Direct answers about 393.26 reflector violations: OOS rates, what happens next, and how serious this citation really is.
Ranks #645 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.1% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Requirements for reflectors
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Across 13 million inspections in our database, 393.26 citations resulted in an out-of-service placement in only 0.1% of cases—2 times out of 1,398 all-time citations. The vast majority of reflector violations (1,396) were not placed out of service. This is significantly lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, making reflector defects one of the least-severe violations you can receive.
No, it's among the least severe in its category. While the related code 393.9 (Inoperable Required Lamp) carries a 6.9% OOS rate and 393.11 (Lighting devices/reflectors) has a 1.8% OOS rate, our inspection records show 393.26 sits at just 0.1% OOS. Ranked #633 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, reflector violations are relatively uncommon and carry minimal enforcement consequences compared to actual lamp failures or brake defects.
Inspect your reflectors immediately for damage, corrosion, or missing elements. Our data shows 393.26 frequently appears with related lighting codes—393.9 (Inoperable Required Lamp) and 393.11 (Lighting devices/reflectors) were cited in the same inspection 28 and 21 times respectively in the last 90 days. Check all reflective surfaces (mud flaps, trailer sides, corner markers). Document the defect and the repair with photos. Since this is not an OOS violation, you can usually keep operating while you arrange a fix at your next maintenance window.
Texas accounts for the overwhelming majority. In the last 180 days, across our 13 million inspection records, Texas recorded 111 citations for 393.26—far outpacing all other states in the dataset. No other state appears in the top-cited locations for this code, making Texas the clear enforcement focus for reflector defects.
Enforcement has been rising. Last 12 months saw 235 total citations; the last 90 days show 52 citations. The monthly trend across our database shows fluctuation but a general uptick—July 2025 peaked at 32 citations, followed by several months in the 16–29 range. This suggests inspectors are paying closer attention to reflector compliance, so now is a good time to audit your fleet's reflective surfaces.
Yes, you can challenge it through the DataQs (Crash and Roadside Inspection Quality and Safety) process. Reflector violations are equipment findings, which means they hinge on the inspector's observation of the actual defect. If you can document that your reflectors met spec at the time of inspection, or that the inspector misidentified a compliant part, you have grounds to request a record review. File through the FMCSA's DataQs portal within the allowed window.
Freightliners and Peterbilts dominate. Our inspection records show 176 citations to FRHT (Freightliner) vehicles and 171 to PTRB (Peterbilt) for 393.26—by far the two most-cited makes. Kenworths (KW) are third with 147 citations. This distribution likely reflects the prevalence of these tractors in the fleet population rather than a specific defect pattern.
Not urgent from an OOS standpoint, but prompt from a safety standpoint. Since 393.26 does not typically result in roadside placement out of service (0.1% OOS rate), you have time to schedule repair—days or a week—rather than hours. However, reflectors are critical for visibility during night operations. Address the defect at your next scheduled maintenance to avoid a second citation and to keep your vehicle visible on the road.
Where 393.26 is most commonly cited (last 180 days)
Other violations commonly found on the same inspection (last 90 days)
TruckCodex aggregates official public-sector datasets. See the Source registry for dataset-level coverage and the Freshness log for last-import timestamps.
Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.
Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
TruckCodex is an independent aggregator; it is not affiliated with FMCSA, NHTSA, EIA, or Transport Canada. Always verify compliance-critical information directly with the originating agency.