Metro area truck drivers got an unexpected detour Thursday morning as troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division conducted surprise commercial vehicle inspections at two different locations.
The patrol says the inspections target commercial vehicles that might not travel outside the city or pass through weight stations as part of their regular routes.
A total of 74 vehicles were checked at Tranqulity and Miller Park. Troopers found 339 violations and took 33 vehicles out of service, meaning they were not allowed to return to the road. Sergeant Mike Maytum says vehicles are taken out of service for a variety of reasons relating to bad brakes or tires, or other problems that post immediate safety risks.
Ten drivers were also taken off the streets, three for not having a CDL, five for having no driver’s license and two for CDL restriction violations.
Troopers also issued $6,375 in citations and cited one driver for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Inspections this week, in Lincoln, Sarpy County, and Omaha, included a total of 266 inspections, the discovery of 913 violations, and the placement of 106 vehicles out of service. Troopers also placed 28 drivers out of service for various violations and issued $19,235 in citations.