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FMCSA Violation Codes: How Often, How Serious, How to Fix

Data through September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 28, 2026 · By Chad Griffith, founder

Quick Answer

In the 24 months to September 24, 2026, roadside inspectors cited 1,328,160 violations on interstate for-hire carriers with 5 to 50 trucks, and 22.9% put a driver or vehicle out of service. Twenty-five rule sections account for most of them; each links to its own page with the fix.

The 150 codes cited most

Ranked by citations on carriers with 5 to 50 trucks. Select a column heading to sort. A code with a section page links to it from its code.

The 150 FMCSA violation codes cited most on carriers with 5 to 50 trucks, September 25, 2024 to September 24, 2026
Section page
393.75A3-TAOL“Tires - All others leaking or inflation less than 50% of the maximum inflation pressure on tire not equipped with ATIS”840,88999.1%393.75
393.47E“Brake Out of Adjustment - Roto Clamp (Short & Long) DD-3 or Bolt”436,4510.0%393.47
392.2-SLLS2“State/Local Laws - Speeding 6-10 miles per hour over the speed limit”428,9520.0%392.2
393.55E-B“Air Brake - ABS malfunction lamp defective on trailers manufactured on or after March 1 1998”426,3710.0%393.55
396.17C-PI“Operating a CMV without documentation of a periodic inspection”425,9850.0%396.17
392.2-SLLTCD“State/Local Laws - Failed to obey a traffic control device - Permanent or Temporary - e.g. safety official signal sign light lane marking other”523,6800.0%392.2
393.9“Inoperable Required Lamp”223,53710.5%393.9
396.3A1-BOS“Brake - Defective brake(s) are equal to or greater than 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle/combination”0 (scored under related codes)22,54299.6%396.3
393.53B-B“Air Brake - CMV manufactured on or after 10/20/1994 has an automatic airbrake adjustment system that fails to compensate for wear”422,1260.0%393.53
392.2-SLLLR“State/Local Laws - Lane restriction violation”320,1950.0%392.2
393.45D-B“Air Brake - Audible air leak at a proper connection”420,0200.4%393.45
395.8E-HOSPD“HOS (Property) - No driver may make a false report in connection with a duty status. Explain”719,85912.4%395.8
393.45B2-B-AIR“Air Brake - Hose/tubing damaged or not secured”419,4942.3%393.45
395.24“HOS (ELD) - ELD Form and Manner”118,4680.1%395.24
393.9A-LIL“Lighting - Identification lamp(s) inoperative”217,6350.0%393.9
392.2-SLLS3“State/Local Laws - Speeding 11-14 miles per hour over the speed limit”715,3670.0%392.2
393.78A-WS“Washers - Inoperative washing system.”115,1290.0%393.78
393.9A-LFTSI“Lighting - Front - Turn signal - inoperative”614,1720.1%393.9
393.95A4-EEUS“Emergency Equipment - Fire Extinguishers - unsecured”214,1560.0%393.95
393.60C“Windshield - Damaged or Discolored”114,1410.0%393.60
395.8A1-HOSP“HOS (Property) - Failing to have a record of duty status using the method prescribed”513,89993.4%395.8
392.16-D“Driver - Failed to use seat belt while operating a CMV”712,9720.0%392.16
393.75C-TAOTD-LT2/32“Tires - Less than 2/32 inch tread depth”812,7330.1%393.75
393.78“Wipers - Inoperative / missing / damaged wipers”112,1380.1%393.78
393.95F“Emergency Equipment - Stopped vehicle warning devices missing or improper”211,5560.0%393.95
395.30B1-ELDDFR“HOS (ELD) - Driver failing to review records and certify the accuracy of the information.”111,3120.0%395.30
393.9A-LCL“Lighting - Clearance lamp(s) inoperative”210,9490.0%393.9
393.9A-LTSI“Lighting - Turn signal - Any inoperative on the rearmost vehicle.”610,92697.7%393.9
393.45B2-BHTD“Air Brake - Hose/tubing damage into the outer reinforcement ply.”410,78693.2%393.45
396.5B-L“Lubrication - Oil or grease leak”310,6940.1%396.5
393.9A-LHLI“Lighting - Headlamp(s) - Any inoperative”610,4770.0%393.9
392.2-SLLS4“State/Local Laws - Speeding 15 or more miles per hour over the speed limit”1010,4530.0%392.2
393.95A1“Emergency Equipment - Fire Extinguishers - no fire extinguisher present or not properly rated.”210,4360.0%393.95
393.9A-LSLIWR“Lighting - Stop lamps - Both inoperative when required to be on”610,38399.3%393.9
393.9A-LSLI“Lighting - Stop lamps - Any inoperative.”610,3084.3%393.9
