Direct answers about improper side reflective material citations. What happens after a 393.13D1 violation, OOS risk, repair timeline, and enforcement data.
Ranks #1,365 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.0% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Improper Side Placement of retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflective material as required for vehicles manufactured before December 1993
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Across our inspection records, 393.13D1 citations result in a 0.0% out-of-service rate—none of the 128 citations in our database led to an OOS placement. For context, the average across all FMCSR codes is 31.4%, so this violation sits far below the typical enforcement threshold for roadside removal.
First, document the inspection details and citation number. Second, inspect your vehicle's side reflective sheeting placement against the regulation for pre-1993 vehicles. Third, check for related failures—our data shows 393.13D1 often appears with inoperable lamps (393.9) and general lighting defects (393.11) in the same inspection. Schedule repair with a qualified mechanic or reflective material installer. Finally, keep proof of correction; carriers often request evidence for compliance records and insurance purposes.
393.13D1 is a low-volume citation. It ranks #1356 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation frequency, with 128 all-time citations in our database. By contrast, the related code 393.11 (lighting devices/reflectors broadly) has 179,734 citations with a 1.8% OOS rate. The parent maintenance code 396.3(a)(1) has 236,919 citations and a 45.3% OOS rate, making 393.13D1 a narrow, specific violation rather than a systemic maintenance issue.
Repair is not emergency-level urgent—no trucks have been placed out of service for this citation. However, it should not be ignored. Over the last 90 days, we recorded 22 citations, indicating steady but modest enforcement activity. In the past 12 months, citations ranged from 2 to 12 per month, peaking in July 2025 at 12 citations. Schedule correction within 30 days to stay ahead of repeat enforcement during roadside inspection cycles.
Our 180-day enforcement data shows Texas dominates, with 29 citations and a 0.0% OOS rate. The data does not break out other states with enough volume to report separately. If you operate in Texas, be aware that reflective sheeting placement on pre-1993 vehicles is an active inspection focus. Drivers in other states may face lower citation frequency.
Freightliners lead by far, with 36 citations across our database. Peterbilts follow with 25 citations, and Kenworths with 20. Mack trucks account for 11. These manufacturers dominate the pre-1993 or vintage fleet segment where this regulation applies. If you drive an older Freightliner, Peterbilt, or Kenworth, confirm reflective sheeting placement during your walk-around inspection.
Yes, you can submit a DataQs challenge if you believe the citation was issued in error or the facts are disputed. FMCSA's Records and Documents Quality system allows drivers and carriers to contest roadside inspection violations. For a 393.13D1 citation, the key is photographic or physical evidence proving the reflective material is correctly positioned per regulation. If the inspector measured or photographed placement and cited improper positioning, you will need counter-documentation to prevail.
Our data shows 393.13D1 most frequently co-occurs with inoperable lamps (393.9: 13 shared inspections), general lighting defects (393.11: 7 inspections), and maintenance inspection violations (396.3A1: 7 inspections) over the last 90 days. This pattern suggests inspectors often cite reflector placement alongside broader lighting system failures. If you receive a 393.13D1 citation, request a full lighting system check to avoid additional write-ups on the next inspection.
Where 393.13D1 is most commonly cited (last 180 days)
Other violations commonly found on the same inspection (last 90 days)
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.