The Ultimate Guide to Common DOT Violations (2026 Edition)

DOT compliance is the backbone of safe, legal, and efficient fleet operations in the United States. Every year, the FMCSA issues hundreds of thousands of violations during roadside inspections, audits, and compliance reviews. These violations cost carriers millions of dollars in fines, increase insurance premiums, damage CSA scores, and in many cases, place drivers or vehicles Out of Service (OOS) on the spot.

Understanding the most common DOT violations is no longer optional, it is essential for:

• Fleet owners
• Safety managers
• Owner-operators
• Dispatchers
• CDL drivers
• Compliance staff

With FMCSA tightening enforcement and increasing the use of data-driven targeting, fleets with recurring violations are more likely to be audited, placed under investigation, or flagged for intervention under CSA.

The Most Common DOT Violation Categories

FMCSA violations generally fall into 10 core categories, each governed by specific parts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs):

1. Vehicle Maintenance Violations (Part 396)
2. Parts & Accessories Safety Violations (Part 393)
3. Driver Qualification Violations (Part 391)
4. CDL Licensing & Endorsement Violations (Part 383)
5. Hours-of-Service Violations (Part 395)
6. Drug & Alcohol Testing Violations (Part 382)
7. Hazardous Materials Violations (Parts 107, 172–177)
8. Unsafe Driving Violations (Part 392)
9. Recordkeeping & Documentation Violations
10. Driver Fitness & Medical Violations

Each category contains multiple sub-violations, some minor, others severe enough to result in an Out-of-Service order. This pillar blog will break down each category in detail and link to your full-length blogs for in-depth coverage.

Examples of top violations across categories include:

• Inoperative lamps (393.9)
• Brake hose chafing (393.45B2)
• Expired medical certificate (391.45)
• No RODS / false logs (395.8)
• Operating CMV without proper CDL class (383.23)
• Failure to conduct random drug/alcohol tests (382.305)
• Missing hazmat placards (172.504A)
• Speeding, texting, reckless driving (392.2 / 392.82)

This section will later be internally linked to each detailed blog you have already written.

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (Part 396)

Vehicle maintenance violations fall under 49 CFR Part 396, and they represent some of the most common violations issued during Level 1, 2, and 5 inspections. FMCSA requires every carrier to properly inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial vehicles under their control.

Some of the most frequently cited Part 396 violations include:

• 396.3(a)(1) – Parts and accessories in disrepair
• 396.5(b) – Oil/grease leaks
• 396.17(c) – Operating a CMV without a periodic (annual) inspection
• 396.9(d)(2) – Failure to fix defects identified on DVIR
• 396.3(a)(1) – Brakes, tires, hubs, or safety components in unsafe condition

A significant percentage of OOS orders occur due to maintenance failures, usually involving braking systems or tires.

FMCSA requires fleets to:

• Perform regular inspections and repairs
• Maintain written records
• Conduct annual inspections
• Address DVIR-reported defects
• Keep maintenance files for every vehicle

Maintenance-related violations impact the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC score, which is one of the highest-weight categories in CSA.

 → Read the full detailed blog on Vehicle Maintenance Violations (Part 396)

Parts & Accessories Safety Violations (Part 393)

Parts & Accessories violations under 49 CFR Part 393 relate to the equipment required for the safe operation of a CMV. These are some of the most common roadside citations because inspectors can visually identify these problems quickly.

Top violations from your PDF include:

• 393.9 – Required lamps not working
• 393.75C – Tire tread depth below 2/32
• 393.95A – Missing or unsecured fire extinguisher
• 393.11 – Defective reflective devices/lighting
• 393.78 – Defective windshield wipers
• 393.45B2 – Brake hose chafing
• 393.95F – Missing warning devices
• 393.53B – Faulty automatic brake adjuster

These violations often lead to Out-of-Service orders when related to brakes, tires, lighting, or critical safety equipment.

Why these violations occur:

• Poor pre-trip inspections
• Lack of preventive maintenance
• Ignoring early warning signs
• Using worn-out tires or brake components
• Equipment not secured correctly

→ Read the complete blog on Parts & Accessories Violations (Part 393)

Driver Qualification Violations (Part 391)

Driver Qualification File (DQF) violations under 49 CFR Part 391 are among the most critical and commonly cited DOT violations during audits and compliance reviews. Part 391 defines the minimum requirements a driver must meet before operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), and carriers are required to maintain a complete, accurate, and audit-ready DQ file for each driver.

