FMCSR 383.93B3: CDL Restriction Violation Q&A

Yes. Our inspection records show a 100.0% out-of-service rate for 383.93B3 violations—all 49 citations in our database resulted in immediate OOS placement. This is substantially higher than the 31.4% average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes, making this one of the most enforcement-critical violations. You will not be allowed to continue operating that vehicle until the restriction violation is resolved.

This violation carries a CSA severity weight of 6. Your total points depend on your carrier's safety rating calculation and your 30-month inspection history. A single violation with weight 6 will be counted in both the Driver Fitness BASIC category and your carrier's overall safety profile. Consult your carrier's safety department and review your FMCSA SafetyNet account for your exact point impact.

Immediate actions:

1. Confirm which CDL restriction you violated (air brakes, manual transmission, etc.)—this is on your citation.
2. Contact your carrier immediately; you cannot operate until compliant.
3. Review your CDL endorsements against the vehicle you were operating.
4. If the vehicle has mechanical defects, our data shows 393.48A (brake defects) frequently appears alongside 383.93B3, so have a pre-trip inspection performed.
5. Document your corrective action in writing for the safety manager.
6. Request the inspection report from the roadside inspector.

Yes. Across 13 million inspections, peer codes in the Driver Fitness category show: CDL wrong class has a 98.4% OOS rate (50,385 citations), operating without a valid CDL has 98.6% OOS (47,123 citations), and lack of valid medical certificate has 97.1% OOS (49,539 citations). At 100.0% OOS rate, 383.93B3 is among the most severe driver fitness violations. Only 49 all-time citations appear in our database, but enforcement is absolute when cited.

Yes, you can submit a DataQs (Safet System for Management of Operational Risk Deficiency) challenge to FMCSA within 90 days of the citation. However, this is a documented restriction violation appearing on your CDL record—it is factual data, not a measurement or inspector judgment. Your challenge would need to demonstrate either that the inspector misidentified the vehicle you were operating or that your CDL record was incorrectly read. Work with your carrier's safety or compliance department to prepare the challenge.

Over the last 180 days, our records show 383.93B3 citations concentrated in two states: Texas (9 citations, 100.0% OOS rate) and North Carolina (6 citations, 100.0% OOS rate). Together, these two states account for 15 of the last 35 citations nationally. If you operate in high-citation regions, ensure your CDL restrictions are current and your vehicle assignment matches your endorsements.

Extremely urgent—you are out of service immediately upon citation. Our 90-day trend shows 6 citations (all resulting in OOS), with June 2025 recording a peak of 5 citations that month. While overall citation volume for this code is low (49 all-time, 35 in the last 12 months), every single one results in operational shutdown. Compliance is not negotiable; resolve the restriction issue before returning to service.

Both. The violation appears on your driving record as a Driver Fitness BASIC category item (CSA weight 6) and on your carrier's record in the same category. In FMCSA's Safety Management system, driver violations feed the carrier's overall safety profile. Your carrier is accountable for driver fitness, and you are accountable for operating only the vehicle classes and types your CDL permits. This violation impacts both your employability and your carrier's CSA scores.