FMCSR 385.415(a) — Q&A for Drivers & Fleet Managers

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 385.415(a) has a 0.0% out-of-service rate—none of the 2 all-time citations for this code resulted in an OOS order. This code is not OOS-eligible under FMCSR rules. For context, the national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes is 31.4%, so this violation sits far below the typical enforcement severity.

No, this is a low-volume, low-severity administrative citation. Our database shows only 2 all-time citations for 385.415(a), ranking it #2651 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation frequency. Most peer codes in the General/Admin category—such as 390.21TB2-DOT (74,663 citations) and 390.21T(b) (61,097 citations)—also carry 0.0% OOS rates, but they appear far more often in roadside inspections, indicating they catch routine compliance issues. This code's rarity suggests it addresses an edge-case scenario.

1. Request the inspection report. Obtain the full details of what triggered the citation so you understand the specific violation.
2. Review your carrier's policies. Ask your fleet manager or safety director whether this is a known issue or an isolated incident.
3. Document the correction. Fix the documented issue and keep records of when and how you addressed it.
4. Consider DataQs if you disagree. If you believe the citation is factually incorrect or improperly documented, FMCSA allows you to contest findings through the DataQs (Database Quality System) process within 90 days of the inspection.
5. Notify your insurance carrier. Some policies require prompt notice of citations.

Very rarely. Across our 13 million roadside inspection records, 385.415(a) has been cited only 2 times total, with zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. This extremely low enforcement volume—ranking #2651 of 3,036 codes—suggests either the regulation is narrowly scoped, drivers/carriers are generally compliant, or inspectors seldom encounter the violation scenario. By comparison, the most-cited administrative codes in this category (like 390.21TB2-DOT) see tens of thousands of citations annually.

Yes. All roadside citations flow into your carrier's BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories) scores within FMCSA's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. However, our data does not include CSA point weights or severity multipliers by individual code. The citation will appear on your motor carrier's inspection history and safety profile. Since 385.415(a) is a General/Admin violation with a 0.0% OOS rate, FMCSA classifies it as lower-severity than equipment or safety violations, but it still counts. Request your carrier's safety team or a DOT compliance consultant to clarify the specific CSA impact for your company.

Possibly, depending on whether the violation is documentary or operational. FMCSA's DataQs (Database Quality System) allows drivers and carriers to challenge inspection findings for up to 90 days after the inspection. You can contest if:

• The inspection finding is factually inaccurate (e.g., misidentified equipment, wrong citation code).
• The inspector lacked probable cause or reasonable cause for the citation.

To start, submit a DataQs request through FMCSA's online portal and provide supporting evidence (photos, maintenance logs, or documentation). Because 385.415(a) is administrative, documentation disputes are more common than equipment repairs. Work with your safety director or a DOT attorney for guidance.

Our records show 385.415(a) citations split evenly between FREIGHTLIN and VAN GUARD vehicles (2 citations each, all-time). This is a very small sample—only 2 total citations in 13 million inspections—so no clear pattern emerges. The code's extreme rarity means you cannot reliably predict which truck makes are at higher risk. If you operate one of these brands and are concerned, consult your fleet's compliance team to audit the specific requirement this code addresses.

Only two carriers appear in our 13 million inspection records: TRANS AERO LTD (USDOT 1215146) and TRANSPORTADORA PORTER SA DE CV (USDOT 2154653), each with 1 citation. This extremely small sample reflects the code's rarity. If you work for either of these carriers, review your compliance record with your safety department. If you work elsewhere, the absence of your carrier in this list is not meaningful—it simply reflects the fact that very few companies encounter this violation.