Some of the most common DQF violations include:

• 391.11(b)(2) – Driver not qualified to operate a CMV
• 391.23(a)(2) – Failure to obtain an MVR within 30 days of hire
• 391.23(d) – Failure to perform annual MVR review
• 391.51(b)(2) – Missing medical certificate
• 391.45 – Driver operating with expired medical exam
• 391.21 – Incomplete or missing driver application
• 391.27 – No inquiry into previous employment (drug & alcohol history)
• 391.53 – Missing safety performance history
• 391.51 – Improper or incomplete DQ file documentation

These violations frequently occur because fleets underestimate the amount of documentation and annual updating required to stay compliant. Many violations are purely administrative but still carry high CSA severity and can trigger deeper investigations.

Common fleet mistakes include:

• Allowing drivers to operate before fully completing DQ files
• Missing or expired medical certificates
• Outdated MVRs
• Incomplete employment verification
• Not keeping prior employer inquiries on file
• Poor document organization
• Failing to track expiration dates

These violations not only risk FMCSA fines but also expose fleets to liability in the event of a collision involving an unqualified driver.

→ Read the full blog on Driver Qualification Violations (Part 391)

CDL Licensing & Endorsement Violations (Part 383)

FMCSA’s CDL Licensing rules under 49 CFR Part 383 ensure that only qualified drivers operate commercial vehicles. Violations in this category occur when drivers operate CMVs without the correct CDL class or without required endorsements for specific cargo or vehicle types.

Common CDL licensing violations include:

• 383.23(a)(2) – Driver operating a CMV without proper CDL
• 383.21 – Operating while CDL is suspended, downgraded, or revoked
• 383.23(b) – No valid CDL in possession
• 383.53 – Employer knowingly using a disqualified driver

Endorsement-related violations include:

• 383.93(b)(1) – No Hazmat endorsement (H)
• 383.93(b)(2) – No Tanker endorsement (N)
• 383.93(b)(3) – No Passenger (P) endorsement
• 383.93(b)(4–5) – No School Bus (S) endorsement
• 383.93(b)(6) – No Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement

These violations frequently lead to Out-of-Service orders because they directly impact safety. For example:

• A driver without a Tanker endorsement may not understand liquid surge
• A driver without a Hazmat endorsement may not know emergency response procedures
• A driver without a Passenger endorsement may lack proper loading and safety protocols

Additionally, CDL fraud and false licensing remain serious concerns. Violations include:

• Using fake or altered CDLs
• Applying for CDLs in multiple states
• Providing false identity or medical information

Fleets often commit violations unknowingly due to:

• Poor onboarding checks
• Failing to verify endorsements against vehicle assignments
• Not monitoring CDL downgrades caused by expired medical certificates

Hours-of-Service Violations (Part 395)

Hours-of-Service (HOS) violations under 49 CFR Part 395 are among the most heavily scrutinized DOT violations, especially since the adoption of mandatory Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). These violations directly tie into driver fatigue, crash risk, and overall fleet safety.

Major HOS violations include:

• 395.3(a)(1) – Driving beyond 11 hours
• 395.3(a)(2) – Driving after 14-hour limit
• 395.3(a)(3)(ii) – Missing 30-minute break
• 395.8(e) – False logs / falsified ELD records
• 395.22(h) – ELD malfunction without proper documentation
• 395.8(a) – No record of duty status
• 395.1(g) – Incorrect sleeper berth usage
• 395.34 – Improper use of personal conveyance or yard moves

False logs and ELD manipulation carry the highest severity because FMCSA views them as intentional safety violations. Inspectors frequently identify falsified logs through:

• GPS / mileage inconsistencies
• Jumping time zones
• Editing out drive time
• Multiple driver profiles
• Unassigned driving time
• ELD malfunctions without annotations

HOS issues are also a primary trigger for:

• Compliance investigations
• Safety audits
• FMCSA intervention letters
• Out-of-Service orders at roadside

Fleets often struggle with:

• Split sleeper berth rules
• On-duty vs. off-duty definitions
• 60/70-hour weekly cycles
• Personal conveyance misuse
• Managing ELD edits
• Training inexperienced drivers

→ Read the full Hours-of-Service Violations Guide (Part 395)

Drug and Alcohol Violations (Part 382)

Drug and alcohol violations under 49 CFR Part 382 are among the most severe DOT violations a carrier or driver can receive. These rules exist to prevent impaired driving, reduce crashes, and ensure that drivers operating Commercial Motor Vehicles are fit for duty. With the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse now fully mandatory, enforcement has become significantly stricter and more automated.

