393.25(b) Obscured Rear Lamps: Citations & What Happens Next

No, not automatically. Across our 13 million inspection records, 393.25(b) citations resulted in an out-of-service placement only 8.0% of the time (42 out of 528 all-time citations). That is significantly lower than the national FMCSR average of 31.4%, making this a relatively low-severity finding in terms of immediate roadside enforcement. However, if a second violation is stacked during the same inspection, the inspector may make a different call.

This violation carries a CSA severity weight of 3—the lowest tier in the FMCSA point system. In a 30-day rolling window, points multiply by the number of violations. So one citation = 3 points; two within 30 days = 6 points, and so on. The weight-3 classification reflects that obscured rear lamps are a visibility issue but typically correctable without major equipment replacement.

1. Document the load and obstruction: Take photos showing what blocked the rear lamps (tailboard, cargo overhang, etc.).
2. Inspect and clean: Verify rear lamps function and aren't simply dirty.
3. Adjust or remove the obstruction: Most citations are resolved by repositioning cargo, securing the tailboard, or removing excess load cover.
4. Request reinspection if the inspector cited you before you had a chance to correct it.
5. Log the citation: Report it to your carrier/dispatcher immediately if you're operating under a company.
6. Keep receipt/photos: Document your fix in case you need to contest the citation.

No, it is one of the least cited and least serious lamp violations. Our data shows 393.9(a)—inoperable required lamps—has 660,737 citations with a 15.4% out-of-service rate. Code 393.11 (lighting devices/reflectors) has 179,734 citations with only a 1.8% OOS rate. The 393.25(b) category has just 528 all-time citations, placing it #896 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes. This suggests inspectors rarely cite obscured lamps; most citations involve lamps that don't work at all.

Yes. The DataQs roadside dispute resolution (RDR) process is designed for inspectors' documented findings. For a 393.25(b) citation, you can contest it if: the obstruction was caused after parking (not during transport), the lamps were actually visible, or the inspector did not perform a thorough walk-around. Submit your photo evidence and a clear narrative explaining why the finding was inaccurate. FMCSA reviews and either sustains or removes the citation. Success depends on the strength of your documentation.

Across our 13 million inspection records, Troy C Gerlach (USDOT 771864) has the highest citation count at 5, followed by Lynden Ice Co LLC (USDOT 1891369) with 4. However, the violation is rare overall—only 528 citations in total, and zero citations in the last 12 months in our database. This suggests either inspectors have become more lenient on this violation or carriers have improved load-securing practices.

Moderately urgent, but not emergency. Our records show zero citations for 393.25(b) in the last 90 days, indicating this violation is rarely re-cited during follow-up inspections. That said, the fix is simple: secure your load, adjust your tailboard, or reposition cargo to ensure rear lamps and reflectors are fully visible. Resolve it before your next weigh station or roadside check to avoid stacking violations, which will increase your CSA score.

Freightliners (FRHT) account for 40 citations, followed by Peterbilt (PTRB) with 21 and Kenworth (KW) with 17. These are the most common tractor makes, so the citation distribution reflects fleet composition rather than a defect specific to any brand. The violation is rooted in how loads are covered or positioned, not the truck itself, so any make can be cited.