What might cause a commercial driver to be placed out of service?

A commercial driver can be placed out of service for several reasons, and one of the most critical is the presence of major vehicle defects. Major defects can significantly impair the safety and operation of the vehicle, which is crucial in a commercial setting where the vehicle often carries passengers or cargo. Examples of major defects include issues with brakes, steering components, lights, and other essential systems that are required for safe driving.

When a vehicle has serious defects, it increases the risk of accidents, endangering not only the driver but also other motorists and pedestrians. Therefore, authorities have stringent regulations in place, ensuring that any commercial vehicle found to have major defects can result in the driver being placed out of service until those defects are resolved. This is vital for maintaining safety standards on the road and ensuring that commercial operations do not compromise public safety.

The other options, while they may indicate poor driving habits or vehicle inefficiencies, do not directly lead to a driver being placed out of service in the same manner as major vehicle defects.