Out-of-Service Order (OOS)
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
An out-of-service (OOS) order is a regulatory action that prohibits a driver, commercial motor vehicle, or motor carrier from operating until specific deficiencies are corrected. OOS criteria are defined by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and adopted by FMCSA under 49 CFR 396.9. A vehicle OOS condition might be defective brakes, tire damage, or non-functioning lights. A driver OOS condition might be HOS violation, expired medical card, or impaired operation. Carrier-level OOS orders are issued under 49 CFR 386 for unfit safety ratings. National vehicle OOS rate average is 20.72%; driver OOS average is 5.51% based on FMCSA 2024 data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions cause a vehicle to be placed out of service?
CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria define vehicle OOS conditions including: defective service brakes (20% defective brakes by axle), missing or inoperative emergency brake, steering system defects, suspension defects affecting steering, fuel system leaks, exposed wiring, inoperative low-air warning device, tire defects (under 2/32" tread on steer axle), and missing or improperly secured cargo on certain vehicle types.
What conditions cause a driver to be placed out of service?
Driver OOS conditions include: violations of hours-of-service (49 CFR 395), driving with a suspended or revoked CDL, expired or missing medical card, blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater (49 CFR 392.5), refusing or failing a drug or alcohol test, and driving under the influence of any controlled substance.
How does a carrier get placed out of service?
FMCSA can issue an out-of-service order to a motor carrier under 49 CFR 386 for: receiving an Unsatisfactory safety rating, failing a new-entrant safety audit, repeated serious violations, or imminent hazard determinations. The order prohibits all interstate operations until deficiencies are corrected and the carrier petitions for reinstatement.
How does an OOS rate affect a carrier's CSA score?
Vehicle OOS violations contribute to the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC. Driver OOS violations contribute to the Hours-of-Service Compliance BASIC and Unsafe Driving BASIC. Sustained elevated OOS rates (particularly above national averages) can trigger FMCSA interventions ranging from warning letters to compliance reviews.
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