Direct answers about 386.83(c) citations: OOS rates, next steps, and how serious this violation really is based on 13M+ inspections.
Ranks #2,567 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.0% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 386.83(c) has never resulted in an out-of-service order—the OOS rate is 0.0%. All 3 all-time citations for this code left trucks in service. This is well below the national average OOS rate of 31.4% across all FMCSR codes, making it a relatively low-enforcement violation that does not trigger immediate removal from operation.
386.83(c) is among the least-cited FMCSR codes—ranked #2,551 of 3,036 by citation volume. Our database shows only 3 all-time citations. Compare that to similar General/Admin codes: 390.21TB2-DOT has 74,663 citations, and 390.21T(b) has 61,097. The enforcement volume tells you this is not a common focus area for roadside inspectors, suggesting it's either rarely observed or a lower priority.
First, review the specific violation noted on your citation—documentation or marking issues are the typical triggers in this category. Second, contact your carrier's safety or compliance team to report the citation. Third, within the citation deadline (usually 10 days), decide whether to pay, request a hearing, or contest through the DataQs process if you believe the finding was factually incorrect. Document any evidence supporting your position.
No citations for 386.83(c) have been recorded in our database over the last 90 days. In fact, there were zero citations in the last 12 months as well. This extremely low enforcement rate—3 all-time citations total—suggests you are unlikely to encounter this violation in routine inspections. The downward trend indicates this is not an active enforcement priority.
Our records show three carriers with 386.83(c) citations: Sadler Construction and Excavating Inc (USDOT 1644473), Gorilla Transport Inc (USDOT 3823183), and Nepa Outdoor Services Inc (USDOT 3868092)—each with 1 citation all-time. The small sample size reflects how rarely this code is enforced across the industry.
Yes, you may contest a citation through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's DataQs process if you believe the violation was recorded incorrectly or the inspection was improper. DataQs challenges are strongest when the violation involves a documentation error, measurement inaccuracy, or misidentification of a vehicle or driver. You have 10 days from the citation date to initiate a challenge; consult your citation paperwork for the exact deadline and submission portal.
Across our 13 million inspection records, Ford vehicles account for 2 of the 3 all-time citations for 386.83(c), and a Brmr vehicle accounts for 1. This is a very small sample, so no definitive pattern emerges. The rarity of citations for this code means vehicle make has little predictive power for enforcement risk.
TruckCodex aggregates official public-sector datasets. See the Source registry for dataset-level coverage and the Freshness log for last-import timestamps.
Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.
Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
TruckCodex is an independent aggregator; it is not affiliated with FMCSA, NHTSA, EIA, or Transport Canada. Always verify compliance-critical information directly with the originating agency.