FMCSR 393.24: Lighting & Marking Projecting Loads—Q&A

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 393.24 has never resulted in an out-of-service placement. The OOS rate is 0.0%, meaning this violation is cited as a safety concern but does not trigger immediate roadside removal. However, compliance is still required—proper lighting and marking of projecting loads prevents cargo-related accidents and visibility hazards.

393.24 carries a CSA severity weight of 3, which is relatively low on the violation scale. In the BASIC 5 category (Vehicle Maintenance), this means your citation will accumulate points, but with moderate severity. The 30-day rolling window means multiple citations stack, so compliance matters for your cumulative safety record even if a single citation won't spike your score dramatically.

Immediate steps:

1. Document the load — Take photos showing what was projecting and current lighting/marking status.
2. Inspect fixtures — Check all lights on projecting cargo (red flags, reflectors, lamps) for function and visibility.
3. Repair or replace — Fix any inoperable lights or missing reflectors before the next trip.
4. Review your loads — Ensure future loads that extend beyond vehicle sides/rear are marked per 49 CFR 393.24.
5. Keep records — Document repairs and inspections to show compliance if audited.
6. Consult your carrier — Report the citation and confirm company load-securement procedures.

It is less serious than some peer violations. Our data shows 393.9(a) (Inoperable required lamps) has 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate, and 393.11 (Lighting devices/reflectors) has 179,734 citations with a 1.8% OOS rate. Since 393.24 has zero OOS placements across all-time records, it reflects an enforcement priority on documentation and visibility, not immediate safety removal. That said, peer codes in Vehicle Maintenance like 396.3(a)(1) reach 45.3% OOS rates, so lighting violations occupy a spectrum—393.24 is on the lower end.

Yes, you can submit a DataQs (FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System) challenge through the formal contestation process. 393.24 is documentation and equipment-based—if the inspector cited projecting cargo you dispute, or if you can provide evidence that the load was properly marked and lit, a clear photo or witness statement may succeed. The DataQs RDR (Records Dispute Resolution) timeline allows you to submit your challenge; FMCSA reviews both the citation narrative and your evidence. Work with your carrier's safety team to gather documentation and file promptly.

Very uncommon. Our inspection database shows zero citations for 393.24 in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. In fact, all-time records show zero total citations for this code across 13 million roadside inspections. This suggests either minimal enforcement activity, rare field occurrence, or citations coded under related lighting violations like 393.9 or 393.11. If you receive a 393.24 citation, ensure load marking procedures are tight, as this indicates heightened inspector focus on projecting cargo safety.

You must light and mark any load or cargo that extends beyond the sides or rear of your vehicle. This includes using red flags or reflectors, operational lamps, and materials that make the projection visible in daylight and darkness. The rule prevents collisions and alerts other drivers to your wider or longer footprint. Typical compliance involves red reflective tape on the rear, marker lights if projecting significantly, and visible flagging on both sides if needed. Cargo securement and visibility go hand-in-hand under FMCSR Vehicle Maintenance standards.

CSA violations in the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC (BASIC 5) apply to both the driver and the carrier. The citation will be recorded on your carrier's carrier safety profile and may appear on your driving record depending on your carrier's CSA profile setup. If you're an owner-operator, it lands directly on your profile. Either way, Vehicle Maintenance issues reflect on company safety culture and driver responsibility. Work with your carrier to ensure loads are prepped and inspected before departure.