What 393.209A means in plain language
A 393.209A citation means an inspector found a wheel or rim on your commercial motor vehicle that is cracked or broken. This isn't about missing lug nuts or loose fasteners—it's about structural failure of the wheel or rim itself. A crack or break in the wheel or rim compromises the structural integrity of that component and creates a safety hazard for you, your cargo, and other road users.
This is a straightforward mechanical defect. It's not a judgment call about wear or maintenance practices—either the wheel or rim is visibly cracked or broken, or it isn't. If you were cited, the inspector documented the defect and may have placed your vehicle out of service until the wheel or rim is replaced.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Our inspection records show that 393.209A is a relatively rare citation in the broader FMCSR enforcement landscape, ranked #1651 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. However, when it is cited, the consequences are severe: the all-time out-of-service rate for this code is 87.5%—far exceeding the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%.
In the last 12 months, we recorded 23 citations for this code across 13 million inspections. In the most recent 90 days, the rate was 3 citations. The data shows a spike in June 2025 (6 citations) and again in December 2025 (4 citations), but overall enforcement is inconsistent month to month. Of the 48 all-time citations in our database, 42 resulted in an out-of-service order—meaning 87.5% of drivers cited for this violation had their truck pulled from service on the spot.
Who gets cited most
Across our inspection records, Texas leads by a significant margin with 9 citations in the last 180 days, with a 77.8% out-of-service rate. Illinois recorded 2 citations over the same period, both resulting in out-of-service orders (100.0% rate). The variation in OOS rates between states is notable but likely reflects the low overall citation volume and the severity of the defect itself rather than enforcement policy differences.
Our data shows that across all-time enforcement, carriers such as Jose de Jesus Bernal Rincon (USDOT 1817038) account for 3 citations—the highest on record. This reflects the reality that wheel and rim failures can occur in any fleet and typically signal inadequate pre-trip inspection or deferred maintenance rather than systemic carrier negligence.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
To put the severity of 393.209A in perspective, consider a few comparable vehicle maintenance codes. Code 393.9(a) (inoperable required lamps) has generated 660,737 all-time citations with only a 15.4% out-of-service rate. Code 393.47E (slack adjuster defective) has 180,363 citations with a 0.0% out-of-service rate. Code 393.78 (windshield condition defective) has 157,894 citations with a 0.3% out-of-service rate.
The stark difference is clear: 393.209A is cited far less frequently than these peer codes, but when it is cited, it triggers an out-of-service order 87.5% of the time—a reflection of the fact that a cracked or broken wheel is an immediate safety-critical defect that cannot be driven on.
How to avoid it
The most direct way to avoid a 393.209A citation is to catch wheel and rim damage before you roll out. Here's what our data on co-occurring violations tells us:
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Perform a thorough pre-trip wheel and rim inspection every day. Look directly at each wheel and rim on your vehicle. Run your hand along the surface if you can safely do so. Look for visible cracks, breaks, splits, or deformation. Don't rely on a quick visual from the driver's seat—walk around your truck. This takes 10 minutes and prevents a roadside citation and out-of-service order.
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Check your brakes and suspension together with your wheels. Our data shows that 393.47E (slack adjuster defective) and 393.53B (steering system components worn) frequently co-occur with 393.209A citations. Wheels take the load from your suspension and braking system. If your brakes or suspension are compromised, your wheels may be subjected to abnormal stress that accelerates cracking. Keep your slack adjusters properly maintained and your steering components in good condition.
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If you hit something, stop and inspect immediately. Hitting a pothole, debris, or road hazard can crack a wheel or rim without you knowing it. If you feel an unusual vibration, hear a grinding noise, or suspect you've hit something, pull over safely and visually inspect all four wheels on both sides of your vehicle. A crack may not be immediately visible, but catching it before an inspector does is critical.
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Do not defer maintenance. Trucks with FRHT, KW, and UTIL cabins make up the majority of 393.209A citations in our database. Regardless of your vehicle make, schedule regular wheel and rim inspections as part of your maintenance routine. Replace wheels or rims as soon as damage is discovered—do not continue operating on a cracked or broken wheel, even if it seems minor.
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Keep proof of your inspections. Our data shows that 396.17C (no proof of periodic inspection) frequently appears alongside 393.209A citations. Document your pre-trip and post-trip inspections in writing or electronically. If you catch and repair a wheel defect before an inspection, that documentation protects you and your company.