2-Day Truck Blitz in Chilliwack Uncovers 99 Defects, 14 Pulled Off the Road
In a joint effort to crack down on unsafe commercial vehicles, BC Highway Patrol, RCMP, and Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) teams conducted a two-day blitz in Chilliwack and Coquitlam on July 7–8, revealing alarming lapses in vehicle safety.
The Chilliwack inspection alone flagged 99 defects out of 24 vehicles examined. Of those, 14 trucks were deemed unsafe and taken out of service on the spot. In total, 543 defects were found across all locations inspected, leading to 79 tickets worth $18,700 in fines.
“Too many commercial drivers are still bending the rules by driving broken trucks and trailers,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of BC Highway Patrol. “These inspections show our commitment to road safety—and people have a right to expect better from professional drivers.”
Among the most serious violations:
- A driving school tractor with faulty front brakes
- A dump truck leaking debris from holes in its bed
- Trucks with bald tires, damaged rims, and worn-out braking systems
One of the most blatant infractions involved a dump-truck in Coquitlam with holes in the truck bed that spilled debris onto the road—raising clear risks for fellow drivers and pedestrians.
While the statistics paint a stark picture, officials emphasize that most commercial drivers do take safety seriously. “These numbers don’t reflect the majority,” added McLaughlin. “But for those who cut corners, we’re watching.”
The collaboration among agencies highlighted the value of coordinated enforcement efforts. Officers used their combined expertise to identify high-risk vehicles—proving that proactive safety checks can help prevent potential road disasters before they occur.