What 374.201(b) means in plain language
FMCSR 374.201(b) is a federal motor carrier regulation that addresses specific operational or documentation requirements for commercial vehicle operations. While this code is rarely cited in the field, when it does appear, it typically involves compliance with motor carrier service rules or vehicle operation standards as defined under Part 374 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
The regulation falls under a narrow compliance area that doesn't frequently trigger roadside enforcement actions. If you've received a citation for this code, it means an inspector found a condition or practice during your stop that didn't align with the operational requirements outlined in this section. The good news: this is not an out-of-service violation, meaning the inspector did not remove your vehicle from service based on this citation alone.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our database of 13 million+ roadside inspection records, 374.201(b) is one of the least frequently cited FMCSR codes. All-time, we have recorded just 2 citations for this violation. In the last 12 months, there have been 0 citations, and in the last 90 days, 0 citations.
This code ranks #2651 out of 3,036 total FMCSR codes by citation volume—placing it in the bottom 13% of enforcement activity. The out-of-service rate for 374.201(b) is 0.0%, meaning neither of the two citations in our records resulted in a vehicle being placed out of service. For context, the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate is 31.4%, so this violation carries significantly less enforcement severity than most other codes.
The rarity of this citation means that if you've received one, you're in an unusual situation. It also suggests that widespread industry non-compliance with this particular rule is not a priority enforcement target for FMCSA.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records identify two carriers cited for 374.201(b):
- TORNADO BUS COMPANY (USDOT 565859): 1 citation
- ANTELOPE VALLEY AIRPORT EXPRESS INC (USDOT 709384): 1 citation
The data does not indicate a pattern of enforcement concentrated in any particular geographic region. Vehicle types cited include a CHAMPION unit and a VOLVO unit, suggesting this violation is not restricted to a specific manufacturer or vehicle class.
The absence of a clear state concentration or carrier pattern underscores how seldom this code is encountered in field enforcement.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Peer codes in the same regulatory category show dramatically higher citation activity. For example:
- 376.11(d)(1) has been cited 6,383 times with a 0.0% out-of-service rate
- 999 has been cited 4,802 times with a 12.1% out-of-service rate
- 107.620(b) has been cited 2,120 times with a 0.2% out-of-service rate
By comparison, 374.201(b)'s 2 all-time citations place it far below the enforcement volume of these peer codes. Even codes with similarly low out-of-service rates, like 376.11D1 (1,258 citations, 0.0% OOS rate) and 107.620B-HMAMC (1,820 citations, 0.0% OOS rate), are cited thousands of times more frequently.
This relative rarity means that inspectors and enforcement agencies do not focus heavily on 374.201(b) compliance, and the conditions that trigger it are not widely encountered across the industry.
How to avoid it
Because this citation is so uncommon, the path to avoidance is straightforward:
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Review Part 374 operational requirements before your next trip. Familiarize yourself with the specific language of 374.201(b) in your carrier's compliance manual or via the eCFR. A few minutes of clarity now prevents confusion at roadside.
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Confirm carrier authorization and service type documentation is complete and accessible. Motor carrier regulations often require proper credentials, permits, or operational declarations. Have yours organized and ready for inspection.
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Conduct a standard pre-trip inspection focusing on vehicle condition and operational setup. The two citations in our data involved a CHAMPION and a VOLVO, so this violation is not model-specific; it reflects an operational or documentation gap rather than a mechanical defect.
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Communicate with your dispatcher or compliance officer if you're uncertain about any requirement covered under Part 374. Since enforcement of this code is so rare, your carrier may not have flagged it as a training priority—take the initiative to ask.
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Document your compliance if you operate under specific service conditions or restrictions. If 374.201(b) applies to your operating authority, keep proof readily available during inspections.