The MCSAP program is a law enforcement based, driver and vehicle inspection program.

The programs goals are:
 
1.) Remove unsafe drivers and hazardous vehicles from the Highways.
2.) Require repairs of vehicle defects and require appropriate remedial action for the vehicle and/or driver violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations(FMCSR), Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations (FHMR), and PA Inspection Regulations.
3.) Document violations for enforcement action.
4.) Document and give credit to carriers, drivers and vehicles that are in compliance with the regulations.

 Motor Carrier Enforcement

Motor Carrier Enforcement in Pennsylvania falls under the authority of the PA State Police, with approximately 300 MCSAP certified municipal officers also having enforcement authority.
These officers are required to perform a minimum of 70 inspections annually, and must attend mandatory annual training and testing to retain their certification.
 
The Department’s MCE inspector is generally assigned, but not limited to, inspection details along designated roads within the municipalities which our department serves, to perform systematic inspections of commercial drivers and vehicles, as well as conduct vehicle weight compliance checks in an effort to maximize highway safety.
 
When not assigned to a stationary detail, the MCE Officer routinely engages in roving patrols to detect vehicles which are hazardous or otherwise not in compliance.
 

 Regional Enforcement Team

The Department is an active participant in a regional enforcement team consisting of MCSAP certified officers from other local municipal police departments. The team regularly schedules details throughout the area, to conduct inspections. It is not unusual for a team of 10 -20 MCSAP officers from various police departments to conduct a detail in one area.
 

Outreach and Education

The Department’s MCE Officer also participates in an outreach program to educate drivers and carriers of the applicable regulations to help bring them into compliance.
 

Quick Stats

In 2013 the Department investigated 67 accidents involving motor carrier vehicles. In 64% of those, the motor carrier vehicle or driver was at fault.
 
There were 173 motor carrier vehicles were inspected. Of those, approximately half were deemed to be an imminent hazard to the motoring public, and prohibited from continuing operation until repairs were made. The most common violations found were defective brakes, fatigued drivers, unsecured loads, and defective lighting and tires.

In 2014 the Department investigated 72 accidents involving motor carrier vehicles. In 77% of those, the motor carrier vehicle or driver was at fault.

In 2014, a total of 156 motor carrier vehicles were inspected. Of those, approximately half were deemed to be an imminent hazard to the motoring public, and prohibited from continuing operation until repairs were made. The most common violations found in 2014 were fatigued drivers, unsecured loads, and defective brakes and lighting.