FMCSR 392.10(a): Routing Restrictions Violations – Q&A

No. Our inspection records show that 392.10(a) citations have never resulted in an out-of-service placement. The OOS rate for this violation is 0.0% across all-time enforcement data in our database of 13 million+ inspections. However, this does not mean the violation is minor—it still carries a CSA severity weight of 5 points and indicates a serious routing compliance issue that you should address immediately with your carrier or dispatcher to prevent future citations.

A 392.10(a) citation adds 5 CSA severity points to your record. These points are weighted in the BASIC 1 (Unsafe Driving) category and count toward your 34-month rolling CSA score. In a 30-day period, this single violation can multiply to 10 points if you receive multiple citations. Even without an out-of-service order, accumulating CSA points can affect your hire-ability and your carrier's safety rating, so contesting an inaccurate citation through DataQs or correcting the underlying routing issue is important.

Take these immediate steps: (1) document the exact route you took, the load details (hazmat or oversize/overweight), and proof of any dispatch instructions you received; (2) contact your carrier's safety or compliance department with this documentation; (3) review your carrier's routing procedures and confirm you understand which routes are authorized for your load type; (4) if you believe the citation is incorrect (for example, the route was pre-approved), prepare to file a DataQs challenge within 90 days with supporting evidence. Do not ignore it—it affects your CSA record.

Yes, it is a concern. While 392.10(a) has historically seen zero citations in our database, it sits in the Unsafe Driving category alongside 392.2 (Operating while ill or fatigued), which has accumulated over 1.5 million citations. The CSA severity weight of 5 for 392.10(a) reflects that hazmat and oversize/overweight routing violations pose real safety risks. Any enforcement action on this code signals a serious lapse in pre-trip planning and carrier communication—treat it as a red flag and correct it immediately.

Yes. You can file a DataQs (FMCSA Record Documentation Quality System) challenge if you believe the citation is inaccurate. For routing violations, contestability depends on whether you have documentation: proof of a written, authorized route; signed dispatch instructions; or carrier approval for the route taken. Gather all evidence and submit your challenge within 90 days of the citation. If you cannot produce documentation, focus instead on working with your carrier to establish clear routing protocols and avoid future citations.

392.10(a) is extremely rare in enforcement. Across our database of 13 million+ roadside inspections, this code shows zero all-time citations, zero citations in the last 12 months, and zero in the last 90 days. No state data is available because the violation has not been cited in our records. This rarity does not mean it is permissible—it reflects that most carriers and drivers follow hazmat and oversize/overweight routing rules, or that inspectors do not typically cite it. If you receive one, treat it as unusual and take immediate corrective action.

Very urgent. Although 392.10(a) does not trigger an out-of-service order, a citation on your record indicates a routing compliance failure that an inspector or your carrier will notice. The zero citation volume suggests inspectors focus on other unsafe driving violations more frequently, but once you are cited, you must correct the underlying issue—confirm load types, learn authorized routes, and verify dispatch approval before every trip. Failing to do so risks a second citation and escalating CSA penalties.

Both. In CSA's BASIC 1 (Unsafe Driving) category, violations are attributed to both the driver and the carrier. Your CSA record accumulates the 5-point severity weight, affecting your safety profile and hire-ability. Your carrier's record also reflects the violation, impacting their carrier safety rating and audit standing. This shared accountability means your carrier has a direct interest in preventing the citation. Work with them to review routing protocols and ensure you receive clear, documented authorization for every hazmat or oversize/overweight load before departure.