Common violations include:

• 382.301(a) – No pre-employment drug test
• 382.305 – Failure to conduct random testing
• 382.303 – Failure to conduct post-accident testing
• 382.305(k) – Incorrect random testing pool
• 382.211 – Driver using a CMV while possessing drugs
• 382.207 – Driver on duty under the influence
• 382.215 – Alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater
• 382.701 – Failure to query the Clearinghouse
• 382.705 – Failure to report violations to the Clearinghouse
• 382.501(a) – Using a driver who has not completed the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process
• 382.503 – Failing to remove a driver from safety-sensitive duties after a violation

The Clearinghouse has largely eliminated drivers’ ability to hide prior drug and alcohol violations by switching employers. A carrier that hires a driver without performing a required full pre-employment query can face significant fines and be held liable if a crash occurs.

Carriers also frequently commit administrative violations, such as:

• Incorrect consortium enrollment
• Missing random selection records
• Failure to maintain test documentation
• Using a non-certified laboratory or Medical Review Officer (MRO)
• Allowing drivers to perform safety-sensitive work during the RTD process

For drivers, the most common violations include:

• Positive drug test
• Refusal to test
• Attempting to adulterate a test
• Alcohol violations during on-duty hours
• Driving before completing SAP requirements

A single violation can remove a driver from service immediately and require them to enter the SAP program before returning to safety-sensitive work.

Unsafe Driving Violations (Part 392)

Unsafe driving violations under 49 CFR Part 392 directly impact road safety and contribute to the Unsafe Driving BASIC, one of the highest-weight categories in the CSA scoring system. These violations occur when a driver engages in dangerous or reckless behavior behind the wheel, increasing the likelihood of crashes.

Some of the most common unsafe driving violations include:

• 392.2 – Unsafe operation of a CMV
• 392.16 – Failure to wear seat belt
• 392.2R – Reckless driving
• 392.2S – Speeding 15 mph or more
• 392.82(a)(1) – Using a handheld mobile phone while driving
• 392.80 – Texting while driving
• 392.3 – Driving while ill or fatigued
• 392.6 – Schedule that does not allow drivers to comply with regulations
• 392.14 – Failure to use extreme caution in hazardous conditions
• 392.22 – Failure to place warning devices

Speeding violations remain the number one unsafe driving citation in the industry. Texting and handheld mobile phone violations carry some of the highest penalties because they create dangerous distraction risks.

Fatigue-related violations under 392.3 allow law enforcement to place a driver out-of-service if they appear physically or mentally unable to operate safely, even if they are technically compliant under HOS rules. This gives officers broad discretion to protect public safety.

Fleet-level unsafe driving violations occur when carriers:

• Pressure drivers into unsafe schedules
• Fail to monitor driver behavior
• Ignore repeated violations
• Do not provide ongoing safety training
• Lack clear safety policies

Unsafe driving violations are heavily enforced through:

• Roadside inspections
• Crash investigations
• Traffic stops
• DOT audits
• Insurance underwriting reviews

Hazardous Materials Violations (Parts 107, 172–177)

Hazardous materials (Hazmat) violations are governed by 49 CFR Parts 107, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, and 177. These violations are among the most serious DOT citations because they involve materials that can cause fire, explosion, poisoning, environmental damage, or mass injury if not transported properly.

Common Hazmat violations include:

• 172.504(a) – Failure to placard
• 172.301 – Improper package marking
• 172.400 – Missing or incorrect labels
• 172.602 – Shipping papers not accessible
• 177.817(e) – Improperly prepared shipping papers
• 177.834 – Improper loading or securement
• 177.801 – Failure to train Hazmat employees
• 171.15 – Failure to report Hazmat incident
• 177.848 – Incompatible materials loaded together
• 172.704(c) – Expired Hazmat training

Hazmat carriers are required to follow strict protocols that include:

• Proper documentation
• Adequate emergency response information
• Use of certified packaging
• Correct placarding
• Mandatory Hazmat training every 3 years
• Load compatibility requirements
• Securement of hazardous cargo

Violations occur frequently because carriers fail to follow these detailed administrative requirements or drivers do not receive proper training.

