Truckers, the enforcement wave has begun! 
Starting today, Tuesday, February 25, 2025, through Thursday, February 27, 2025, Kentucky highways are under extra scrutiny as the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) division launches a statewide commercial vehicle crackdown aimed at reducing crashes and keeping roads safe.
This initiative is part of Operation SafeDRIVE (Distracted, Reckless, Impaired, Visibility Enforcement), a nationwide safety campaign led by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The goal? To prevent crashes by enforcing safety rules, holding drivers accountable, and educating both truckers and passenger vehicle drivers on how to safely share the road.
What’s Happening on the Roads?
For the next three days, expect heightened enforcement and intensified inspections across Kentucky’s highways, weigh stations, and commercial truck routes.
Weigh Station Inspections – Are You Ready?
KSP officers will be stationed at key weigh stations across the state, conducting rigorous compliance checks on:
Hours of Service Logs – If your logs aren’t updated and accurate, you’re at risk for violations. Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) – Have them ready and ensure they’re valid. Medical Certifications – Drivers must carry an up-to-date medical card at all times. Vehicle Credentials & Safety Compliance – Officers will inspect tires, brakes, lights, and other critical vehicle components to ensure trucks are operating safely.
With weigh stations operating at full capacity, drivers should expect longer wait times and more thorough inspections than usual.
Increased Highway Patrols – Watch Your Driving
KSP isn’t just checking trucks at weigh stations—they’re also actively patrolling Kentucky’s highways, keeping an eye out for dangerous driving behaviors. This means officers will be looking for violations including:
Speeding – Slow it down! Heavy trucks take longer to stop, and excessive speed is a leading cause of crashes. Tailgating – Keeping a safe following distance isn’t just a suggestion—it’s critical for avoiding collisions. Seat Belt Violations – Buckle up! Officers will be citing both truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers who fail to comply. DUI & Impaired Driving Checks – Driving under the influence is a zero-tolerance offense. If you shouldn’t be behind the wheel, don’t risk it.
Why the Crackdown?
According to FMCSA, unsafe driving behaviors are one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle-related crashes in the U.S. By enforcing strict safety measures, KSP aims to reduce accidents, educate drivers, and create safer highways for everyone.
KSP East Commercial Vehicle Enforcement spokesperson Officer Steven Douglas reinforced the importance of the crackdown:
“We are proud to participate in Operation SafeDRIVE to ensure safer travel for everyone using Kentucky’s highways. By addressing risky driving behaviors, we aim to educate all motorists, whether behind the wheel of a passenger vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle, about the importance of responsibly sharing the road.”
This initiative isn’t just about catching violators—it’s about creating lasting change in driver behavior. Kentucky’s goal is to lower the number of commercial vehicle crashes through education, enforcement, and compliance efforts.
What This Means for Truckers
If you’re a commercial truck driver, this is your wake-up call to tighten up your compliance game.
Here’s what you can do to avoid violations during this 3-day enforcement period:
Double-check your paperwork – Ensure your CDL, medical card, and vehicle credentials are up to date.
Review your logbooks – Make sure your hours of service (HOS) logs are accurate and compliant.
Inspect your truck before hitting the road – Do a thorough pre-trip check to make sure your brakes, tires, and lights are in top condition.
Follow speed limits and road laws – Don’t give officers a reason to pull you over. Drive smart and avoid aggressive maneuvers.
Stay off your phone – Distracted driving is a major target during this campaign. Keep your eyes on the road and avoid phone use while driving.
Remember, KSP isn’t just looking for major violations—even small infractions could land you with fines or a compliance issue that can impact your company and your record.
How Passenger Vehicles Play a Role in Truck Safety
While much of Operation SafeDRIVE focuses on truck safety, passenger vehicle drivers aren’t off the hook. Data shows that a significant percentage of commercial vehicle crashes involve errors made by passenger vehicles.
If you’re driving near a semi-truck, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
Avoid blind spots – If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you. Pass with caution – Always use signals and avoid cutting off a truck—they need more time to stop. Give them space – Trucks can’t maneuver like smaller vehicles. Respect their lane and stopping distance. Don’t drive distracted – Keep your focus on the road and avoid texting while driving.
KSP’s message is clear: road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
The Bottom Line: Stay Compliant & Drive Safe
This crackdown isn’t about making life harder for truckers—it’s about ensuring safety for everyone on Kentucky’s highways.
If your truck is compliant, your paperwork is in order, and you drive responsibly, you have nothing to worry about.
If you’re cutting corners, skipping inspections, or ignoring DOT regulations, this could be an expensive week.
So stay alert, follow the rules, and make Kentucky’s highways safer for everyone.
And if this has you realizing your DOT compliance might not be where it should be, Eclipse DOT is here to help. We specialize in helping businesses stay ahead of inspections, avoid costly fines, and keep their fleets running smoothly.
Need compliance support? Let’s talk!
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Sources:
Kentucky State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement CDL Life: Three-Day Commercial Vehicle Crackdown in Kentucky Kentucky State Police News