What 392.2-LCDLR means in plain language
FMCSR 392.2-LCDLR prohibits you from operating a commercial motor vehicle when your ability to drive safely is compromised by fatigue, illness, or any other condition that impairs your alertness. This isn't about minor discomfort—inspectors cite this violation when they observe signs that your physical or mental condition makes it unsafe for you to be behind the wheel.
The regulation applies to your current fitness to operate, not your medical history. If an inspector observes you driving erratically, struggling to stay awake, showing signs of illness, or otherwise demonstrating impaired judgment or coordination, they can cite you on the spot. The standard is whether a reasonable person would conclude you're unsafe to continue.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million roadside inspection records, we have documented 25 all-time citations for 392.2-LCDLR. In the last 12 months, we recorded 25 citations, with all 25 occurring in the most recent month tracked (April 2026). Every single driver cited for this violation—100% out-of-service rate—was immediately removed from service.
This out-of-service rate is dramatically higher than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%. When an inspector issues a 392.2-LCDLR citation, there is virtually no discretion: you will be placed out of service and prohibited from continuing to operate. This code is ranked #1860 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by overall citation volume, meaning it is relatively uncommon, but when it occurs, the enforcement consequence is absolute.
The concentrated timing—all 25 citations in a single month—suggests these violations cluster around specific conditions or enforcement focus periods rather than spreading evenly throughout the year.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection data from the last 180 days shows Tennessee leads with 5 citations, all resulting in out-of-service placements. Arizona follows with 4 citations, also 100% out-of-service. Alabama, Missouri, Montana, and Oregon each recorded 2 citations apiece, with every driver removed from service in each state.
The out-of-service rate is uniform across all states where citations occur: 100%. There is no meaningful geographic variation in how strictly this rule is enforced—inspectors in every jurisdiction place drivers out of service without exception when they observe impairment that makes continued operation unsafe.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
392.2-LCDLR belongs to the broader family of 392.2 codes, which all address operating a commercial vehicle while ill or fatigued. The parent code 392.2 has accumulated 1,208,164 citations across our database with a 0.8% out-of-service rate. Other variants, such as 392.2-SLLSR with 191,232 citations (0.1% OOS rate) and 392.2-SLL with 84,501 citations (0.2% OOS rate), show dramatically lower out-of-service frequencies.
The 100% OOS rate for 392.2-LCDLR is extraordinary even within its peer group. This indicates that the specific circumstances triggering this code variant—as opposed to the more general 392.2 citations—represent cases where an inspector has made a definitive judgment that continued operation is unsafe. It is not a warning citation; it is an immediate removal from service.
How to avoid it
Before you start your shift:
- Assess your sleep quality and overall health. If you are running on minimal sleep, experiencing symptoms of illness (fever, cough, severe congestion, dizziness), or taking medications that impair alertness, do not start a run. Notify your dispatcher and request a different assignment or later departure after you have rested.
- If you are on prescription or over-the-counter medications, review the label for warnings about drowsiness or impaired judgment. Plan your schedule accordingly.
During your pre-trip inspection:
- Our data shows that 392.2-LCDLR citations often co-occur with violations related to hours-of-service record-keeping (code 395.8A1-HOSP, 3 shared inspections) and medical certificate status (code 391.41APC, 2 shared inspections). This pattern suggests that drivers cited for operating while impaired frequently have also neglected required compliance documentation. Ensure your logbook is current and your medical certificate is in your possession and valid.
- Some inspections that yield 392.2-LCDLR citations also include mechanical defects such as tire inflation issues (code 393.75A3-TAOL, 3 shared inspections) and windshield problems (code 393.78A-WS, 3 shared inspections). A vehicle in poor mechanical condition adds stress to your drive. If you are already fatigued or unwell, do not attempt to operate a compromised vehicle; report it and swap units.
During your drive:
- Monitor your alertness actively. If you feel drowsy, take a break immediately. The federal hours-of-service rules include rest periods for this reason. Use them.
- If you develop acute illness symptoms (fever, severe dizziness, chest pain, vision changes), pull over safely and call your dispatcher. Do not try to push through to the next stop.
- Recognize that an inspector's judgment of "impairment" is subjective but also definitive. Once they observe evidence—swerving, slow reaction times, slurred speech, tremors, or any other sign of compromised alertness—they will cite you and you will be out of service immediately.
The 100% out-of-service rate for this code is not a technicality; it reflects the severity of the underlying safety risk. Fatigue and illness are leading causes of commercial vehicle crashes. Inspectors treat this violation with zero tolerance because the consequences of continued operation are potentially fatal.