Chowchilla, California – June 10, 2025
A commercial vehicle was taken out of service this week at the Chowchilla River Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility after inspectors discovered a severe frame crack that posed a risk of imminent collapse.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the issue was identified during a North American Standard Level I Inspection. A senior inspector noted that the rear of the trailer was visibly leaning left toward the driver’s side. Following a full underside inspection, the officer discovered a crack in the right-side frame siderail, located around the radius and extending into the bottom flange behind the center equalizer.

The condition met the threshold for immediate out-of-service status under Federal Regulation 393.201(a), which states:

“Any cracked, loose, sagging or broken frame siderail permitting shifting of the body onto moving parts or other condition indicating an imminent collapse of the frame.”

CHP emphasizes that such structural defects can lead to catastrophic failure if not addressed and highlights the importance of thorough routine inspections to ensure safety on the road.