What You Need to Know About CVSA's Brake Safety Week

How Many Vehicles Are Inspected During Brake Safety Week?

For Brake Safety Week, CVSA partners with various organizations and jurisdictions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and the total amount of commercial vehicles inspected can vary in any given year based on participation. Generally, you can expect the CVSA to carry out more than 15,000 commercial vehicles during Brake Safety Week and more than 4,000 on the unannounced Brake Safety Day. CVSA will release official totals about 2 to 3 months after each event.

Historically, about 80% to 90% of these brake safety inspections occur in U.S. jurisdictions. Canada typically inspects just under 2,000 vehicles during Brake Safety Week and around 800 to 1,000 vehicles on Brake Safety Day. Mexico has had the most inconsistent participation in Brake Safety Week, ranging from a low of just 9 vehicles in 2023 to a peak of 5,958 vehicles in 2020.

Why Are Inspections Totals So Much Lower Now Than in the Past?

According to CVSA's reports, the total number of inspections for both Brake Safety Week and Brake Safety Day has dropped sharply since 2022.* CVSA hasn't offered an official reason, but the shift is clearly reflected in recent data.

In fact, from 2023 to 2025, we've seen nearly 50% fewer inspections than in the past. Brake Week's peak was around 35K to 43K inspections per year from 2019 to 2022. This shift was also sudden, as records show a year-over-year decrease from 38,117 total inspections for Brake Safety Week in 2022 to just 18,875 inspections in 2023.

The declining numbers are mainly attributed to the U.S. and Mexico, as Canada's totals are pretty consistent year after year. Mexico's total inspections have dropped by more than 93% since its peak (2021-2022), suggesting it barely participates in the event nowadays.

But the U.S. trend is more surprising, given that it historically accounted for the most inspections. Aside from U.S. jurisdictions now appearing to conduct near half as many inspections as in its peak years, CVSA's data also suggests U.S. inspections have been in an ongoing decline since 2022.

*Please note that this analysis regarding the decrease in inspections is based solely on data reported to and publicly released by CVSA. This data may not reflect the inspection activities of jurisdictions that are not directly participating in the brake safety campaigns. Therefore, it may not provide a complete picture of the situation, nor does it suggest vehicles are less likely to be inspected than in the past.

How Many Commercial Vehicles Fail Brake Safety Week Inspections?

Brake Safety Week usually results in about 12.5% (recent average) to 13% (historical average) of commercial vehicles being handed a brake-related out-of-service violation. That percentage may sound low, but consider that it means about 1 out of every 8 commercial vehicles fail the inspection due to brake problems. Brake Safety Day typically sees slightly lower results (11.7% to 12.5%), which is surprising considering that it occurs without notice on an unannounced date. Meanwhile, the dates of Brake Safety Week are known months in advance.

What Do Inspectors Actually Check During Brake Safety Week?

During Brake Safety Week, CVSA-certified commercial vehicle inspectors will follow operations and procedures outlined in the North American Standard Inspection Program, specifically regarding the Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC) for brake systems.

Inspectors will check for critical violations on all equipped brakes for the vehicle or vehicle combination. One of the most common violations is out-of-adjustment brakes, but every aspect of the brake system has potential for violations. So you'll need to make sure everything is in order, including brake linings, brake lights, and brake lines and hoses. If a brake component is inoperative, missing, or has significant structural damage, it is almost guaranteed to be an OOS violation.

Are Only Brakes Inspected?

In addition to brake inspections, receiving a non-brake-related out-of-service violation can also be common during Brake Safety Week. During the week, brake checks are usually considered a Level IV "special" inspection dedicated to brake components. However, select jurisdictions may also be conducting Level I (vehicle + driver), Level II (walk-around vehicle + driver), or Level V (vehicle only) inspections for vehicles that were not recently inspected. Additionally, any obvious out-of-service violations that can be easily seen with the naked eye are sure to be cited by the inspector.

CVSA Brake Safety Week Focus Areas

During each brake safety event, CVSA chooses a component of the brake system as a special focus area to conduct additional statistical research. Focus areas don't supersede the full brake inspection, but these added points of emphasis can potentially mean inspectors spend a little bit more time examining these components. Once CVSA has chosen a brake focus area, they usually stick with the same focus area for multiple years before changing. Historically, the focus area for Brake Safety Day will match the focus area for Brake Safety Week.

PBBT Inspections

Select jurisdictions may also conduct performance-based brake tester (PBBT) inspections. About 1 out of every 17 commercial vehicles (6%) typically fail this inspection and receive an out-of-service violation, according to historical Brake Safety Week/Day data.

A PBBT inspection measures braking efficiency to ensure the vehicle meets regulations for performance and minimum stopping power. Most commercial vehicles must have a minimum braking efficiency of 43.5% or more to pass the test and avoid an out-of-service violation. In the U.S., some commercial vehicle types require a higher efficiency rating. For example, the standard for passenger-carrying vehicles ranges from 52.8% to 65.3%.

CVSA doesn't release data on which jurisdictions perform PBBT inspections, but around 400 vehicles have been inspected during Brake Safety Week each year since 2022. Around 100 commercial vehicles usually undergo PBBT inspections on Brake Safety Day.

Avoiding Brake System OOS Violations

The best way to avoid receiving a brake-related OOS violation, or any safety violation for that matter, is regular maintenance and repair of your commercial vehicle. In addition to routine maintenance, pre-trip inspections are vital to catching brake issues early. Keeping accurate fleet records for mileage can also help you prepare for when brake parts are reaching the end of their service life.

For high-mileage and heavy-duty vehicles, almost all brake parts will eventually wear down and need to be replaced. If you are shopping for new parts, JIT Truck Parts offers brake system components from brands such as Match Made, Haldex, ConMet, MGM, Bendix, Meritor, and others.

Brake Safety Week FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does an active CVSA decal exempt you from Brake Week inspections?

No, since Brake Safety Week inspections are considered Level IV "special" inspections according to the North America Standard Inspection Program, having a CVSA decal will not exempt your vehicle. Level IV inspections target a specific vehicle component, typically as a part of a campaign to gather data for a research or safety study. CVSA decals are primarily used and issued for full vehicle inspections only (Level I and Level V).

What happens when you receive an out-of-service violation?

If a vehicle receives an OOS order because of a critical brake defect or any other violation, it is prohibited from operating or continuing on the roadway until all identified violations from the inspection are resolved or repaired. Violations can also affect your CSA and DOT safety records and are recorded within the SAFER system for public record. Reinstatement after an OOS order can involve paying fines and passing a reinspection to ensure the issues are corrected. Even for minor violations that do not lead to an OOS order, the FMCSA requires carriers to sign and return their inspection reports within 15 days, certifying that all repairs have been completed.

Are Brake Safety Week and Brake Safety Day inspections random?

Generally, yes. Inspectors may stop vehicles at weigh stations, roadside, or at designated mobile sites. Most vehicles are selected at random, but others may be flagged based on visible defects, past violations, or inspection targeting systems.

Is Brake Safety Week always in August?

No. Before 2020, Brake Safety Week typically took place in September. Since then, it's been held in late August, though dates can shift year to year.

Are the same brake components inspected every year?

Yes, but each year, CVSA also selects a specific brake component as a focus area. This component receives added scrutiny for data collection purposes but does not replace a full brake system inspection.