Zip ties are the new duct tape

[A56]

Truck driver cited, placed OOS by CHP for ‘criminal’ zip-tie repair​

By Linda Garner-Bunch - August 8, 2025

TRUCKEE, Calif. — A truck driver was cited and his vehicle placed out of service for attempting to repair his brakes using plastic zip ties, according to an Aug. 4 Facebook post by the California Highway Patrol (CHP)-Donner Pass Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility.


According to the post, the shoddy repair job was only one of multiple violations.

“Uhhh, no … just no. And this was one of multiple brakes that were not operating. Obviously, this is a big no-no,” the post read. “Not only was this a criminal violation, but you have to consider the liability associated with this type of intentional neglect.”

The CHP shared a blunt message to drivers: “Don’t take these risks! Repair it right the first time!”

 

[SpeedThrills]

Wow, it takes a real idiot to do that. I'm glad he was caught.

Remember when zip ties were super-secret and special? You had to know someone who had a job where they used them to get any.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I've seen similar. Unfortunately.

 

[diymirage]

Technically, to call that neglect is incorrect

You can not call someone doing something, anything, stupid neglect

 

[RustyRatRod]

Technically, to call that neglect is incorrect

You can not call someone doing something, anything, stupid neglect

Right. Neglect would be just leaving them disconnected and layin there. lol

 

[Kern Dog]

To disconnect a brake line and tie it off is obviously bad...The guy could have used Hay Baling wire, a zip tie, duct tape or anything and the "repair" is still a hack job.
Zip ties can be used to secure things in a responsible manner. This clearly was not one of them.

 

[missing linc]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My first question is, does the "driver" speak, read, or write english? I have my doubts about that. It's this kind of criminal behavior that gives this industry a bad reputation.

I went through a comprehensive roadside inspection last month, which I passed, although I did have a puncture on one of the trailer tires, but it was not leaking. I was required to get the tire repaired as soon as possible.

 

[JDMopar]

It appears he used the zip ties to keep the air hoses pinched off so the truck would still build air pressure for whatever wheels still have brakes. I'd say he cranked on the slack adjuster to back that brake off so the wheel it was supposed to brake on would still roll. Doing what he did would only be acceptable to get that wheel to roll while the truck was being towed to a repair shop.