396.17C“Operating a CMV without proof of a periodic inspection”410,2640.1%396.17
393.9A-LLPL“Lighting - License plate lamp inoperative”29,9950.0%393.9
393.9TS“Inoperative turn signal”69,97735.3%393.9
396.3A1-BALAC“Brake - Audible air leak from a brake chamber”49,4482.6%396.3
393.11A1-CSLRR“Conspicuity Systems - Truck tractor lower rear retro reflective sheeting missing on vehicle manufactured on or after July 1 1997”39,0540.0%393.11
393.95A“No/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher”28,8800.0%393.95
393.9A-LRLI“Lighting - Tail lamp - Any inoperative”68,8800.9%393.9
393.60D“Windshield / Windows - Tinting permits less than 70% of light transmittance”18,8720.0%393.60
393.9A-LSML“Lighting - Side marker lamp(s) inoperative”28,8520.0%393.9
393.75A3“Tire-flat and/or audible air leak”88,64999.0%393.75
383.23A2-LCDLN“License (CDL) - Operate a CMV and does not possess a valid CDL”88,64098.7%383.23
395.8A“HOS (Form) - Paper Log/Logging Programs Form and Manner”18,5961.2%395.8
395.22G-ELDMFV“HOS (ELD) - A portable ELD is not mounted in a fixed position and visible to the driver when seated in the normal driving position.”18,0100.0%395.22
391.11B2-Q“Driver cannot satisfy the English language proficiency requirements of 391.11(b)(2) in accordance with the current corresponding FMCSA enforcement guidance (391.”47,75382.0%391.11
393.53B“CMV manufactured after 10/19/94 has an automatic airbrake adjustment system that fails to compensate for wear”47,6200.0%393.53
395.22H4-ELDBRODS“HOS (ELD) - In-Vehicle Information - Failing to have a supply of blank driver's records of duty status graph-grids sufficient to record the driver's duty status a”17,5230.0%395.22
391.41APC“Medical (Certificate) - Operating a property-carrying vehicle without a valid medical certificate in possession or on file with the state drivers licensing agency”17,50797.4%391.41
392.2-SLLMF“State/Local Laws - Wheel (mud) flaps missing or defective”17,0860.1%392.2
396.5B-HWSL“Hubs - Wheel seal leaking”26,98252.2%396.5
393.9A-LBL“Lighting - Backup lamp inoperative”66,9660.0%393.9
393.55E“No or Defective ABS Malfunction Indicator Lamp for trailer manufactured after 03/01/1998”46,9200.0%393.55
393.11A1-CSURR“Conspicuity Systems - Truck tractor upper rear retro reflective sheeting missing on vehicle manufactured on or after July 1 1997”36,4380.0%393.11
396.3A1“Inspection repair and maintenance of parts and accessories”26,25911.6%396.3
393.9A-LTSIR“Lighting - Turn signal -Any inoperative on a unit that is not the rearmost unit”65,9030.7%393.9
395.3A2-HOSPD“HOS (Property) - Driving beyond the 14 hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty during the current 8 consecutive day period. Date and Tim”75,8947.2%395.3
393.11TL“Truck-Tractor lower rear mud flaps retroreflective sheeting / reflex reflective material requirements for vehicles manufactured after July 1997”35,7950.0%393.11
393.9A-HLLH“Lighting - Headlamp(s) fail to operate on low and high beam”65,6900.0%393.9
393.45B2UV“Brake Hose or Tubing Chafing and/or Kinking Under Vehicle”45,49414.8%393.45
392.9A2-C“Cargo - Vehicle components or dunnage not secured”15,49496.9%
395.8E1-PC“HOS - False record of duty status driver improper use of Personal Conveyance - Not OOS”75,4915.4%395.8
395.3A1-HOSPD“HOS (Property) - Driving more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty during the current 8 consecutive day period. Date and Time”75,4378.3%395.3
393.11“No or defective lighting devices or reflective material as required”35,4323.1%393.11
393.55C1-B“Air Brake - Truck-tractor manufactured on or after March 1 1997 not equipped with an ABS system. System does not function or indicates a fault.”45,3160.0%393.55
396.5B“Oil and/or grease leak”35,3080.4%396.5
395.8E-HOSPDOOS“HOS (Property) - Driver produces a false record of duty status that concealed an HOS limitation violation after the last rest period. Explain:”75,28981.5%395.8
393.75A3-TAOLTIS“Tires - All others leaking in tread area and inflation less than 50% of the maximum inflation pressure on tire equipped with ATIS”85,16797.6%393.75
395.24D-ELDPT“HOS (ELD) - On request by an authorized safety official a driver must produce and transfer from an ELD the driver's hours of service records in accordance with t”35,0360.2%395.24
