Nebraska State Patrol put 32 vehicles and three drivers out-of-service July 18 during surprise vehicle inspections in one county. Patrol officers targeted commercial vehicles in Dodge County that might not usually travel outside the city or pass through weigh stations.
The Metropolitan Aggressive and Preventive Selective Team conducted 97 inspections, discovered 262 violations and took 32 vehicles out of service; they also placed three drivers out of service, two for not having CDLs and one for not having an operator’s license. Officers issued $3,765 in fines; more surprise inspections are planned throughout the summer in Nebraska municipalities.
Col. Bryan Tuma, Nebraska State Patrol superintendent, said this special enforcement effort focused on truckers who rarely leave city limits. “While most truck owners and operators share our concern for safety, we know some think they can ignore safety standards as long as they avoid the weigh stations,” Tuma said. “The MAPS Team extends our reach into cities and towns.” Dodge is home to Fremont and other towns.
This was the fifth MAPS Team event of 2007; previous inspections this year were in Lincoln, Grand Island, Omaha and Sarpy County. The MAPS Team — which is funded largely by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — checks for compliance with federal safety regulations and enforce laws pertaining to weight, size, registration, dyed fuel and commercial vehicle permits.
