FMCSR 393.205B: Elongated Wheel Stud/Bolt Holes — Q&A

Yes—but not automatically. Across our 13 million inspection records, 393.205B has resulted in an out-of-service placement 64.6% of the time (42 OOS placements out of 65 total citations). This rate is significantly higher than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%, meaning elongated stud or bolt holes are treated as a serious structural concern. Whether you're immediately placed OOS depends on the inspector's assessment of wheel integrity and safety risk. If cited, assume repair is required before further operation.

Very urgent. Over the last 90 days, we recorded 6 citations for this code, with 5 of them (May 2025) resulting in same-day OOS placement. The 64.6% all-time OOS rate reflects that inspectors view elongated holes as an immediate safety hazard affecting wheel retention. Do not delay repair. Contact a qualified heavy-duty mechanic or truck shop immediately to re-drill and re-tap the wheel holes or replace the wheel rim. Operating on elongated studs risks wheel separation, which is catastrophic.

Immediate steps:

1. Do not operate the vehicle if placed OOS—this is mandatory.
2. Call a truck repair facility experienced in wheel/rim work. You need either hole repair (drilling/tapping to next stud size) or rim replacement.
3. Check for related violations: our data shows 393.205B frequently co-occurs with turn signal defects (393.9TS), missing fire extinguishers (393.95A), and inoperable lamps (393.9). Have the inspector's report and use it as a full-truck checklist.
4. Document the repair with photos and invoices for your compliance file.
5. Request re-inspection once repairs are complete to clear the citation.

Yes. Our inspection records show 393.205B has a 64.6% OOS rate, well above the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%. Compared to peer vehicle maintenance codes: suspension defects (393.207A) trigger OOS placement, but elongated studs are treated as structural—similar gravity to brake system failures. The code ranks #1548 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by total citation volume (65 all-time), but its OOS rate places it in the upper-severity tier for mechanical citations. This is not a warning—it's a stop-work order in the majority of cases.

Yes, you can file a DataQs challenge if you believe the citation is factually incorrect. However, elongated stud/bolt holes are a measurable, visual finding—not a documentation or logbook error. Your challenge has strongest standing if: (1) the holes were not actually elongated, (2) the wheel was already repaired before the citation was written, or (3) the inspector's measurement or notes are inconsistent. DataQs disputes go to FMCSA for review; allow 30–60 days. Consult your carrier's safety team or a compliance advisor on strategy before filing.

Over the last 180 days, our records show Texas and Iowa as the top enforcement states. Texas: 9 citations with 55.6% OOS rate (5 placements). Iowa: 2 citations with 100% OOS rate (both placed out of service). Texas accounts for the majority of 393.205B citations in our database. If you operate primarily in these regions, wheel condition inspections should be a routine part of your pre-trip and maintenance program.

Across our 13 million inspections, Freightliner trucks (FRHT) account for 22 citations of this code—by far the highest count. Kenworth (KW), Hyster (HYTR), Mack, International, Ford, and Peterbilt trucks each show 5–7 citations. The pattern suggests wear-related issues across heavy-duty fleets over time. If you own or operate a Freightliner or similar Class 8 vehicle in service for several years, add wheel stud/bolt-hole inspection to your routine maintenance checklist, especially after 500,000+ miles.

This violation follows both the driver and the carrier in FMCSA scoring. It falls under vehicle maintenance and equipment compliance, which are recorded against both the driver's and carrier's Safety Management Analysis (CSA) records. The driver who was operating the vehicle when cited receives a mark; the carrier receives a mark against its Maintenance BASIC score. Both parties have incentive to address it: drivers to preserve their safety record and hiring prospects, carriers to maintain lower insurance costs and compliance ratings.