393.75C“Tire-other tread depth less than 2/32 of inch measured in a major tread groove”85,0344.5%393.75
393.48A-BIBD“Drum Brake - Inoperative other than a steering axle”44,9110.9%393.48
392.2-SLLML“State/Local Laws - Failure to maintain lane”54,9100.0%392.2
393.45D-BAAL“Air Brake - Audible air leak at other than a proper connection”44,66084.1%393.45
393.9H“Inoperable head lamps”64,6090.6%393.9
393.9A-LHWS“Lighting - Hazard warning signal(s) inoperative”64,5330.0%393.9
392.2-SLLSWZ“State/Local Laws - Speeding work/construction zone”104,4060.0%392.2
392.2C“Failure to obey traffic control device”54,2040.0%392.2
393.100B-C“Cargo - Cargo not secured to prevent leaking/spilling/blowing/falling from CMV”74,18398.8%
395.8E“False report of drivers record of duty status”74,15548.6%395.8
393.11A1-LCHL“Lighting - Lamps improper color height location.”63,9920.0%393.11
393.55D1-B“Air Brake - ABS malfunction lamp defective on truck-tractor manufactured on or after March 1 1997 and each single unit CMV on or after 1998.”43,8270.0%393.55
393.55D2-B“Air Brake - ABS malfunction lamp defective on truck-tractor manufactured on or after March 1 2001 for towed vehicle.”43,8060.0%393.55
393.11TU“Truck-Tractor upper body corner requirements for retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflective material for vehicles manufactured after July 1997”33,7520.0%393.11
392.2-SLLUP“State/Local Laws - Unlawfully parking /leaving vehicle on roadway”13,6460.0%392.2
392.82DUMT“Driver - Using a hand-held mobile telephone”103,6390.0%
393.75A1-TEPBM“Tires - All others - Exposed ply or belt material in tread or sidewall area”83,5814.0%393.75
392.22A-D“Driver - Failed to activate hazard warning signal flashers”13,5790.0%
396.3A1-ALBV“Air Brake - Any leak from a brake valve”43,5720.4%396.3
396.9D2-FTF“Failing to correct the violation(s)/defect(s) noted on the roadside inspection report”43,4920.0%
395.30B2-ELDDFC24“HOS (ELD) - Driver failing to certify the record immediately after the final required entry has been made or corrected for the 24 hour period.”13,4410.1%395.30
393.9T“Inoperable tail lamp”63,4408.1%393.9
383.23A2“Operating a CMV without a CDL”83,27499.2%383.23
393.55C2-B“Air Brake - CMV other than truck-tractor manufactured on or after March 1 1998 not equipped with an antilock brake system. System does not function or indicates”43,1940.0%393.55
393.48A“Inoperative/defective brakes”43,16714.3%393.48
396.3A1-BALR“Air Brake - Fails air loss rate test”43,15897.7%396.3
392.2-SLLCP“State/Local Laws - Operate a CMV while using a cellular phone”103,1310.0%392.2
396.3A1B“Brakes (general) Explain:”43,0913.7%396.3
393.45B2PC“Brake Hose or Tubing Chafing and/or Kinking - Connection to Power Unit”43,08930.7%393.45
392.16“Failing to use seat belt while operating a CMV”73,0350.0%392.16
393.55C1“Truck Tractor manufactured on or after March 1 1997 not equipped with an antilock brake system”43,0030.1%393.55
393.205C-WRAWFLMIB“Wheel/Rim - Any wheel fasteners loose/missing/ineffective/broken.”22,9980.4%
393.19“Inoperative/Defective Hazard Warning Lamp”62,9720.3%
392.2-SLLFC“State/Local Laws - Following too closely”52,9410.0%392.2
391.41A-MCPC“Medical (Certificate) - Operating a commercial motor vehicle without showing proof of a valid medical certification upon request but presents proof prior to com”12,83016.5%391.41
393.75A“Flat tire or fabric exposed”82,71494.5%393.75
395.3A3II“Driving beyond 8 hour driving limit since the end of the last on duty off duty or sleeper period of at least 30 minutes”72,6850.1%395.3
393.75C-TAOTD-LT1/32“Tires - Less than 1/32 inch tread depth at 3 locations/2 adjacent tread grooves”82,67454.7%393.75
392.16AD“Driver - Failed to use seat belt while operating a CMV.”72,6400.0%392.16
395.22H2-ELDNISDT“HOS (ELD) Driver failing to have instruction sheet describing the data transfer mechanisms supported by the ELD and step-by-step instructions for the driver to pr”12,6340.1%395.22
391.11B2-Z“Border Zone - Driver cannot satisfy the English language proficiency requirements of 391.11(b)(2) in accordance with the current corresponding FMCSA enforcement”42,6271.5%391.11
