CHP - Chowchilla River Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility

Home
United States
Le Grand, CA
CHP - Chowchilla River Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility

This is an official CHP Facebook account. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For questions or comments cal

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is dedicated to providing Safety, Service, and Security to California citizens and everyone who uses the thousands of miles of our state’s roadways. Each CHP employee is dedicated to ensuring you get home safely, that quality services are provided to you when you need it, and that you feel safe and secure as you travel throughout our great state. As the fifth la

rgest law enforcement agency in the nation, the Department will continue its primary responsibility to anticipate and respond to the needs of the public which it serves. As the state continues to change and grow, so will the CHP’s promise to look to new and innovative ways to secure your safety as you travel for business or pleasure.

06/12/2026

🚛 🛣️ Friday Findings 🚛 🛣️

The suspension air bags shown are visibly collapsed and folded over on themselves, indicating a significant loss of air pressure and a suspension system that is not functioning as designed. Conditions like this should be addressed immediately to ensure the vehicle remains safe and compliant.

49 CFR §393.207 – Suspension Systems requires that suspension components be maintained in safe operating condition. Defective suspension components that affect the safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle may result in violations and can contribute to an out-of-service condition during inspection.

Don’t ignore the signs. A few minutes during your pre-inspection can prevent a breakdown, violation, or crash.

04/27/2026

Unsecured Load = Serious Risk 🚛⚠️

Officers recently observed a flatbed hauling equipment with loose cargo and no tiedowns in place. Items like chains, binders, dunnage, and boxed materials were free to shift or fall onto the roadway.

Under FMCSA regulations (49 CFR §393.100 & §393.110), all cargo must be:
✔️ Properly secured
✔️ Immobilized to prevent shifting
✔️ Equipped with the required number of tiedowns

Failure to comply can result in:
🔴 Out-of-Service orders
🔴 Costly citations
🔴 Dangerous road hazards for other motorists

Remember: It only takes a second for unsecured cargo to become a deadly projectile.

Before you roll:
✔️ Inspect your load
✔️ Secure ALL items—no exceptions
✔️ Re-check tiedowns during your trip

03/26/2026

🚨OUT-OF-SERVICE CONDITION – SAFETY ALERT🚨

This vehicle was placed Out of Service after inspectors identified a dangerous defect in the air brake system.

🔎 What you’re seeing:
An air brake hose that bulges/swells when air pressure is applied. This is a clear sign the hose has weakened internally and is at risk of sudden failure.

🛑 Why this is critical:
A bulging hose cannot safely contain air pressure.
Under normal braking conditions, this can lead to:

• Sudden hose rupture
• Rapid air loss
• Loss of braking capability

This type of defect can fail without warning—especially under heavy braking.

📋 Applicable FMCSA Violation:
• 49 CFR §393.45(d) – Brake tubing and hoses must not be cracked, broken, or show signs of weakness (including bulging) that may lead to failure.

🚫 Out-of-Service Criteria:
Any hose that bulges or swells under pressure is considered structurally compromised and places the vehicle Out of Service until repaired.
•
•
•

03/20/2026

🚨 CVIS ONLINE EXAM NOW OPEN! 🚨

Are you ready to make a real impact? Join the California Highway Patrol as a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Specialist (CVIS) and help keep our roads safe.

Take the online exam here: https://bit.ly/3NAzKhB

⏱️Final Filing Date: 4/23/2026.

🪟Testing Window: June 5, 2026, through June 11, 2026.

You’ll play a vital role in ensuring the safety, service, and security of California’s highways by inspecting commercial vehicles and enforcing safety regulations.

03/17/2026

Feeling lucky this St. Patrick’s day? ☘️
Don’t push your luck on the road. If your celebration includes alcohol, plan ahead:

• Use a rideshare service or taxi
• Designate a sober driver

Impaired driving puts lives at risk. Celebrate responsibly and help keep everyone safe.

03/11/2026

🔧 TRUCK FINDINGS 🔧

- During a recent commercial vehicle inspection, officers observed excessive movement in the steering gear assembly while the steering wheel was being cycled. The steering gearbox and pitman arm assembly showed visible shaking and abnormal play, indicating worn or loose steering components.

- A properly functioning steering system is critical for maintaining control of a commercial motor vehicle. When components such as the steering gear box, pitman arm, or steering linkage develop excessive movement, the driver may lose precise control of the vehicle.

• FMCSR 393.209 – Steering wheel systems (defective or loose steering components)

- Due to the safety risk, the vehicle was placed out-of-service until repairs were completed.

- A reminder for drivers and motor carriers that pre-trip inspections are required before every trip.

- Identifying worn or loose steering components early can prevent equipment failures and keep everyone on the road safe.
•
•
•

03/05/2026

🚛Operation Update: Collaboration on the road 🛣️

The Chowchilla River Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility (CVEF) recently completed a successful joint task force operation in coordination with Central Division Mobile Road Enforcement (MRE) teams.
Our mission is simple: ensuring that every vehicle traveling through our corridor meets safety standards to keep the motoring public safe. These collaborative efforts allow us to streamline inspections and maintain the integrity of our highways.

⚠️ A Friendly Reminder to Drivers:
Safety is a shared responsibility. Please remember to stop at all Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facilities (scales) when instructed to do so by road signs or electronic signals. Bypassing a required inspection doesn’t just lead to citations—it compromises road safety for everyone.

Stay focused, stay compliant, and Stay Safe! 🛡️
•
•
•

03/03/2026

Inspection Focus: Tire Safety 🛞

These tires are out of service.

Under 49 CFR §393.75(a), a commercial motor vehicle may not be operated with tread or sidewall worn to the extent that ply or belt material is exposed. Federal regulations also require a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch on non-steering axles.

- Exposed casing and advanced tread wear increase the risk of tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

- Routine inspections and proper maintenance help ensure compliance and roadway safety.

Tire Facts Tuesday: “When in doubt, change it out.”
•
•
•
•

02/11/2026

🛑COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETY REMINDER🛑

CHP inspections continue to observe air brake lines that require attention during routine maintenance checks.

📘 49 CFR §396.3(a)(1) – Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicle components.

⚠️ Why it matters:
Compromised air lines can affect braking performance and lead to enforcement action.

A kinked air line can restrict brake system airflow and lead to an out-of-service condition.
•
•
•

02/04/2026

🚨 Foggy Central Valley Mornings 🚨

Fog and low visibility have contributed to several serious crashes recently, and these conditions are expected to continue.
If you can, delay travel until later in the day when the fog burns off.
When driving in fog:
• Slow down
• Increase following distance
• Use low-beam headlights (not high beams)
• Turn headlights fully ON so taillights are on
• Keep windows clear with defrosters and wipers
• At intersections, turn down the radio and listen for traffic
• If you must stop, pull completely out of travel lanes
Please take your time, look out for one another, and drive safely. ⚠️
•
•
•

Address

8820 South Highway 99
Le Grand, CA
95333

Telephone

+15596652904

Website

https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/central-division/offices/(464)-chowchilla-river

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CHP - Chowchilla River Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Le Grand?