FMCSR 393.50 Steering Defect: Citations, OOS Rate & What's Next

Not automatically—but it can. Across our inspection records, 393.50 citations result in an out-of-service order 18.3% of the time. That's lower than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%, but steering defects are safety-critical, so enforcement varies by state and severity. In Texas (where 40 of the last 180 days' citations occurred), the OOS rate runs 10.0%. In New Mexico, it's 33.3%. If the inspector deems the steering unsafe to operate, your truck gets placed OOS immediately.

393.50 carries a severity weight of 8 points. CSA totals are calculated over a rolling 12-month window, with the weight multiplied by the number of violations in that period. If you receive one 393.50 citation, you'll accrue 8 points on this violation. Multiple citations within 12 months stack, so steering defects on your record compound quickly. The exact CSA impact depends on your current profile and other concurrent violations.

1. Do not drive if placed OOS—get a repair before moving the truck.
2. Inspect the entire steering system, not just the failing component. Our data shows 393.50 often co-occurs with brake and suspension issues (7 inspections involved code 396.3A1 on general maintenance in the last 90 days).
3. Document repairs with photos, work orders, and parts receipts.
4. Request re-inspection once fixed to clear the OOS order.
5. Keep records for DataQs appeal if you believe the citation was incorrect.
6. Schedule preventive maintenance to catch steering wear before the next roadside check.

Yes, it's moderately serious. Our data ranks 393.50 at #949 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume (464 all-time citations), placing it in the lower-volume range. However, its 18.3% OOS rate is below the national average of 31.4%, suggesting enforcement is conservative. Compare that to peer code 396.3A1 (general inspection/maintenance), which has a 45.3% OOS rate—much more severe. Steering defects are safety-critical, so inspectors take them seriously, but you're less likely to be placed OOS than with certain other vehicle maintenance violations.

Yes. DataQs is FMCSA's formal challenge system for incorrect or unfair roadside inspection records. Steering defect violations are equipment-based, so contestability depends on whether the inspector correctly identified the defect. If you can prove the steering mechanism was functioning properly, documentation was falsified, or the inspector made a procedural error, you have grounds to challenge. Submit your appeal within 30 days of the citation with repair receipts, photos, or maintenance records showing the steering was compliant. FMCSA will review and may remove or modify the violation.

In the last 180 days, Texas leads by a wide margin with 40 citations, followed by New Mexico with 3 citations, and North Carolina with 1 citation. Texas accounts for the vast majority of 393.50 enforcement in our records. If you operate primarily in Texas, prioritize steering system inspections as part of your pre-trip routine. The concentration in one state suggests either higher inspection activity there or a particular focus on steering defects in that region's enforcement priorities.

Very urgent if placed OOS—you cannot legally operate. Even if not immediately placed OOS, steering defects pose real safety risk and attract repeat citations. Our 90-day trend shows 19 citations for 393.50 over that period, with seasonal spikes (14 citations in June 2025). The longer you delay repair, the higher your risk of a second citation at the next inspection, which compounds CSA points and increases OOS likelihood. Budget for steering work immediately and confirm completion before your next roadside inspection.

Freightliners (FRHT) top the list with 59 all-time citations, followed by Internationals (INTL) at 36 and Kenworths (KW) at 35. Together, these three makes account for roughly 42% of all 393.50 citations in our database. If you operate one of these makes, invest in preventive steering system maintenance—inspection intervals, component replacement, and alignment checks. Freightliners in particular show a pattern of steering defect citations, so consider your truck's age and mileage as repair triggers.