The California Highway Patrol (CHP) took to the skies to detect semi-truck drivers skipping mandatory brake checkpoints along I-80.
On August 7, 2026, the Gold Run Division of the CHP partnered with CHP Air Operations and the commercial enforcement unit of the CHP Valley Division to conduct an enforcement operation on I-80.
Officers stated that the “I-80 Joint Commercial Enforcement Campaign” was launched in response to recent brake fires involving heavy-duty trucks.
During the August 7 operation, CHP units, both aerial and ground-based, were on the lookout for trucks that were bypassing mandatory brake inspection zones, as well as those that were speeding or committing other violations that could contribute to brake fires.
“All semi-trailers must stop at the brake inspection zone located between Nyack and Blue Canyon on westbound I-80. Make sure the brakes have cooled down before continuing down the mountain. Please do not park in this area for an extended period. If you decide to bypass the mandatory brake inspection zone, our ‘eye in the sky’ will be watching you,” the CHP warned.
In the video below, you can see how the CHP uses an aerial unit to identify two commercial trucks that bypassed the brake inspection zone. The trucks were then stopped by marked patrol units on the ground to enforce the law.
