To help drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) remain safe and keep trucking businesses in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Hazardous Materials Regulations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration records the number of violations discovered through roadside inspections conducted by Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program inspectors.

If an inspection results in a serious violation, an out-of-service (OOS) order is issued. The violation must be corrected before the driver or vehicle can return to service.

Below are the most common vehicle and driver violations and the number of OOS orders for each violation during the 2024 fiscal year:

Vehicle Violations (With Violation Code)

1. Tire—Flat and/or audible air leak (393.75A3): 69,060
2. Brake—Defective brake(s) are equal to or greater than 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle/combination(396.3A1BOS): 50,501
3. Tires—All others, leaking or inflation less than 50% of the maximum inflation pressure (393.75A3TAOL): 40,623
4. Inoperative turn signal (393.9TS): 28,885
5. Flat tire or fabric exposed (393.75A): 19,804
6. No/improper breakaway or emergency braking (393.43): 16,121
7. Inoperative brake lamps (393.9BRKLAMP): 15,383
8. Inoperable required lamp (393.9): 13,769
9. Lighting—Turn signal—Any inoperative on the rearmost vehicle (393.9ALTSI): 13,513
10. Brake tubing and hose adequacy (393.45): 13,298

Driver Violations (With Violation Code)

1. Operation of a CMV without a commercial driver’s license (CDL) (383.23A2): 41,576
2. Electronic logging device (ELD)—No record of duty status (ELD Required) (395.8AELD): 19,404
3. License (CDL)—Operation of a CMV and does not possess a valid CDL (383.23A2LCDLN): 16,188
4. Hours of service (Property)—Failing to have a record of duty status using the method prescribed (395.8A1HOSP): 14,980
5. False report of drivers record of duty status (395.8E): 12,584
6. No record of duty status when one is required (ELD not required) (395.8ANONELD): 9,094
7. Operation of a property-carrying vehicle without a valid medical certificate in possession or on file with the state drivers licensing agency; history of either failing to produce a medical certificate or having an expired medical certificate(391.41A): 5,375
8. Operation of a property-carrying vehicle without possessing a valid medical certificate, previously cited on [DATE](391.41A1FPC): 5,051
9. Driver failing to retain previous seven days records of duty status (395.8K2): 4,921
10. Driver does not have a valid operator’s license for the CMV being operated (391.11B5DNL): 4,645

Trucking businesses should review these common violations that lead to OOS orders and take steps to ensure compliance with all regulations. This can improve safety while on the road and reduce business interruptions.

For additional fleet and risk management resources, contact INSURICA today.

This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. ©2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved