385.325(c) FMCSR Citation: What Drivers Need to Know

Yes, most likely. Our inspection records show that 385.325(c) citations result in an out-of-service placement 96.0% of the time. That's dramatically higher than the 31.4% average OOS rate across all FMCSR violations. When you're cited for this code, the inspector will almost certainly place your vehicle out of service immediately, meaning you cannot operate it until the violation is corrected and re-inspected.

385.325(c) is exceptionally serious. The 96.0% out-of-service rate places it far above the 31.4% all-FMCSR average. Most administrative violations like USDOT marking requirements (390.21 codes) carry 0.0% OOS rates. The data in our database indicates that 385.325(c) enforcement triggers roadside enforcement action nearly every time—this is a violation inspectors treat as a hard stop, not a warning.

First: stop operating the vehicle immediately—you are out of service. Second: contact your carrier or dispatcher to report the citation and begin arranging repair or compliance. Third: document the violation details and inspector contact information for your records. Fourth: get the specific corrective action requirements from the inspection report—this tells you exactly what needs fixing. Fifth: arrange for a re-inspection once corrections are made. Do not attempt to drive the truck until this violation is cleared.

This is relatively rare. Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 385.325(c) accounts for only 247 all-time citations, ranking #1162 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes. More tellingly: zero citations were issued in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. If you've been cited for this, you're in a very small group—and the fact that enforcement is so infrequent means inspectors treat it as a serious, non-negotiable issue when it does appear.

Yes, you can submit a DataQs (FMCSA's Roadside Inspection Records database dispute tool) challenge if you believe the citation is inaccurate or unjustified. The process involves filing a request to correct the violation record within the FMCSA system. However, DataQs challenges work best for factual errors (wrong vehicle, wrong driver, inspection not conducted properly) rather than subjective safety judgments. Consult your carrier's safety team or a compliance specialist to evaluate whether your specific violation has grounds for a successful challenge.

Across our inspection database, Ford trucks account for 27 of the 247 all-time 385.325(c) citations. Dodge follows with 10 citations, and Freightliner/FRHT models each have 9 citations. No single vehicle make dominates the violation—it's distributed across light-duty and medium-duty trucks. The violation itself is tied to operational or administrative requirements, not specific truck models, so any vehicle type can be cited.

A&R UNDERGROUND LLC (USDOT 3547566) has the highest count with 6 citations for this violation. GSN INC (USDOT 2010636) follows with 5 citations. The remaining top carriers—L&G BUILDINGS AND CONCRETE LLC, BLUE HERBS INC, and KENNETH WAYNE YODER—each have 3 citations. These are primarily small to mid-size operations, suggesting the violation is not concentrated in one carrier type but distributed across different fleet sizes and industries.

Extremely urgent. The 96.0% out-of-service rate means your truck is likely already parked and cannot legally operate. You need to resolve this within hours, not days. The fact that zero citations have been issued in the last 90 days suggests enforcement is rare, but when it happens, it's treated as non-negotiable. Contact your carrier immediately and prioritize correction and re-inspection above normal operations. Extended downtime from an OOS placement can impact your safety record and CSA scores.