The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Highway Patrol removed a hotshot driver and commercial vehicle from service for multiple violations including no commercial driver’s license (CDL).

On July 8, 2026, AZDPS troopers with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit performed a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling from Phoenix to Tempe. The combined weight of the truck and trailer was 30,500 pounds.

During the traffic stop, the driver was placed out-of-service for no CDL and no USDOT medical certificate. Additionally, the it was a second violation for the driver, who “was caught in December 2025 doing the same thing.”

The vehicle was placed out-of-service because the emergency brake cable was not connected.

Troopers said that this was the company’s fifth inspection and fifth out-of-service order in eight months.

“Commercial driving is exponentially riskier than driving your everyday car. A CDL requires the necessary training needed to handle large vehicles and hauling. Ensure your CDL is up to date and make sure your vehicle is properly maintained to handle emergency braking,” AZDPS said.