The North Bay Ontario Provincial has charged a Commercial Motor Vehicle driver and associated company after a speeding stop led to the discovery of multiple major vehicle defects.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., an officer with the North Bay OPP observed a tractor‑trailer travelling 113 km/h east of Mattawa on Highway 17. During the stop, the officer noticed loose and missing wheel fasteners on the vehicle’s fourth axle, classified as a major defect and an imminent wheel‑off hazard.
A Level 1 commercial vehicle inspection was completed by a Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) enforcement officer.
Several significant mechanical and safety concerns were identified. The most critical issue involved the axle, where seven of the ten wheel fasteners were missing and the remaining three were loose, creating an immediate risk of wheel separation. The vehicle was placed out of service, and its licence plates were removed.
As a result of the investigation, a 55-year-old driver from Sudbury has been charged with:
- Speeding – 23 km/h over the posted limit
- Drive commercial motor vehicle not equipped with a working speed‑limiting system
- Fail to accurately complete daily inspection
- Drive commercial motor vehicle with a major defect in it or in drawn vehicle
The company, based in Earlton, has been charged with:
- Fail to ensure performance standards are met
- Fail to ensure daily inspection is conducted properly
- Permit operation of a commercial motor vehicle with a major defect in it or in drawn vehicle
The OPP remains committed to identifying and removing unsafe commercial vehicles from Ontario’s highways. Through strong partnerships with the Ministry of Transportation, officers work together to address unsafe equipment and enforce the standards that keep Ontario roads safe for everyone.
