Multiple regulatory breaches uncovered in livestock‐hauling CMV; individual drivers and operating company face enforcement action

MARATHON – TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UPDATE: Remember back in the day when truckers were the kings of the roads? Drivers took special pride in their rigs, and their cargo. 

The most skilled drivers on the roads were often the transport drivers as they racked up tens of thousands of kilometres on our highways.

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, officers from the Marathon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a routine safety stop on a tractor‐trailer hauling a livestock trailer along Highway 17.

What began as a standard roadside check quickly evolved into a major enforcement action when investigators uncovered widespread non-compliance with Ontario’s commercial vehicle regulations.

Several apparent attempts by the driver and his passenger to switch seats mid-stop drew officers’ attention.

A thorough inspection revealed missing inspection reports and driver logs, unendorsed air-brake operation, a lack of electronic logging device (ELD) equipment, and absent proof of insurance—all serious breaches of the Highway Traffic Act and Commercial Vehicle Operators’ Registration requirements.

Traffic Stop Uncovers Major Safety Breaches

• Location: Southeast‐bound on Highway 17, west of Marathon

• Vehicle: Tractor pulling a livestock trailer

• Initial Red Flag: Driver and passenger attempting to swap places during the inspection

Upon closer examination, OPP technical traffic officers found that the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and its operators had failed to meet multiple mandatory safety and record-keeping standards designed to prevent accidents and ensure animal welfare during transport.

Individual Charges (10 Total)

Driver (18, Southgate Township)

1. Fail to surrender completed daily inspection report

2. Fail to surrender daily log

3. Drive CMV without required inspection

4. Drive CMV with air brake – no endorsement on licence

5. Drive CMV with improper licence

6. Drive CMV with no ELD

7. Fail to surrender proof of insurance for CMV

Passenger (41, Dundalk)

1. Fail to accurately complete daily inspection report

2. Smoke in forest area while walking or working (campfire restriction)

3. Hold lighted tobacco in prohibited place (forest fire regulations)

Corporate Accountability (5 Total)

The operating company—the registered CMV carrier—was also charged under commercial provisions of the Highway Traffic Act:

1. Fail to ensure daily inspection is conducted properly

2. Permit operation of vehicles with air brakes by unendorsed driver

3. Permit person with improper licence to drive CMV

4. Fail to equip CMV with required ELD information packet

5. Fail to equip CMV with an approved electronic logging device

These offences carry administrative penalties and potential licence suspensions for the carrier’s Federal Safety Rating, underscoring that safety compliance is the shared responsibility of both drivers and employers.

Next Steps and Penalties

• Court Appearance: All accused are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Marathon.

• Possible Penalties: Fines, licence suspensions, demerit points, and corporate safety rating downgrades.

• Operational Impact: The company may face further inspection blitzes and reduced carrier standing until compliance is demonstrated.

Shared Responsibility for Highway Safety

Highway safety depends on strict adherence to inspection, logging, and equipment standards—especially when transporting live animals. The OPP reminds all commercial carriers and drivers:

• Complete and retain daily inspection reports and logs

• Maintain properly endorsed licences for special equipment (e.g., air brakes)

• Equip vehicles with working ELDs and carry proof of insurance

• Never attempt to evade or disrupt roadside inspections

If you witness unsafe commercial driving or equipment, call the OPP’s non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. For immediate dangers, always dial 9-1-1 once safe to do so.