FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17,2012

Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) conducted a commercial motor vehicle inspection saturation event last week. This three-day event, held near Berthold, Tioga, and Williston, focused on inspecting both commercial vehicles and drivers for compliance with federal and state regulations.

 A total of 85 safety inspections were performed with 147 vehicles inspected. The inspections revealed 16 of the vehicles with equipment violations that required them to be placed out of service. One commercial driver was placed out of service for driver-related violations.

 Four commercial vehicles were weighed and three of those vehicles were found to be in excess of legal weight allowances. Overload fees of $18,200 were collected. Excessive vehicle weights contribute to accelerated deterioration of roadway surfaces resulting in safety concerns for motorists and expensive repairs for taxpayers.

 The NDHP will continue to schedule these special saturation events to improve both awareness and compliance of important commercial motor vehicle and driver safety regulations.