What 393.24(d) means in plain language
FMCSR 393.24(d) requires that any cargo or material extending beyond the sides or rear of your vehicle must be properly lit and marked. This isn't optional—it's a safety requirement that exists because projecting loads create hazards for other drivers who need to see where your vehicle ends and the road begins, especially in low-light conditions.
The regulation covers two distinct obligations: lighting (typically red reflectors or lights on the rear, and amber or white on the sides) and marking (often yellow-and-black striped boards or tape). Both are necessary when your load hangs over the sides or extends past the rear. A load that's properly secured but improperly marked or lit still results in a citation under this code. The intent is straightforward: make sure other motorists can clearly identify the boundary of your vehicle and cargo, day or night.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.24(d) citations are rare. All-time, we see only 250 total citations for this violation. Over the last 12 months, we recorded zero citations; over the last 90 days, also zero. This code ranks #1156 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
The out-of-service rate for 393.24(d) is 0.4%—meaning only 1 of the 250 all-time citations resulted in an out-of-service order. For context, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, so this violation is pulled OOS far less frequently than the typical maintenance or safety defect. That said, the CSA severity weight is 3, which reflects the hazard potential even if inspectors rarely place trucks OOS for this specific issue.
The rarity of recent citations suggests either excellent compliance on projecting-load marking, fewer loads projecting beyond vehicle boundaries during inspections, or both. If you received a 393.24(d) citation recently, you're in a very small group.
Who gets cited most
Our enforcement data does not include state-level breakdowns for this code, so we cannot identify the top three states by citation count. However, our top carriers cited for 393.24(d) all-time include fleets such as Juan Jose Saenz Ramirez (USDOT 3042905) with 2 citations, Transportes Maryjose SA de CV (USDOT 2387158) with 2 citations, and Logistica Hnos Iriarte SA de CV (USDOT 3456383) with 2 citations. We also see J B Hunt Transport Inc (USDOT 80806) with 2 citations in our database. The low citation volume means that no single carrier shows a pattern; these are isolated incidents across diverse operations.
Vehicle make data shows Freightliner (FRHT) leads with 27 all-time citations for this code, followed by Kenworth (KW) with 18 citations and Peterbilt (PTRB) with 12 citations. This distribution roughly reflects the prevalence of these truck types in the fleet overall rather than a particular risk signature.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the vehicle maintenance category, 393.24(d) sits far below more common violations. Code 393.9(a), inoperable required lamps, has generated 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate—more than 2,600 times the citation volume of 393.24(d). Code 396.3(a)(1), covering general inspection and maintenance defects, shows 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate. Code 393.11, lighting devices and reflectors broadly, has 179,734 citations with a 1.8% OOS rate.
The low volume for 393.24(d) relative to these peers suggests that inspectors encounter far fewer projecting-load scenarios than they do general lamp or reflector failures. When the citation does occur, the 0.4% OOS rate indicates it's usually treated as a defect to be corrected rather than an immediate out-of-service condition—unless the projection itself creates an acute safety hazard.
How to avoid it
Before you load:
- Confirm that your cargo will not extend beyond the sides or rear of your vehicle. If it will, plan your load configuration to stay within vehicle boundaries, or use a trailer or vehicle with sufficient length.
- Inspect your truck or trailer for any missing, broken, or faded red reflectors on the rear or amber/white reflectors on the sides. Replace them immediately if damaged.
- Check that any rear-projection devices (lumber racks, pipe racks, or extensible beds) are equipped with functioning lights and reflective marking.
During pre-trip:
- Walk around your vehicle and look at the rear and both sides. If any part of your load extends outward, verify that red reflective tape or boards are present on the rear and amber/white marking is visible on the sides.
- Test rear lights (if fitted for projecting loads) to ensure they illuminate. Many truck-stop inspection services can test this quickly.
- For side projections, confirm that yellow-and-black striped boards or equivalent reflective materials are securely fastened and clearly visible from a distance.
If your load will project:
- Use a second vehicle or pilot car in some jurisdictions if projection is extreme. Check your state DOT rules—some states require escort vehicles for wide or long loads.
- Document your load configuration with photos before departure. If cited, this evidence helps demonstrate that marking and lighting met the standard.
- Do not assume that daytime travel eliminates the need for lighting and marking. The regulation applies 24/7.
The rarity of this citation in our data suggests that most drivers and carriers handle projecting loads correctly. If you're cited, the low OOS rate means the citation is typically a warning to correct the defect, not an automatic roadside shutdown. Address it immediately: add or repair reflectors and marking, and you'll almost certainly clear the citation on your next inspection.