An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper put a commercial truck driver out of service early last month after a stop on Interstate 10 turned up a long list of problems with both his truck and the way he was driving it. The driver was hauling an oversized load from California to Texas. He did not have the permits to do that in Arizona.
According to a post by the AZDPS Highway Patrol, a trooper spotted the truck during rush hour on May 3 traveling on I-10 without the permits required for an oversized load. The trooper pulled the rig over. A closer look turned up more violations than the missing permit.
AZDPS said the truck itself had no current registration, and the trailer carrying the oversized load had no registration either. The rig had at least one bald tire. It also had no working brake lights.
The driver was on his cellphone when the trooper made the stop, the agency said. He was also not wearing his seatbelt. The trooper cited the driver and placed him out of service before either he or his rig could continue on toward Texas.
What State Troopers Say Happened
A trooper spotted a truck hauling an oversized load on Interstate 10 during rush hour on May 3 traveling from California to Texas without the permits required for an oversized load in Arizona. The trooper pulled the rig over to inspect it more closely. What the trooper found beyond the missing permit was, as AZDPS described it, a “much wider” set of commercial vehicle and traffic violations.
By the agency’s account, the commercial motor vehicle had no current registration for the tractor or the trailer. The rig had at least one bald tire. Its brake lights were not working. On top of the equipment and paperwork problems, AZDPS said the driver was operating the truck while using his cellphone and was not wearing his seatbelt.
What Happened to the Driver
The trooper cited the driver for the violations and placed him out of service, according to AZDPS. The agency posted photos of the rig to the AZDPS Highway Patrol Facebook page along with the agency’s account of the stop. Visitors didn’t seem too pleased to learn of the driver’s transgressions.
The AZDPS Highway Patrol said the stop underscores the importance of commercial vehicle safety compliance, and that running an oversized load without proper permits, registration or working equipment, or while distracted behind the wheel, puts both the driver and the surrounding traffic at risk. Not only does it put the driver and traffic at risk, but it doesn’t inspire confidence that the cargo will get to its destination. Nor that anything else is above-board.
Police said drivers should keep their vehicles maintained, ensure all permits and registrations are current, and avoid cellphone distractions in the cab. AZDPS framed the message as a reminder that safe operations help prevent crashes and reduce traffic disruptions on Arizona highways.
And it’s always a good idea to follow the law when it comes to driving, whether you’re in a sedan or a truck.