395.32B-ELDDFR“HOS (ELD) - Driver failed to review any unassigned driving time when prompted by the ELD”52,6260.1%
395.24C2III-ELDSDN“HOS (ELD) - Driver failing to manually input or verify shipping document number.”12,6000.0%395.24
392.2-INAT“Driver- Inattentive or Distracted Driving”52,5990.0%392.2
393.45DLUV“Brake Connections with Leaks Under Vehicle”42,5883.4%393.45
393.48A-BMBCBD“Drum Brake - Missing/broken component(s)”42,5682.2%393.48
393.45DLPC“Brake Connections with Leaks - Connection to Power Unit”42,5453.1%393.45
395.24C2III“Driver failed to manually add shipping document number”12,5160.0%395.24
395.8E-HOSPDELDT“HOS (Property) - Tampering with an ELD so that the device does not accurately record and retain required data. Explain:”72,43497.2%395.8
393.11A1-LLPL“Lighting - License plate lamp missing”22,3760.0%393.11
395.3A2-HOSPDIT“HOS (Property) - Driver driving beyond the 14 hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty at the time of inspection. Time”72,35772.7%395.3
393.95A4-EENA“Emergency Equipment - Fire Extinguishers - not readily accessible or filled”22,3070.0%393.95
395.22H1-ELDNUM“HOS (ELD) - In-Vehicle Information - No user's manual for the driver describing how to operate the ELD. (May be electronic)”12,2950.0%395.22
395.24C2II-ELDTN“HOS (ELD) - Driver failing to manually input or verify CMV trailer number.”12,2900.0%395.24
395.24D“ELD cannot transfer ELD records electronically”32,1970.9%395.24
395.8A-ELD“ELD - No record of duty status (ELD Required)”52,16596.5%395.8
395.8F01“Drivers record of duty status not current”52,1431.6%395.8
393.75G-TAOW“Tires - All others weight carried exceeds tire load limit”32,11899.8%393.75
393.83G“Exhaust - Discharging at a point forward or directly below the driver or sleeper compartment”12,0582.9%
393.201A-FRCLS“Frame - Cracked/loose/sagging/broken frame or chassis”22,0491.5%
393.207A-SAPPCBLM“Suspension - Axle positioning part cracked/broken/loose/missing.”71,9708.3%393.207
393.207F-SLAS“Suspension - Leaking 3 PSI in 5 minutes”71,8960.4%393.207
393.55D3“No or Defective ABS Malfunction Indicator for towed vehicles on vehicles manufactured after February 2001”41,8850.0%393.55
393.30-B“Battery - Not protected”31,8430.0%
395.8K2-HOSP“HOS (Property) - Failing to have in possession RODS for the previous seven consecutive days and available for inspection while on duty”51,82596.3%395.8
392.2-SLLILC“State/Local Laws - Improper lane change”51,8040.0%392.2
395.3A3I-HOSPDIT“HOS (Property) - Driving more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty at the time of inspection. Time”71,79080.7%395.3
393.47A-BCLMBD“Drum Brake - Cracked/loose/missing lining/pad”41,7803.6%393.47
393.75A1“Tire-ply or belt material exposed”81,77729.6%393.75
395.22G“Portable ELD not mounted in a fixed position and visible to driver”11,7700.5%395.22
393.207F-SDAS“Suspension - Deflated air suspension”71,75595.3%393.207
393.47A-BCFSBD“Drum Brake - Contaminated friction surface”41,7536.1%393.47
393.43DBMA“Brake - Breakaway not attached to the towing vehicle”41,74799.5%
393.11B-CSRIGRR“Conspicuity Systems - Trailers rear impact guard retro reflective sheeting inadequate on vehicle manufactured on or after December 1 1993”31,7470.0%393.11
393.43D-B“Brake - Missing or inoperable breakaway braking system on a trailer(s) or converter dolly”41,72298.7%
393.81-H“Horn - Inoperative or defective”31,6780.0%
393.209E-SPSLA“Steering - Power steering leaking anywhere.”61,6670.0%
395.22H4“Driver failed to maintain supply of blank drivers records of duty status graph-grids”11,6510.4%395.22

Download: violation-codes-2026-09-24.json. By state, see roadside out-of-service rates by state.

About these numbers

Counts are violations cited in roadside inspections used in FMCSA's Safety Measurement System from September 25, 2024 to September 24, 2026 (dataset 8mt8-2mdr on data.transportation.gov, October 2026 run). Carriers with 5 to 50 trucks means 66,936 active interstate for-hire carriers with 5 to 50 power units and more trucks than buses, based in the 50 states or DC, from FMCSA's census file. This is FileFlo's reading of public FMCSA data, not an FMCSA rating. Severity weights are the current SMS weights.