What 387.31(f) means in plain language
387.31(f) is a general administrative requirement under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. This code covers documentation and record-keeping obligations that carriers and drivers must maintain as part of their routine operations. The specific provision addresses how certain records must be prepared, stored, or presented during a roadside inspection.
When an inspector cites you for 387.31(f), they are noting that required documentation was either missing, incomplete, improperly formatted, or not readily available at the time of inspection. This is not a mechanical or safety defect on your vehicle—it is an administrative finding. Common triggers include missing or illegible logs, incomplete carrier information on required forms, or records that do not match inspection standards.
Because this is an administrative violation, it does not automatically result in an out-of-service order. Your truck is not pulled from the road solely on this violation. However, if an inspector discovers other safety or mechanical issues during the same inspection, the consequences can escalate.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 387.31(f) remains one of the least-cited violations in the FMCSR framework. All-time, we have recorded only 30 citations for this code, ranking it #1799 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. In the last 12 months, our database shows zero citations for 387.31(f), and zero in the last 90 days.
Of the 30 all-time citations in our records, none resulted in an out-of-service placement. This represents a 0.0% out-of-service rate for this code. By contrast, the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate is 31.4%, meaning 387.31(f) is far less likely to trigger an OOS order than most other violations. This reflects the nature of the violation: it is typically correctable and does not pose an immediate safety risk.
The rarity of 387.31(f) citations suggests that most carriers and drivers are successfully maintaining the required documentation, or that inspectors prioritize more serious safety defects during roadside checks.
Who gets cited most
Because only 30 citations for 387.31(f) exist in our database, geographic and carrier patterns are not strongly pronounced. Our data shows that citations have been distributed across multiple carriers, each appearing once or twice in our all-time records. Carriers such as ELRANCHO INC, AVERITT EXPRESS INC, and several smaller or owner-operator fleets have each received one citation for this code.
The vehicle makes most frequently cited include KW and FREIGHTLIN trucks, each appearing twice. This spread across different carriers and vehicle types suggests that 387.31(f) citations are not concentrated in any particular fleet size, region, or equipment category. Instead, they reflect isolated documentation gaps discovered during routine inspections.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
387.31(f) sits in the general and administrative category of FMCSR violations. Peer codes in the same category show vastly higher citation volumes. For example, 390.21TB2-DOT has logged 74,663 citations with a 0.0% out-of-service rate, and 390.21T(b) has 61,097 citations, also at 0.0% OOS rate. Other administrative codes such as 390.21(a) (vehicle marking requirements) show 25,872 citations, and 390.21(b) (USDOT number not displayed) has 13,244 citations.
Compared to these peer violations, 387.31(f) is uncommon. The similar codes are triggered thousands of times more frequently. This suggests that 387.31(f) represents a specific documentation standard that is either well-understood by most drivers and carriers, or is less aggressively enforced than related administrative violations.
How to avoid it
387.31(f) is preventable through disciplined record-keeping and pre-trip preparation. Before every shift, take these concrete steps:
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Review your logbook or electronic logging device (ELD) before the inspector arrives. Confirm that all entries are legible, complete, and match your actual driving. Missing or vague annotations are common triggers for administrative citations.
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Keep your carrier documents organized and accessible. This includes proof of registration, insurance, hazmat certification (if applicable), and any special permits. Have them in a folder or binder within arm's reach of the driver's seat so you can produce them immediately if asked.
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Verify that your USDOT number, MC number, and carrier name are correctly displayed on your vehicle. Although this is technically a different code (390.21), inspectors often check documentation consistency. Ensure your truck's placards match the paperwork you carry.
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Double-check forms and declarations for accuracy. If your carrier requires you to sign manifests, bills of lading, or inspection reports, ensure that dates, signatures, and numbers are clear and complete. Illegible or incomplete signatures are frequent red flags.
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If you are leased to a carrier, confirm that you have a copy of your lease agreement or lease documentation and that your carrier's authority information is included in your records. Some 387.31(f) citations arise when driver-lease documentation is missing or incomplete.
These steps take only a few minutes before you depart and dramatically reduce the risk of an administrative citation during a roadside inspection.