OHP Conducting 3-Day Commercial Vehicle Roadside Compliance Checks

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is in full force this week doing roadside inspections, to keep big rigs and their drivers safe while traveling through Oklahoma.

One of the Interstate 35 inspection stops is near Guthrie and the other is located near Davis, Oklahoma. Troopers are also stationed at ports of entry where Oklahoma borders other states.

The average driver may not notice the signs on Interstate 35, but a commercial truck driver cannot ignore them. They are required to pull over for a full inspection.

“We’re looking for major safety violations when it comes to the vehicle,” said Lt. Davie Hellums, Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The trucks are first weighed. “On the interstate trucks can’t be over 80,000 pounds without being permitted,” said Hellums.

Overweight trucks not only pose a driving safety hazard but also damage the roads. “That’s what tears up our roads,” said Hellums. “It’s what makes those divots and those ruts you see in the asphalt.”

Troopers running roadside checks act as part mechanic. “We’re going to do a quick full inspection and where this load is coming from,” said Hellums.

Checking logbooks, tires, under the hood, and brakes. Troopers also pay close attention to the driver, looking for anything that could impact their driving. “For a semi-driver, it’s usually fatigue and their driving habits,” said Hellums. “Those are the two main reasons for CMV fatalities in Oklahoma.”

Not all drivers will stop for inspections. “Some will say they didn’t see the sign,” said Hellums. “Some may intentionally do it for other reasons whether they’re overweight or their logbooks aren’t up to date.”

In those cases, Troopers will pull over a driver and bring them back to the checkpoint. “They know if we start finding a lot of violations it can cost them a lot of money,” said Hellums.

The roadside checks started May 14 and will go through Thursday, May 16. The inspections are not only happening in Oklahoma but all across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.