393.209A-STSWSCM: Cracked or Broken Wheel/Rim — Q&A

No. Across our inspection records, this violation has never resulted in an out-of-service order. Out of 19 all-time citations for cracked or broken wheels/rims, 100% were not placed out of service (0.0% OOS rate). For comparison, the average FMCSR violation carries a 31.4% out-of-service rate—this code is far below that threshold. You can continue operating while you arrange the repair.

This violation carries a CSA Severity Weight of 7 points. That weight is multiplied by the number of violations cited within a 30-day window—so if you receive one citation, it counts as 7 points toward your carrier's Unsafe Maintenance BASIC. If multiple violations occur in the same 30-day period, the points stack. Track your citation date and any follow-up inspections within 30 days to understand your total exposure.

First, inspect the wheel and rim immediately for cracks or breaks. Second, do not defer repair—schedule a shop appointment today. Third, document the repair with photos and receipts for your carrier and the DOT. Finally, review your recent inspection report closely: our data shows that when a cracked or broken wheel is found, brake system issues often appear in the same inspection (brake tubing, slack adjusters, inoperative brakes). Have the shop check those systems too.

In isolation, this violation is less serious than many peer codes. While it has a 0.0% out-of-service rate, comparable violations like Slack Adjuster Defective (0.0% OOS) and Windshield Defective (0.3% OOS) are equally lenient. However, violations with broader maintenance scope—such as Inspection/Repair/Maintenance General—carry a 45.3% out-of-service rate. The cracked wheel itself is typically repairable without stopping operations, but it signals wear that may affect other systems.

You may be able to contest this citation through the DataQs Request for Reconsideration process if you believe the inspection was inaccurate or the violation was incorrectly documented. Since cracked or broken wheels are visible, objective equipment findings, disputes typically hinge on evidence that the wheel was not actually cracked or broken at the time of inspection, or that the damage was minor cosmetic wear rather than a structural crack. Gather inspection photos, maintenance records, and shop repair estimates as supporting documentation.

In the last 180 days, Pennsylvania leads with 2 citations, followed by California, Nevada, South Carolina, and Tennessee with 1 citation each. The enforcement volume is low nationwide—only 10 citations in the past 12 months across all states. This suggests cracked or broken wheels are uncommon findings relative to other maintenance violations, making it a lower-priority focus for roadside inspectors.

Citations remain low and stable. Our inspection records show 10 citations in the last 12 months, with no clear trend. Monthly counts range from 1 to 2 citations, distributed across June, August, September, October, November, December, January, and February. The code ranks #1962 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, placing it in the bottom tier. Your urgency is repair-focused, not compliance-trend focused—this is not a violation wave.

Both. Unsafe Maintenance violations, including cracked or broken wheels, are recorded in the Unsafe Maintenance BASIC and affect both your carrier's safety profile and, in some cases, your driver record depending on your carrier's telematics and internal tracking systems. Ensure your carrier is notified immediately and that the citation and repair are documented in your vehicle maintenance file. A clean maintenance record helps your carrier's Insurance Carrier Safety System score.