393.13D3-CSURR: Trailer Reflectors — Will I Get Put Out of Service?

No. Across our inspection records, 393.13D3-CSURR has never resulted in an out-of-service placement. Out of 161 all-time citations, 0 were marked OOS, giving this violation a 0.0% out-of-service rate. For context, the average FMCSR violation carries a 31.4% OOS rate, so this is far less severe. You'll be cited, but your truck stays on the road.

393.13D3-CSURR is relatively minor in the Vehicle Maintenance category. Our database shows 393.11 (Lighting devices/reflectors) has been cited 179,734 times with a 1.8% OOS rate, while 393.9A (Inoperable required lamps) tops the category at 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate. Your citation is narrower—focused on trailer upper rear reflectors on pre-1993 vehicles—and carries zero OOS risk, making it one of the safest violations in this category.

First, document the citation. Second, inspect your trailer's upper rear reflex reflectors (those retroreflective strips on the back corners). Our data shows this code often co-occurs with coupling device defects (5 shared inspections) and lighting/reflector issues (4 shared inspections), so examine your tow connection and all reflective surfaces while you're at it. Third, repair or replace inadequate reflectors before your next DOT inspection. Since you won't be out-of-service, you have time to schedule repairs properly rather than react in panic.

Citations have been steady over the past 12 months, ranging from 2 to 14 per month. Our inspection records show 96 citations in the last 12 months, with May 2025 the peak month at 12 citations. The most recent three months (Jan–Mar 2026) averaged 8 citations per month, suggesting stable enforcement rather than a spike. This is a relatively uncommon violation—ranked 1,282 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes—so you're not in a major enforcement wave.

California leads by a wide margin. In the last 180 days, our data shows CA with 14 citations, followed by AZ with 8, and US (likely unreported state) with 6. OR, IN, NV each had 2 citations; NY, PA, TN, UT each had 1. If you operate primarily in CA or AZ, be more alert to reflector maintenance, but the violation remains uncommon nationwide.

Freightliner and Wabash trailers dominate our citation history. All-time, FRHT (Freightliner) has 30 citations and FREIGHTLIN 29, followed by Peterbilt (16), Great Dane (12), and Utility brands (21 combined across UTILITY, UTILITY TR, and UTIL variants). If you operate one of these brands, add upper rear reflector checks to your pre-trip routine.

Yes, through the FMCSA DataQs (Data Quality and Dispute Resolution) system. You have 90 calendar days from the citation date to submit a challenge on the grounds that the violation is inaccurate, unjust, or not supported by evidence. Since this is a visual equipment finding (reflector condition), focus your challenge on photographic evidence, maintenance records, or proof that reflectors met standards at the time of inspection. Contact your safety manager or use the FMCSA's online DataQs portal to initiate.

FMCSA records both driver and carrier for vehicle maintenance violations. The citation appears on your carrier's Safety Management System (SMS) profile and Safety Event history, affecting their Vehicle Maintenance BASIC score. As the driver, you also bear responsibility—repeated violations can damage your personal driving record. Work with your fleet safety manager to ensure trailers are regularly inspected; our data shows the top carriers cited (Rainier Amusements, C&O Mendoza, Fresh Green Produce) each have only 1–2 citations, so it's controllable with discipline.