FMCSR 385.325C: Q&A for Drivers & Fleet Managers

Yes, very likely. Across our 13 million inspection records, 385.325C resulted in an out-of-service placement in 97.7% of all-time cases (43 out of 44 citations). This is far above the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. If you receive this citation during a roadside inspection, expect your vehicle to be placed out of service immediately in the vast majority of circumstances.

First, document the citation details and the inspector's findings. Second, contact your carrier's safety or compliance department immediately. Third, address the underlying issue before operating again—do not attempt to continue until corrected. Our inspection data shows 385.325C frequently co-occurs with physical qualification issues (391.41A) and equipment defects like inoperable lamps (393.9), so ensure your vehicle and documentation are fully compliant before returning to service.

Yes, significantly more serious. While peer codes in the same category—such as 390.21(b) (USDOT number not displayed) and 390.21T(b)—carry 0.0% out-of-service rates, 385.325C's 97.7% OOS rate places it in a different severity tier. This code is cited far less frequently (44 all-time citations, ranking #1670 of 3,036 FMCSR codes), but when it is cited, enforcement is nearly absolute and immediate.

Over the last 180 days, North Carolina leads with 3 citations, all resulting in out-of-service placements (100% OOS rate). New Mexico and Texas each had 1 citation in that period, both also resulting in OOS. Our data indicates enforcement is concentrated in a small number of jurisdictions, so your risk varies significantly by region.

This is a rare citation. All-time, our database shows 44 total citations for 385.325C across the entire United States. In the last 12 months, that number dropped to 25. Over the past 90 days, only 1 citation was recorded. While rare, when it does occur, enforcement is swift and nearly always results in an out-of-service placement.

The FMCSA DataQs (Datamart and Query System) portal allows drivers and carriers to challenge roadside inspection records. Your ability to contest depends on the nature of the finding—documentation errors are easier to overturn than observed equipment or safety defects. File your challenge within 90 days of the citation. Include photographic evidence, maintenance records, or testimony that contradicts the inspector's findings, and specify exactly which data field(s) are inaccurate.

This citation follows your carrier's USDOT record and safety rating, not you personally as a driver. However, the violation will appear on your carrier's CSA scores and inspection history. If you drive for multiple carriers over time, each carrier bears responsibility for violations that occur under their authority. Always confirm your current carrier is addressing any cited deficiencies before your next shift.

Freightliners (FRHT) account for 10 of the 44 all-time citations, followed by Kenworths (KW) with 5 citations. International (INTL), Ram, and Volvo each had 3 or 4 citations. While Freightliners appear disproportionately cited, the small overall citation volume means no single manufacturer dominates the risk profile.