What 107.601 means in plain language
FMCSR 107.601 governs specific operational or documentation requirements in the hazmat and transportation regulatory framework. While the exact scope of this code is not spelled out in common driver briefings, citations under this rule typically relate to compliance with baseline transportation standards or record-keeping expectations at the federal level.
When an inspector cites you for 107.601, they're saying you failed to meet a requirement that falls under this regulation. Unlike equipment violations (like brake defects), this is usually about process, documentation, or procedural compliance. The good news: our inspection records show this code rarely results in an out-of-service order, and most drivers cited for it are able to resolve the violation and continue operating.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Our inspection records show 727 all-time citations for 107.601 across 13 million roadside inspections. In the last 12 months, inspectors issued 175 citations, and in the last 90 days, 41. This makes 107.601 ranked 806th out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—a relatively uncommon violation.
The out-of-service rate is 1.2% (9 drivers placed out of service, 718 not). That's dramatically lower than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%. In practical terms: if you're cited for 107.601, there's a 98.8% chance you'll be allowed to continue your trip after the citation is issued. This code is not considered severe enough by enforcement to warrant immediate vehicle or driver removal in almost all cases.
Looking at the trend over the past year, citations have been climbing, particularly from September 2025 onward, with peaks in December 2025 (33 citations) and February 2026 (20 citations). However, the out-of-service placements have remained sparse, with only 5 OOS events across the entire 12-month period.
Who gets cited most
Across the last 180 days, our data shows citations concentrated in three states:
- Texas: 101 citations, 4 out-of-service (4.0% OOS rate)
- North Carolina: 2 citations, 0 out-of-service (0.0% OOS rate)
- Illinois: 1 citation, 0 out-of-service (0.0% OOS rate)
Texas accounts for the overwhelming majority of recent 107.601 citations. While Texas also has a slightly elevated OOS rate at 4.0% compared to the other two states, this is still well below the national FMCSR average, suggesting that even when enforcement escalates to removal, it remains rare.
All-time, our data shows fleets such as Brandon Salazar Snowball (USDOT 4410818) with 10 citations and Jose Santos Cuellar Herrera (USDOT 4418657) with 5 citations. These numbers reflect the volume seen in our database; they do not indicate a pattern of negligence, only visibility in enforcement records.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
107.601 sits in a peer category with several related codes. Here's how it compares:
- 376.11(d)(1): 6,383 citations, 0.0% OOS rate — much higher enforcement volume, same low severity.
- 107.620(b): 2,120 citations, 0.2% OOS rate — roughly three times as common, equally non-severe.
- 107.620B-HMAMC: 1,820 citations, 0.0% OOS rate — similar rarity of out-of-service action.
Across these peer codes, 107.601 is among the least commonly cited, and its 1.2% OOS rate tracks with the pattern of minimal enforcement escalation in this regulatory category.
How to avoid it
Our inspection records identify patterns of violations that co-occur with 107.601. While this code itself doesn't directly pair with a single mechanical defect, the most frequent co-citations in the last 90 days point to areas worth checking:
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Hazmat documentation and placarding — 21 shared inspections show improper package transportation (173.29A), 19 show placarding violations (177.817A), and 16 show table-1 material placarding issues (172.504A). Action: If you haul hazmat, spend extra time verifying your shipping papers match your load, that placarding is correct and visible on all four sides, and that damaged packages are flagged and segregated.
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Tire condition — 20 shared inspections cite tire defects (393.67) and 9 cite flat or leaking tires (393.65F). Action: Walk around your tractor and trailer before departure. Look for bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or low pressure. Check sidewalls and tread depth with a gauge if possible.
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Lighting and windshield — 9 shared inspections show inoperable lamps (393.9) and 8 cite windshield damage (393.78). Action: Test all lamps (headlights, taillights, brake lights, marker lights) during pre-trip. Clear any cracks or damage from your windshield; small chips can grow under road vibration.
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Driver language proficiency (if you operate in the border zone) — 18 shared inspections reference English language requirement violations (391.11B2-Z). Action: Ensure you can communicate basic vehicle condition, cargo information, and safety procedures in English before crossing state or international borders.
The top vehicle makes cited under 107.601 are Freightliners (125 citations), Kenworths (71), Peterbilts (40), and International trucks (33). If you operate one of these models, you're not at higher risk per se, but you're in the larger pool of trucks on the road. Focus on the same pre-trip and documentation practices regardless of make.