FMCSR 383.71(c) Citations: What Drivers Need to Know

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 383.71(c) has never resulted in an out-of-service order. The out-of-service rate for this violation is 0.0%—all 256 all-time citations in our database resulted in warnings or citations only, not vehicle removal from service.

This contrasts sharply with the national average OOS rate of 31.4% across all FMCSR codes. You will not lose your truck over this citation alone.

383.71(c) is significantly less serious than most driver fitness violations. While similar codes like CDL class violations (98.4% OOS rate) and medical certificate violations (97.1% OOS rate) routinely result in trucks being pulled from service, 383.71(c) carries a 0.0% out-of-service rate.

Our records show 383.71(c) ranks #1142 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, indicating it is cited infrequently and treated as a lower-severity compliance issue in the field.

Immediate steps:

1. Document the citation — photograph or photograph the inspector's report and note the date, time, and location.
2. Request clarification — ask the inspector or your safety manager exactly what condition triggered the citation.
3. Report to your carrier — notify your fleet safety department immediately so they can log it in your CSA record.
4. Review your medical certification — driver fitness violations often relate to documentation; verify your medical certificate and all licensing documents are current and in possession.
5. Do not ignore it — while not out-of-service-eligible, unresolved citations can trigger carrier audits and CSA BASIC score increases.

No. 383.71(c) is cited very rarely. Our inspection records show zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days, despite tracking 13 million roadside inspections nationwide.

All 256 all-time citations in our database represent sporadic enforcement over many years. This violation does not appear to be a focus area for CVSA inspectors, meaning the likelihood of being cited for it again is extremely low.

Yes, you can submit a DataQs (Crash and Inspection Query System) dispute through your state's driver licensing agency. The process is designed to challenge roadside inspection findings on factual or procedural grounds.

If the citation was based on missing or outdated documentation (medical certificate, licensing), you may have grounds to dispute it by submitting corrected or current documentation. If it involved an equipment condition, photo evidence or repair records strengthen your case. Consult your carrier's safety team or a compliance specialist to review the specific citation language before filing.

Freightliners lead by citation count (26 citations), followed by Peterbilt (23 citations) and Kenworth (19 citations), according to our all-time data. However, these numbers reflect the overall prevalence of those makes in the trucking fleet rather than any heightened risk.

With only 256 all-time citations and zero recent activity, vehicle make is not a meaningful risk factor for 383.71(c). Focus instead on ensuring your own documentation and fitness standards comply with FMCSR 383.71(c) requirements.

Both. Driver fitness violations are recorded under both the driver's and the carrier's CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) profile. The citation will appear on your motor vehicle record and contribute to your carrier's safety ratings and inspection history.

This means a citation can affect your employability with other carriers (who review your safety record) and your carrier's ability to win contracts or pass audits. Resolving the underlying issue quickly and maintaining compliance is important for your long-term employment prospects.

Our records show small carriers and owner-operators account for most citations. EZ Route Transport Corp, Luis Rodriguez, Prime Landscaping and Snow Removal LLC, Belt Trucking LLC, and Arauz Trucking LLC each appear twice in our database.

No large national carrier dominates 383.71(c) citations, which aligns with the overall rarity of this violation (256 all-time citations across 13 million inspections). This suggests 383.71(c) is enforced sporadically and inconsistently rather than as part of a systematic compliance program.