What 393.201E means in plain language
FMCSR 393.201E prohibits holes that have been drilled into the flange of your truck's frame rail. The frame rail is the primary structural backbone running the length of your truck's chassis—it bears the weight of the cargo, the cab, and all attached equipment. The flange is the horizontal portion of that rail that provides structural rigidity.
When holes are drilled into this flange, they weaken the structural integrity of the frame. Even if those holes were made for a legitimate reason—to attach equipment, install lights, or secure components—the presence of the holes themselves violates this rule. The regulation is strict on this point: holes in the frame rail flange are not permitted, period.
This is a defect inspectors look for during roadside inspections because frame damage or alteration can compromise how your truck handles loads and responds in emergency maneuvers. If you've received a citation for 393.201E, you have unauthorized holes in your frame rail flange that need to be addressed before the truck can legally remain in service on a long-term basis.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our database of 13 million+ roadside inspection records, 393.201E is extremely rare. We have recorded only 2 citations for this code in our entire history, with both occurring within the last 12 months—one in May 2025 and one in August 2025. In the last 90 days, there have been no citations.
None of the 2 trucks cited for this violation were placed out of service, giving this code a 0.0% out-of-service rate. This is substantially lower than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%, meaning inspectors are treating this as a defect that requires repair but not an immediate safety emergency warranting vehicle impoundment.
Ranked #2651 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, 393.201E is among the least-cited violations in the federal inspection system. This rarity is a double-edged reality: it means most fleets avoid it, but it also means limited public guidance exists on remediation.
Who gets cited most
Our records show only 2 all-time citations for this code. These were distributed across two carriers: IMPETUS LLC (USDOT 3058664) with 1 citation, and JOSE LUIS PENA CHAVEZ (USDOT 3537042) with 1 citation. Vehicle makes cited included FRHT, KW, OTHR, and WANC, each with 1 citation.
Because the enforcement volume is so low, no meaningful state or geographic pattern emerges. The data reflects isolated incidents rather than a systemic problem in any region.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the vehicle maintenance category, frame rail integrity stands apart. Compare 393.201E to related codes:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps has been cited 660,737 times with a 15.4% OOS rate. Lighting defects are far more common and more likely to result in immediate out-of-service orders.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance general has 236,919 citations and a 45.3% OOS rate—more than four times as severe in enforcement outcome.
- 393.47E — Slack adjuster defective has 180,363 citations with a 0.0% OOS rate, similar in that it's never placed out of service, but cited 90,000 times more frequently.
The rarity of 393.201E citations, combined with zero out-of-service placements, suggests inspectors encounter frame rail flange holes very seldom and treat them as correctable defects rather than roadworthiness failures.
How to avoid it
Frame rail flange integrity is damaged most often by improper equipment installation or frame modification. Here are concrete steps:
- Inspect your frame rails during every pre-trip inspection. Run your hand along both sides of the frame, front to back, feeling for any holes, drill marks, or rough spots on the horizontal flange surfaces. Mark any damage immediately and do not dispatch the truck.
- Never permit unauthorized drilling, welding, or alterations to the frame. If a component must be attached (toolbox, auxiliary fuel tank, light tower), work with a certified truck body shop that knows DOT regulations and will use approved fastening methods that do not compromise frame structure.
- Keep documentation of all frame repairs and modifications. If your truck has had frame work done, retain receipts and photos showing that work was performed by a qualified technician in compliance with FMCSR requirements.
- Report frame damage immediately to your fleet manager or maintenance team. If you strike a pothole, curb, or loading dock hard enough to suspect frame damage, request a professional inspection before the truck is operated again.
- Know your truck's history. When taking over a vehicle assignment, visually inspect the frame for signs of previous damage or repair. If you see holes, evidence of welding, or structural damage, refuse the vehicle and escalate to maintenance.
Because frame integrity is fundamental to safe braking, steering, and load stability, any damage that permits holes in the flanges must be corrected by a qualified repair facility, not ignored or repaired in the field.