WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal transportation officials released results from Operation SafeDRIVE, a three-day, high-visibility enforcement and education effort carried out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state law enforcement to target unsafe driving behaviors, driver qualification issues, and vehicle safety violations.

Officials said the first phase of the operation ran January 13–15, 2026, with targeted enforcement along major freight corridors and other high-risk areas across 26 states and Washington, D.C.

Operation SafeDRIVE totals (Jan. 13–15)

• 8,215 inspections

• 704 drivers placed out-of-service (including nearly 500 for English proficiency violations)

• 1,231 vehicles placed out-of-service

• 56 arrests (including DUI and illegal presence in the U.S.)

FMCSA said the goal of the operation was to remove unsafe drivers and vehicles from the road and reinforce compliance through concentrated enforcement and partnerships with state agencies.

Where it took place

Operation SafeDRIVE covered routes in Washington, D.C. and the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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