results Highlight Ongoing Concerns
Results from the 2025 Brake Safety Week highlight the continued importance of proactive brake maintenance. According to CVSA data, inspectors examined more than 15,000 commercial vehicles in the United States during last year’s event. Approximately 15% of those vehicles were placed out of service because of brake-related violations.
Inspectors identified more than 100 violations involving brake drums and rotors, resulting in dozens of vehicles being removed from operation. These findings underscore the importance of routinely inspecting braking components for signs of wear, damage or improper adjustment before vehicles are placed on the road.
Last year’s event also included performance-based brake tester (PBBT) inspections in 15 states. PBBT equipment measures a vehicle’s actual braking efficiency rather than relying solely on visual inspections. Federal regulations require vehicles tested with this method to achieve a minimum braking efficiency rating of 43.5%. Most vehicles met the standard, although several were placed out of service after failing to achieve the required threshold.
Preparing for Brake Safety Week
Motor carriers and drivers are encouraged to conduct thorough pre- and post-trip inspections and address brake issues promptly. Paying close attention to brake performance, component wear and maintenance records can help reduce violations, prevent costly downtime and improve roadway safety.
Fleets may also benefit from reviewing preventive maintenance schedules, documenting repairs and ensuring drivers understand how to identify signs of brake system problems. Taking these steps before Brake Safety Week can help organizations improve compliance and keep vehicles operating safely throughout the year.
Following the conclusion of Brake Safety Week, CVSA will compile and analyze inspection results from participating jurisdictions, with a summary report expected later this year.
Brake Safety Week serves as an important reminder that safety is a shared responsibility among drivers, motor carriers, inspectors and the broader transportation community.
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