What 393.13D1-CSSRR means in plain language
This citation targets side reflectors on trailers that don't meet visibility standards. Specifically, it applies to trailers manufactured before December 1, 1993, where the side reflex reflectors are worn, faded, cracked, or missing entirely.
Reflex reflectors are the red or amber strips running along the sides of trailers. In darkness or poor visibility, they bounce light from headlights back to oncoming drivers, making your rig visible. When these reflectors fall below acceptable brightness or coverage standards, you're in violation of FMCSR 393.13D1-CSSRR.
Older trailers—especially those from the early 1990s and earlier—are the primary targets of this code because the reflective material degrades over time. Sun, road salt, impact damage, and weather all wear reflectors down. If a roadside inspector checks your rig and finds inadequate reflector coverage or brightness, they'll cite you.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.13D1-CSSRR has been cited 176 times all-time, with 92 citations in the last 12 months and 23 citations in the last 90 days. This ranks the code #1249 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—making it relatively uncommon.
The critical number: 0.0% out-of-service rate. All 176 all-time citations resulted in no vehicles being placed out of service. This is dramatically different from the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. In other words, inspectors cite this violation but don't immediately remove your vehicle from service. You'll likely receive a citation and a warning to repair the reflectors, but you won't be stopped on the roadside.
The trend over the last 12 months shows seasonal patterns. Citation volume peaked in November 2025 with 13 citations and again in March 2026 with 13 citations—months when visibility conditions are lower and inspectors may be more attentive to lighting and reflector equipment.
Who gets cited most
Our data shows California leads enforcement, with 17 citations in the last 180 days, followed by Florida with 4 citations and Utah with 3 citations. All three states maintained a 0.0% out-of-service rate, consistent with the national pattern.
Among carriers with multiple citations in our database, AUTOTRANSPORTES LEE CASTILLO SA DE CV (USDOT 889356) and TEISSIER TRUCKING LLC (USDOT 2308248) each recorded 3 citations for this code. This reflects the reality that small and mid-size carriers operating older equipment are more likely to encounter this citation.
Vehicle makes most frequently cited include Freightliner (25 citations), FRHT variants (23 citations), and Peterbilt (13 citations). These are standard heavy-duty trailer manufacturers, suggesting the violation is distributed across common equipment types rather than concentrated in a specific brand.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.13D1-CSSRR is significantly less severe than peer codes. For context:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps: 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate. Lamp failures are cited far more frequently and carry real out-of-service risk.
- 393.11 — Lighting devices/reflectors: 179,734 citations with a 1.8% OOS rate. This broader reflector code is cited more than 1,000 times as often and carries modest OOS risk.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance general: 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate. This catch-all maintenance code is far more serious and frequently results in vehicle removal.
Your citation for inadequate side reflectors sits at the lower end of enforcement severity. It's a visibility and safety violation, but one that inspectors treat as correctable on-site or shortly after citation.
How to avoid it
Before every shift:
- Walk around your trailer in daylight and note reflector condition. Look for fading, cracks, peeling, or missing sections on both sides. If you can see bare metal or plastic underneath, reflectors need replacement.
- Check reflector brightness when possible. Use a flashlight or phone light—reflectors should return light visibly and evenly. Dull or dark patches indicate degradation.
- Document reflector condition weekly if operating an older trailer (pre-1993 especially). Take photos so you have proof of maintenance efforts if cited.
Maintenance and repair:
- Replace reflectors proactively rather than waiting for a citation. Reflector tape and kits are inexpensive and take minutes to install. Most truck stops and parts suppliers stock replacement reflector kits for common trailer widths.
- Use DOT-approved reflective material when replacing. Off-brand or generic reflective tape won't meet FMCSR standards and you'll face the same citation.
- For trailers manufactured before 1993, consider a reflector upgrade if not already done. While the regulation targets older equipment, upgrading puts you ahead of enforcement.
If you're cited:
- Acknowledge the violation on the roadside. This is not an OOS citation, but it's a reportable safety defect. Repair reflectors within the timeframe specified by your citation (typically 10–30 days depending on jurisdiction).
- Keep repair receipts. If you're audited later or face a second citation, documentation of repairs protects your fleet record.
- Report to your fleet safety manager immediately if you operate for a carrier. This violation affects DOT safety metrics and CSA scores.