Some of the most severe penalties occur when carriers:

• Transport hazmat without required endorsements
• Allow untrained personnel to handle hazardous cargo
• Mislabel or improperly placard shipments
• Fail to maintain proper shipping papers
• Ignore segregation requirements

Even minor paperwork mistakes can lead to major fines because Hazmat enforcement is risk-based.

Top 20 DOT Out-of-Service (OOS) Violations

Out-of-Service (OOS) violations represent the most severe breaches of FMCSA regulations. When a driver or vehicle is placed Out-of-Service, it cannot legally operate until the violation is corrected. These violations carry the highest CSA severity weights and often lead to increased insurance premiums, DOT audits, and enhanced roadside enforcement targeting.

Below are the Top 20 OOS violations, based on FMCSA data and aligned with your uploaded violation file:

Vehicle-Related Out-of-Service (OOS) Violations

1. 393.47E – Brake violations (inoperative or out-of-adjustment)
2. 393.45B2 – Brake hose/tubing chafing and kinking
3. 393.75A – Flat or exposed-ply tire
4. 396.3A1 – Vehicle not maintained in safe operating condition
5. 393.9 – Inoperative required lamps
6. 393.53B – Automatic brake adjuster failure
7. 396.17C – No annual inspection on file
8. 392.7 – Driver fails to inspect equipment before operating
9. 396.9C2 – Operating vehicle declared OOS
10. 393.78 – Inoperative windshield wipers

Driver-Related Out-of-Service (OOS) Violations

11. 391.11 – Driver not qualified (missing CDL, medical card, or disqualifying factor)
12. 391.45 – Expired medical certificate
13. 395.3 – Driving beyond HOS limits (11 or 14-hour rule)
14. 395.8 – No record of duty status
15. 395.8E – False logs / falsified ELD entries
16. 392.3 – Driver fatigued or ill
17. 382.201 – Alcohol concentration > 0.04
18. 382.215 – Controlled substances violation
19. 383.23 – Driving without proper CDL class or endorsement
20. 392.82 – Texting or handheld phone use

These OOS violations matter because:

• They immediately halt operations
• They damage CSA BASIC scores dramatically
• They increase audit risk under FMCSA’s data-driven targeting
• Repeat patterns can trigger a Compliance Review (CR) or Notice of Claim
• Insurance companies view OOS percentages as a risk indicator

How Fleets Can Avoid DOT Violations: Best Practices & Compliance Strategies

Avoiding DOT violations requires a proactive, structured compliance strategy. Fleets that wait for violations to occur before taking action often face expensive fines, OOS orders, and long-term CSA score damage. To maintain full compliance across all FMCSA categories, carriers must implement strong systems, continuous monitoring, and data-driven oversight.

Key strategies to prevent DOT violations:

1. Implement automated DQ File Management

DQ file violations are among the most common during audits. Automation ensures:

• Medical certificates never expire
• Annual MVR checks are completed
• Employment verifications are documented
• CDL and endorsements are continuously monitored

2. Maintain a strict preventive maintenance schedule

Most vehicle violations occur due to poor inspection practices. Fleets must:

• Track preventative maintenance intervals
• Conduct daily DVIRs
• Keep complete vehicle maintenance records
• Address defect reports immediately

3. Enforce Hours-of-Service compliance

ELDs reduce violations but do not eliminate:

• Log falsification
• PC misuse
• Split sleeper berth misunderstandings

Automated log auditing and driver coaching are essential.

4. Maintain full compliance with Drug & Alcohol Testing rules

This includes:

• Randoms
• Pre-employment
• Post-accident
• Reasonable suspicion tests
• Clearinghouse queries
• SAP/RTD monitoring

5. Train drivers continuously

Ongoing safety training reduces:

• Unsafe driving violations
• Hazmat errors
• Vehicle misuse
• Fatigue-related risks

6. Conduct internal mock audits

Internal audits help fleets identify:

• Missing documents
• Unsafe patterns
• Operational gaps
• Violations before FMCSA finds them

7. Use Compliance Software

Manual compliance leads to human error. A compliance system handles:

• Automated alerts
• Digital record storage
• ELD integrations
• Maintenance calendars
• DQ file management
• Clearinghouse automation

SafeRoad Compliance provides fleets of all sizes with a complete end-to-end DOT compliance solution:

• Automated DQ file management
• Real-time vehicle maintenance tracking
• ELD log auditing
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse management
• FMCSA audit preparation
• Driver safety monitoring
• Compliance reporting dashboards

Your fleet stays compliant, protected, and audit-ready 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)