FMCSR 387.403(a) Citations: What You Need to Know

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 387.403(a) has never resulted in an out-of-service order. All 5 all-time citations in our database resulted in a citation only—0.0% out-of-service rate. This makes it far less severe than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, so you can operate your vehicle while you work through the citation process.

387.403(a) is rarely cited. Our records show only 5 all-time citations, ranking it #2406 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by enforcement volume. In contrast, peer codes in the same general/administrative category see far higher citation counts—390.21TB2-DOT alone accounts for 74,663 citations. This rarity suggests the violation is either uncommon in practice or applies to a narrow set of circumstances.

First, request a copy of the inspection report from the officer. Review the specific finding to understand exactly what was cited. If the citation documents a missing form, incorrect entry, or procedural issue, you can often correct it immediately or submit supporting documentation. Consider filing a DataQs (Database Quality System) challenge if you believe the citation was issued in error—the FMCSA's RDR (Roadside Data Review) process allows drivers and carriers to contest citations within a defined timeframe. Consult your carrier's compliance team if you're a company driver.

No, it is not serious from an enforcement perspective. With zero out-of-service placements across all 5 all-time citations, 387.403(a) carries minimal operational risk. The all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%—387.403(a)'s 0.0% rate puts it in the safest tier of violations. Most peer codes in the general/administrative category also have 0.0% OOS rates, confirming this is a documentary or administrative matter rather than a safety-critical finding.

The severity weight and point value for 387.403(a) are not disclosed in enforcement records we have access to. CSA point assignment depends on violation severity and the inspection outcome; most administrative violations carry lighter point values than safety-critical violations. To learn the exact points assigned to your specific citation, check your inspection report or contact your carrier's safety department—they have access to your full CSA profile and can explain how this citation affects your score.

Our records do not identify a geographic concentration for 387.403(a). The violation is so infrequently cited—only 5 all-time citations across our 13 million inspection database—that no state distribution pattern is statistically meaningful. The top carrier cited was M D HYDRAULICS INC with 2 citations (USDOT 512825), followed by three carriers with 1 citation each, but this reflects the rarity of the violation, not a geographic trend.

Low urgency from an out-of-service perspective, but you should address it promptly from a CSA record perspective. We recorded zero citations in the last 90 days and zero in the last 12 months, suggesting the violation is either no longer being enforced or applies to very specific, infrequent scenarios. Still, resolve any documented deficiency quickly—correct missing paperwork, verify your records, or file a DataQs contest if you believe the citation was in error—to keep your safety profile clean.

Yes. The FMCSA's DataQs system allows drivers and carriers to formally challenge roadside inspection citations. If the inspector cited 387.403(a) incorrectly—documented the wrong date, misidentified your vehicle, or cited you for a condition you can verify was corrected—you can file an RDR (Roadside Data Review) challenge. The process requires submitting evidence (photos, logs, corrective action records) through the official portal. Success depends on whether you can prove the citation was factually inaccurate rather than just disputing the interpretation of the regulation.