Trash Hauler Truck Taken Off Road for Major Safety Violations in Indiana

State police find over 30 defects, including 5 inoperable brakes and 4 flat tires, on commercial vehicle.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:42pm

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An extreme close-up of the worn, cracked rubber tread of a large commercial truck tire, conveying the poor condition of the vehicle's safety equipment.Worn and damaged tires on a commercial trash hauling vehicle highlight the need for rigorous safety inspections.Indianapolis Today

The Indiana State Police (ISP) took a commercial trash hauling vehicle off the road after uncovering more than 30 serious safety violations during a roadside inspection, including 5 out of 10 brakes being inoperable and 4 flat tires. The vehicle was ordered out-of-service until repairs could be made.

Why it matters

Commercial vehicle safety is a major concern for law enforcement and the public, as improperly maintained trucks can pose significant risks on the roads. This incident highlights the importance of regular inspections and enforcement to ensure trash and other commercial haulers are operating safely in local communities.

The details

After receiving a complaint about unsafe trash truck operations in Hendricks County, Indiana state troopers located and inspected a semi-tractor trailer hauling trash near U.S. 40 and S.R. 39. The thorough roadside inspection uncovered 33 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Violations, leading the vehicle and trailer to be taken out-of-service until repairs could be made.

  • On April 1, 2026, troopers located the trash hauling vehicle.

The players

Indiana State Police (ISP)

The state law enforcement agency responsible for conducting commercial vehicle inspections and enforcing safety regulations.

John Perrine

An ISP Public Information Officer with the Indianapolis District.

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What they’re saying

“After receiving a community complaint, Troopers have been watching for trash trucks in Hendricks County who were allegedly operating unsafely and losing trash.”

— John Perrine, ISP Public Information Officer

What’s next

The vehicle will remain out-of-service until the necessary repairs are completed to bring it back into compliance with federal safety regulations.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of rigorous commercial vehicle inspections and enforcement to identify and address safety issues before they lead to accidents or incidents that put the public at risk on Indiana's roads.