FMCSR 393.205(b): Elongated Stud/Bolt Holes — Driver Q&A

Yes—but not always. Across our inspection records, 74.1% of 393.205(b) citations resulted in an out-of-service order, meaning the truck was prohibited from operating until the violation was corrected. Of the 205 all-time citations in our database, 152 vehicles were placed out of service and 53 were not. This 74.1% OOS rate is significantly higher than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%, so elongated bolt holes are treated as a serious mechanical defect by inspectors. Expect to be sidelined while you address the wheel assembly.

Yes. Our data shows 393.205(b) has a 74.1% out-of-service rate, far exceeding the national FMCSR average of 31.4%. Comparable violations like inoperable lamps (393.9, 6.9% OOS rate) or lighting devices (393.11, 1.8% OOS rate) are cited far more often but result in fewer roadside shutdowns. The code ranks #1204 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation frequency, meaning it's uncommon—but when it is cited, enforcement is swift and severe. Elongated bolt holes signal imminent wheel detachment risk, which is why the penalty is harsh.

1. Do not operate the vehicle if you've been placed out of service (74.1% of citations result in OOS orders).
2. Contact a qualified mechanic immediately—wheel assembly work requires professional inspection and repair.
3. Document the repair—keep receipts, photos, and the mechanic's certification that bolt holes are no longer elongated and wheels are safe.
4. Request a reinspection from a FMCSA-certified inspector once the work is complete to clear the violation.
5. Review your pre-trip inspection process—elongated holes develop over time from vibration and loose fasteners; check bolt torque weekly.
6. Report to your carrier if you operate under a fleet; this affects their safety metrics.

The specific CSA point weight for 393.205(b) is not disclosed in our inspection data. However, CSA points are assigned by FMCSA based on violation severity and your crash/inspection history. Vehicle Maintenance violations like this one typically carry higher weights than documentation violations because they pose immediate safety risk. Your best action is to contact FMCSA's DataQs system or your carrier's safety team within 30 days of the citation to see your exact point assessment and determine whether you have grounds to contest the finding.

Yes. FMCSA's DataQs (Database Quality System) allows drivers and carriers to contest roadside inspection findings within 30 calendar days of the citation. For 393.205(b), you can challenge the citation if:

• The inspector's determination was factually incorrect (e.g., the holes were not actually elongated, or were already repaired before inspection).
• The vehicle was misidentified.
• The inspection procedure was improper.

Because this is a physical equipment finding (not paperwork), you may need photos, mechanic statements, or repair records showing the wheels were safe at the time of inspection. Submit your evidence directly through the DataQs portal within the 30-day window.

This violation is rare and declining. Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 205 citations for 393.205(b) have been issued all-time. In the last 12 months, we recorded 0 citations, and 0 in the last 90 days. This suggests either improved compliance, fewer wheel assembly failures in the field, or that inspectors are catching this defect less frequently. The scarcity of recent citations may also reflect that most carriers have upgraded wheel maintenance practices or replaced older equipment prone to bolt-hole elongation.

Our data shows the violations are highly distributed. No single carrier dominates: ten carriers each have exactly 2 citations for 393.205(b) in our all-time database, including JBC's Trucking LLC, Ixchel Marie LLC, Kustom US Inc, and others. By vehicle make, Freightliner tops the list with 12 citations, followed by Mack with 11 and FRHT with 10. This pattern suggests elongated bolt holes are an age and maintenance issue across multiple manufacturers, not a design flaw tied to one brand. The real risk factor is deferred wheel maintenance, not the truck model.

Both. The citation is recorded against the carrier's USDOT safety record and affects their CSA metrics and insurance rates. However, the underlying inspection event is also documented in your driving history and may be reviewed if you're hired by a new company—especially if you're applying for a safety-sensitive role. To minimize impact, fix the violation immediately, document the repair, get reinspected quickly, and contest through DataQs if the finding was incorrect. A rapid, professional response shows accountability and limits reputational damage with future employers and underwriters.