COTTONWOOD, Calif. — A semi-truck driver who attempted to bypass the Cottonwood Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility on Wednesday was discovered to be hiding major trailer damage, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

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CHP’s Northern Division Commercial Mobile Road Enforcement team said the driver was stopped on December 10, 2025, after intentionally avoiding the scales. Once officers were able to view the passenger side of the trailer, they immediately saw why the driver tried to slip past unnoticed.

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The trailer had severe structural damage, prompting officers to escort the truck back to the enforcement facility for a full inspection. CHP later released photos showing the extent of the destruction, which included significant tearing and deformation along the trailer’s side.

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CHP did not release the driver's identity but emphasized that bypassing weigh stations is both illegal and dangerous — especially when a commercial vehicle is operating with unsafe equipment.

The condition of the trailer and additional violations discovered during inspection have not yet been detailed. The incident remains under review, according to the California Highway Patrol.

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