CVSA Brake Safety Week Is Aug. 24-30, 2025

For 2025’s Brake Safety Week, inspectors will focus condition of the brake drums and rotors, as well as conduct their routine inspection. Brake Safety Week also serves as a reminder to drivers and motor carriers of the importance of a proactive vehicle maintenance program and provides an opportunity for law enforcement to highlight the importance of brake safety. The CVSA is ramping up for its next scheduled Brake Safety Week from August 24-30. Here is what drivers need to know.

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About Brake-Related Violations

Brake-related violations make up the largest percentage of out-of-service vehicle violations during roadside inspections. According to the FMCSA’s 2023 vehicle violation data, six of the top 20 vehicle violations were related to brakes, and 25.2% of all vehicle out-of-service violations were brake-related.

Brake Safety Week aims to improve commercial motor vehicle brake safety in North America by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, carriers, and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation to prevent crashes caused by braking systems.

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What Inspections Will Occur

Inspectors will focus on the condition of brake drums and rotors. Some jurisdictions have performance-based brake testers (PBBT) and will be using them during Brake Safety Week.

A performance-based brake tester (PBBT) is a machine that checks how well a vehicle brakes. If a vehicle doesn't pass the brake test, it may be because the brakes aren't strong enough compared to the vehicle's weight. First, check if the vehicle or axle is carrying too much weight. If it is, reducing the weight will make the brakes work better. After that, look for mechanical problems like pushrod travel, broken or missing parts, air system issues, or worn-out brake linings.

Make the necessary repairs or adjustments. Then, test the vehicle on the brake tester again to make sure the brakes are now working properly. If the problem is with the brake linings (for example, if they are worn out or not providing enough friction), fixing it may require more than just an adjustment to ensure the vehicle is safe to use.

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CVSA’s 8 Brake Drum and Rotor Tips

Here are some tips from inspectors to help ensure your drums and rotors are ready for a roadside inspection:

1. Inspect visible portions of the drum or rotor as part of your pre- and post-trip inspections.

2. Look for signs of cracked or broken pieces in the friction surface of the rotor.

3. Look for cracks that run through to the outer portion of the drum or missing pieces, where visible.

4. On disc brakes, pay attention to the condition of the rotor. Heavily rusted rotors across the entire friction surface indicate an inoperative brake.

5. If the rotor is grooved, indicating metal-to-metal contact, that means the brake pads are worn and the shoe is making contact with the rotor.

6. Ensure the rotor is not worn to the extent that the center vents are exposed.

7. Make sure all repairs are consistent with the brake manufacturer’s requirements and guidelines.

8. Note any issues in your driver vehicle inspection reports and report them tothe motor carrier.

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Brake Safety Week is coming up meaning inspectors will be on high alert. Make sure your brake systems are properly functioning and up to code. The CVSA offers resources to help educate drivers, mechanics and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation. Click here to access those brake-related resources.