What 393.24(b) means in plain language
When your cargo extends beyond the sides or rear of your truck bed or trailer, federal rules require you to light and mark those projections so other drivers can see them—especially at night or in poor visibility.
393.24(b) addresses the specific requirement to properly illuminate and mark any load that sticks out. This applies whether you're hauling lumber, pipes, equipment, or any other cargo that protrudes. The lighting and marking must be visible and meet the standards set out in the FMCSR so that following traffic can recognize the hazard and adjust safely.
If you're cited for 393.24(b), an inspector found that your projecting load lacked adequate lighting, marking, or both. This could mean missing or non-functional warning lights, reflectors that aren't visible, or warning placards that are obscured or absent.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.24(b) has been cited 198 times total—making it ranked 23rd out of 236 FMCSR codes by citation volume. In the last 12 months and last 90 days, our database shows zero citations for this violation, indicating that enforcement on this particular code is extremely uncommon.
None of the 198 all-time citations resulted in a vehicle being placed out of service—the OOS rate is 0.0%. This contrasts sharply with the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, meaning inspectors treat 393.24(b) violations as correctible defects rather than immediate safety threats that warrant roadside removal from service.
The rarity of enforcement and the zero OOS rate suggest that either compliance is high, or inspectors encounter this violation infrequently in roadside settings where projecting loads are less common than other vehicle defects.
Who gets cited most
Our enforcement records do not include state-level breakdowns for this code, so we cannot identify specific states where 393.24(b) citations cluster. However, the data does show carrier-level patterns: Jorge L Triana (USDOT 1883608) has received 4 citations, RXO Express LLC (USDOT 460019) has received 3 citations, and RTS Holdings LLC (USDOT 2365308), JT Transport LLC (USDOT 3746207), and MCIP Trucking LLC (USDOT 2950942) each have 2 citations.
Vehicle makes cited include Freightliner (20 citations), Volvo (10 citations), Peterbilt (7 citations), and Kenworth (7 citations). The pattern suggests this violation spans common heavy-duty tractor and trailer brands, with no particular manufacturer concentration.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
393.24(b) exists in the Vehicle Maintenance category alongside other lighting and marking violations. To put enforcement volume in context:
- 393.9(a) (Inoperable required lamps) has been cited 660,737 times with a 15.4% OOS rate—roughly 3,300 times more frequent than 393.24(b).
- 393.11 (Lighting devices/reflectors) shows 179,734 citations with a 1.8% OOS rate—900 times more common.
- 393.78 (Windshield condition defective) appears 157,894 times with a 0.3% OOS rate—almost 800 times more prevalent.
The gap in citation volume is stark. While inoperable lamps and reflectors on the tractor or trailer itself are routine inspection findings, failures specific to marking and lighting projecting loads are rare, possibly because fewer loads project beyond vehicle dimensions during random roadside inspections, or because drivers and carriers are more careful with load security and marking on long hauls.
How to avoid it
If you haul cargo that extends beyond your truck's profile—whether it's structural materials, equipment, or any long or wide load—take these steps:
- Inspect projections before departure. During pre-trip, visually confirm that any cargo extending beyond the sides or rear is visible. Walk around the load if you can; check that nothing is obscured by tarps, straps, or other cargo.
- Install and test warning lights. If the load projects, you must have working amber or red warning lights on the rear and sides. Test them in daylight and at night before you roll. Replace burnt-out bulbs immediately.
- Use retroreflective marking. Apply retroreflective tape or placards (typically red and white striped chevrons, or solid red/white markers) to the outermost points of the projection. These must be clean and unobstructed so headlights reflect clearly.
- Know your load dimensions. Before loading, confirm that your cargo will fit within the legal overhang limits (typically 3 feet beyond the rear axle for trailers, 4 feet beyond the front axle for front overhang, depending on state). Overhang limits vary; some states are stricter. If you exceed limits, you may need a wide-load or oversize permit and enhanced marking.
- Document your setup. Take photos of your load as loaded and marked. If cited, this record helps dispute false violations or confirms you met requirements at the time of departure.
- Check common problem areas. Projections on flatbed trailers, step decks, and equipment trailers are the most frequent candidates for this violation. Pole trailers carrying pipes or lumber, and logging trucks, commonly haul projecting loads—if that's your typical freight, make lighting and marking a ritual.
The zero OOS rate on this code means compliance is achievable and inspectors are not yanking trucks off the road for it. The low citation frequency overall suggests that most carriers and drivers who handle projecting loads are getting it right. Stay vigilant on pre-trip inspection, keep your lighting functional, and maintain your retroreflective markers in good condition.