FMCSR 393.24A: Projecting Load Lighting Citations

No. Across our inspection records, 393.24A results in out-of-service placement in only 0.5% of cases—9 out of 1,814 all-time citations. This is far below the 31.4% average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes. Most citations for improper lighting or marking of projecting loads are treated as violations to correct, not immediate roadside shutdowns. However, the specific circumstances of your load and the inspector's findings will determine whether your truck is placed OOS at the time of inspection.

A 393.24A citation carries a CSA severity weight of 3. The actual points assigned depend on your carrier's safety record and the 30-day violation multiplier applied during the FMCSA's Safety Management System (SMS) calculation. If this is your first violation in 30 days, it counts as 1× the weight. If you've had another violation in the same 30-day window, multipliers increase (2×, 3×, etc.). Check your FMCSA PrePass or SafetyNet portal to see how many points have been applied to your record.

Take these steps immediately: (1) Document the inspection. Get a copy of the violation notice and take photos of your load setup. (2) Inspect related systems. Our data shows 393.24A often co-occurs with inoperable lamps (393.9, 129 shared inspections in the last 90 days) and turn signal failures (64 shared inspections). Check all lights and markers on your vehicle. (3) Plan repairs. Correct the load lighting or marking before your next haul. (4) Notify your carrier. Report the citation to your fleet safety manager immediately. (5) Review your load procedures to prevent recurrence.

393.24A is less serious than many lighting codes. Its 0.5% OOS rate is significantly lower than inoperable required lamp codes—393.9 has a 6.9% OOS rate and 393.9(a) has 15.4%. However, it ranks #555 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, meaning it's not uncommon. Our database shows 1,823 all-time citations and 283 in the last 90 days, so inspectors actively enforce it. The low OOS rate suggests regulators view it as correctable equipment maintenance rather than an immediate safety shutdown.

Yes. 393.24A citations can be contested through the DataQs (Data Quality System) process if you believe the violation record is inaccurate. Submit a request to FMCSA within 90 days of the inspection. Contestability depends on your evidence: if the inspector's observation was factually wrong (e.g., your load lighting was functional or properly marked), you have grounds to challenge the finding. If your equipment genuinely failed to meet the standard, contesting is unlikely to succeed. Gather photos, maintenance records, and witness statements to support your case.

Texas dominates enforcement of this violation. In the last 180 days, Texas accounted for 582 citations with a 0.3% OOS rate—far more than any other state. Illinois follows with 15 citations, New Mexico with 9, North Carolina with 6, and Iowa with 2. The concentration in Texas suggests regional inspection focus, higher traffic volume on routes with oversized or heavy loads, or stricter enforcement of load marking standards in that state. If you operate in Texas, prioritize load lighting and marking compliance.

Moderately urgent. Our 90-day trend shows consistent enforcement—283 citations in the last 90 days—with peaks in February (150 citations) and December (122 citations). While only 0.5% result in immediate out-of-service placement, repeated violations will accumulate on your CSA record and increase your risk of roadside inspection. Correct the lighting or marking of your projecting load before your next haul, and ensure all related systems (lamps, reflectors, turn signals) function properly. Carrying a load without compliant marking invites additional violations and fines.

393.24A violations are recorded against the carrier under FMCSA's Safety Management System (SMS). Your employer's CSA scores and carrier safety profile are affected, which indirectly impacts your profile if you're listed as a driver for that company. The violation does not disappear if you change carriers; it remains part of your current carrier's record for 36 months. Your next employer will see your carrier's safety history during hiring, so violations at your current company can affect your job mobility. This is why reporting and correcting violations quickly benefits both you and your carrier.