Top 10 Most Common FMCSA Violations and How to Avoid Them

Each year, millions of roadside inspections are conducted across the United States. The violations found in these inspections directly affect your BASICs scores, your out-of-service rates, and ultimately your ability to win freight. Here are the ten most commonly cited violations and what you can do to prevent them.

1. Brake Out of Adjustment (393.47)

Year after year, brake adjustment violations top the list. When pushrod stroke exceeds the maximum allowed limit, brakes lose stopping power. This is an automatic out-of-service violation if 20% or more of the brakes are out of adjustment. Prevention: check brake adjustment at every pre-trip, train drivers to measure pushrod travel, and include brake checks in every PM service.

2. Lighting/Reflector Violations (393.9, 393.11)

Inoperative or missing head lamps, tail lamps, turn signals, clearance lights, and reflectors are among the most frequently cited defects. While not always an OOS violation on their own, they add up on your Vehicle Maintenance BASIC. Fix: make lighting checks part of every pre-trip and post-trip. Replace bulbs and clean lenses at each PM interval.

3. Tire Tread Depth/Condition (393.75)

Tires with less than 2/32" of tread on steer axles (or 1/32" on other axles), exposed cord, flat tires, or cuts deep enough to expose ply or belt material all trigger violations. Tire failures are a leading cause of roadside breakdowns and OOS orders. Prevention: use a tread depth gauge during pre-trips, replace tires before they hit minimums, and inspect for sidewall damage after every trip.

4. Hours-of-Service Violations (395.3, 395.8)

Exceeding the 11-hour driving limit, the 14-hour on-duty window, or the 60/70-hour weekly limit remain among the most commonly cited driver violations. Since the ELD mandate, false log violations have decreased, but HOS violations from misconfigured ELDs, unassigned driving time, and personal conveyance abuse have increased. Fix: train drivers on HOS rules regularly, audit ELD data weekly, and use fleet management software to flag potential violations before they happen.

5. Brake Hose/Tubing Chafing (393.45)

Air brake hoses and tubing that are worn, chafed, or contacting other components are cited frequently. A chafed hose can fail suddenly, causing a loss of braking ability. During PM services, reroute hoses away from contact points, replace any hose showing wear, and secure loose lines with proper clamps.

6. No or Expired Medical Certificate (391.41)

Drivers must carry a valid DOT medical card at all times while operating a CMV. Driving with an expired medical certificate is an OOS violation that also affects your Driver Fitness BASIC. Track expiration dates in your driver qualification files and set up alerts at least 60 days before expiration.

7. Cargo Securement (393.100)

Insufficient tie-downs, improper blocking and bracing, and failure to secure cargo according to North American Cargo Securement Standards generate a high volume of violations. A load shift or cargo spill can cause a catastrophic crash. Ensure drivers are trained on securement rules for the specific commodity types they haul and carry extra straps and equipment.

8. Form and Manner of Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (396.13)

Failing to prepare or retain a DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is commonly cited. Drivers must complete a written report at the end of each driving day noting any vehicle defects. The carrier must review and sign the report, and retain it for at least 90 days. Digital DVIR apps can streamline compliance.

9. Operating Without Proof of Required Insurance (387.7)

Carriers must maintain proof of required insurance on file with the FMCSA. Operating without valid insurance documentation can result in both violations and suspension of operating authority. Ensure your insurance certificates are current and that your insurer has filed the proper Form BMC-91 or BMC-34 with the FMCSA.

10. Speeding (392.2)

Speeding violations carry significant weight in the Unsafe Driving BASIC, especially in construction zones or when speed exceeds the limit by more than 15 mph. These violations come from both roadside inspections and law enforcement citations. Use speed governors, driver scorecards, and telematics to monitor and coach driving behavior.

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