Direct answers on 393.122(b) citations, OOS rates, CSA points, and what to do next based on 13M+ inspection records.
Ranks #1,691 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 97.7% is above the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Improper securement of paper rolls transported with eyes vertical in a sided vehicle
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
Yes, almost certainly. Our inspection records show a 97.7% out-of-service rate for this violation—far above the 31.4% average across all FMCSR codes. Of 44 all-time citations for 393.122(b), 43 resulted in an OOS order. This is one of the most severe outcomes for a cargo securement violation. You will be unable to move the truck until paper rolls are properly secured per the regulation.
This violation carries a severity weight of 6 CSA points. The actual point count on your record depends on when you were cited: violations within 30 days count as 6 points; those 30–365 days old count as 3 points; and citations older than 1 year don't add CSA points. Check your FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record to see how your citation scores in the Unsafe Driving and Vehicle Maintenance BASICs.
Immediate steps:
Do not attempt to contest the citation until the truck is back in service and compliant.
Yes. Across our 13 million+ inspection records, the 97.7% out-of-service rate for 393.122(b) is extreme. For comparison, inoperable lamps (393.9(a)) have a 15.4% OOS rate, and defective slack adjusters (393.47E) a 0% rate. Even within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.122(b) triggers an OOS decision far more often. This reflects the severity FMCSA places on paper roll securement hazards.
Yes, you can file a DataQs (Crash and Safety Data Quality System) challenge within 60 days of citation. DataQs is used to contest factual errors in roadside inspection reports. If you believe the officer incorrectly documented your securement method or misidentified the violation, submit evidence (photos, logbooks, securement records) through FMCSA's portal. Equipment violations like this one are easier to contest if documentation shows compliance at the time of inspection.
Our all-time citation data shows 44 total citations for 393.122(b), distributed across multiple carriers and states. The violation is ranked #1670 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, making it rare but catastrophic when cited. No single state dominates the data. The rarity combined with the 97.7% OOS rate suggests inspectors cite this code only when a clear and dangerous defect is found.
Urgent—you cannot operate. Our records show zero citations for 393.122(b) in the last 12 months and last 90 days, reflecting how rarely inspectors encounter it. When they do, the result is immediate OOS placement. Do not delay correction. Once fixed and re-inspected, the violation clears your safety record, but the time you spend out of service costs revenue and affects your carrier's metrics.
Both. FMCSA records the violation on your individual BASIC categories and on your carrier's BASIC record. The violation is tied to your driving record for CSA point scoring and hiring purposes. Your carrier also bears responsibility in the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC. If you drive for a fleet, the violation may trigger internal safety reviews or retraining. Owner-operators see the full impact on their profile.
TruckCodex aggregates official public-sector datasets. See the Source registry for dataset-level coverage and the Freshness log for last-import timestamps.
Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.
Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
TruckCodex is an independent aggregator; it is not affiliated with FMCSA, NHTSA, EIA, or Transport Canada. Always verify compliance-critical information directly with the originating agency.