Iowa State Patrol Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit

Yesterday, one of our Troopers patrolling I-80 encountered a trailer with loose dual wheels. This could have resulted in serious consequences if it was not for our Trooper taking action when he did.

This issue is becoming more common; ensure wheel ends are checked during pre-trip inspections.

The Iowa Department of Transportation said it best, “Partnering to keep our loads safe means keeping our roads safe”. Trooper Kirkpatrick does a fantastic job at educating on the importance of commercial motor vehicle safety on highways.

Here are a few photos of violations discovered on recent inspections. It is crucial for companies and drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good working condition. Repairs should never be delayed as this will only lead to further consequences.

This past week, one of our Troopers responded to a truck in the ditch on I-80. During the investigation, it was discovered that the passenger, who didn’t have a CDL, “just wanted to go home” and started driving the truck while the actual driver was asleep in the sleeper.

Upon verifying the actual driver’s credentials, it was discovered that their CDL was also suspended. Subsequently, they did not return home as soon as the passenger had hoped. Numerous violations and out of service violations were issued during this inspection.

Today, one of our CMVU Troopers discovered a brake on a steering axle that was missing its air hose, ultimately deeming the brake inoperable and causing the truck to be out of service.

This is not only a danger to the driver but also to the public. Always take a look under your hood; it is never a waste of time.

Member Spotlight - May

Trooper Brian Koob #163 began his law enforcement career as a Cerro Gordo County
Deputy Sheriff. In 2022, was hired by the Iowa DOT, as a Motor Vehicle Enforcement
Officer, and through the successful merger, a respected CMVU Trooper in Area C for
the Iowa State Patrol.

Brian, his wife and 3 children reside in the City of Rockwell, where he is extremely
active in his community and Cerro Gordo County. Trooper Koob serves as the Vice
President of the North Iowa Critical Incident Stress Management Debriefing Team, a
“City Council” member in Rockwell for multiple years, an active Iowa High School
athletic association certified Basketball referee, and a valued member if the Iowa State
Patrol’s Critical Incident Stress management team, just to name a few of his many
accomplishments and acts of service.

Trooper Koob’s professionalism and leadership is second to none, and a driving force
behind the success of the Commercial Vehicle Unit in North Iowa and District 8. Congratulations, Trooper Koob!

We are a little less than two weeks away from Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's International Roadcheck. As a reminder, this years check runs from May 12-14!

CVSA’s International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 12-14 with a focus on cargo securement and electronic logging device tampering, falsification or manipulation. https://cvsa.org/news/2026-roadcheck/

A few eye-opening photos from CMV inspections around Iowa lately.

While we know some issues pop up without warning, many of these have been developing for quite some time.

Out-of-service violations are always cheaper and easier to fix in your own yard rather than roadside!

Taking a closer look at your equipment may result in locating defects you would have otherwise missed. Take your time to ensure your equipment is up to the task!