What 392.33 means in plain language
FMCSR 392.33 prohibits operating a commercial motor vehicle when the driver's view is obstructed to the front or sides. In practical terms, this means an inspector found something blocking your sightline—whether that's dirt on the windshield, cracks or damage to the glass, objects placed on the dashboard or sun visors, window coverings, or anything else that reduces your ability to see the road ahead or check your mirrors and blind spots.
The regulation exists because your visibility directly affects your ability to respond to hazards, navigate intersections, change lanes, and avoid collisions. If an inspector stopped your rig and determined your view was compromised enough to cite you, they documented it as a safety violation. This is distinct from a mechanical defect in the windshield itself (which falls under a different code); 392.33 is specifically about the driver's actual line of sight being impaired at the time of inspection.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 392.33 has 756 all-time citations. In the last 12 months, we recorded 115 citations, and in the last 90 days, 31 citations. This places the code at #790 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—it's infrequent relative to the broader universe of violations.
The out-of-service (OOS) rate for 392.33 is 0.3%: only 2 vehicles out of 754 cited were placed out of service. This is substantially lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, meaning inspectors rarely deem an obstructed-view violation severe enough to remove a vehicle from service immediately. Most drivers receive a citation and are allowed to proceed after correcting the issue or explaining the situation.
Recent monthly trends show variability. Citations ranged from a low of 1 in April 2025 to a peak of 21 in December 2025. August 2025 saw 15 citations, and we've maintained roughly 10–16 citations per month in early 2026, suggesting the violation remains stable but not spiking.
Who gets cited most
Our enforcement data shows Texas leads by a large margin: 71 citations in the last 180 days with a 0.0% OOS rate. Illinois follows with 3 citations (0.0% OOS), and Iowa and North Carolina each have 1 citation (both 0.0% OOS). The geographic concentration in Texas reflects higher traffic volume on interstate corridors and more frequent inspections in that region.
By carrier, our records show fleets such as Border Express de Mexico SA de CV (USDOT 1692179) and Transportadora Norte de Chihuahua S A de C V (USDOT 711125) each with 22 all-time citations for this code. Quality Tank SA de CV (USDOT 2864600) has 20 citations. These figures reflect operational scale and inspection exposure rather than systemic negligence; larger fleets operating more miles naturally accumulate more citations across their fleet.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Unsafe Driving category, 392.33 is much rarer than its peer code 392.2 (Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued), which has 1,208,164 all-time citations—over 1,500 times more common. The 392.2 family of codes generates over 1.6 million citations across variants, whereas 392.33 sits at 756.
In terms of out-of-service enforcement, 392.33's 0.3% OOS rate is notably lower than the 392.2 base code's 0.8% rate and much lower than the 392.2-SLLEQP variant's 2.4% rate. This suggests inspectors treat obstructed view as a correctable, lower-severity issue compared to driver fatigue or impairment allegations, where the threshold to sideline a vehicle is higher.
How to avoid it
Our inspection data reveals patterns in citations that co-occur with 392.33. Take these actions before you depart and during your pre-trip:
-
Clean your windshield thoroughly. Inoperable Required Lamp (393.9) and Windshield condition defective (393.78) appear together with 392.33 in 11 and 7 shared inspections respectively over the last 90 days. A dirty or damaged windshield is the most common visibility culprit. Use a dedicated cleaner and cloth; road film and bug residue reduce your sight lines and an inspector's confidence in your visibility.
-
Inspect all mirrors and glass for cracks or damage. Do a walk-around and check side mirrors, convex mirrors, and the rear-view. Any significant cracks, missing pieces, or clouding should be repaired or replaced before you roll.
-
Remove or secure any objects that obstruct your view. Sun shades, air fresheners, GPS mounts, or paperwork hanging from the visor all count. Stow these items or ensure they don't block your forward or side line of sight.
-
Check brake tubing, tires, and coupling components during pre-trip. Because 393.45B2UV (Brake tubing/hoses inadequate), 393.75C (Tire tread depth insufficient), and 393.55D3 (Coupling device defects) co-occur with 392.33 in 10, 7, and 4 shared inspections, inspectors conducting roadside stops may conduct a broader vehicle inspection. A vehicle with multiple mechanical issues is more likely to receive elevated scrutiny on visibility as well.
-
If you drive a Freightliner, Wabash, or Kenworth, be extra vigilant. Our data shows FRHT, WANC, and KW make up 178, 107, and 90 citations respectively—the top three cited vehicles. This likely reflects market prevalence, but if you operate one of these, factor in a slightly longer pre-trip to verify windshield and mirror condition.
The bottom line: 392.33 is rarely an out-of-service violation, but it's still a safety citation that counts against your record. Ten minutes spent cleaning your windshield and checking your mirrors before dispatch is the cheapest insurance against this citation.