What happens when you get cited for 393.55? Understand OOS risk, CSA points, repair timelines, and how this stacks against other vehicle maintenance violations.
Ranks #3,037 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency.
Coupling devices or towing methods on commercial motor vehicle are defective or inadequate.
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Across our 13 million roadside inspection records, 393.55 has been cited zero times, meaning there is no out-of-service history in the data. However, 393.55 is eligible for out-of-service placement if an inspector determines the coupling device or towing method is severely defective or unsafe. The decision depends on the severity of the defect at the time of inspection—not an automatic OOS outcome.
A single 393.55 citation carries a CSA severity weight of 8 points. This weight applies to the citation itself. The total CSA impact depends on when the violation occurred: if it happened within the last 30 days, the points count at full value; violations older than 30 days have reduced weight. The severity weight of 8 places this squarely in the mid-to-serious range for vehicle maintenance defects.
Immediate steps:
In context: across inspection records, peer vehicle maintenance codes show much higher citation volumes. For example, inoperable lamps (393.9) account for 660,737 citations with a 15.4% out-of-service rate, while general maintenance defects (396.3) total 236,919 citations at 45.3% OOS. With zero recorded citations for 393.55, it is extremely rare in the data—but when it does appear, the coupling device defect typically signals a critical safety issue that inspectors take seriously.
Yes. If you believe the citation is incorrect, you can file a DataQs (Clearinghouse) challenge through the FMCSA portal. For equipment violations like a coupling defect, your challenge should include:
DataQs reviews the evidence and either removes or keeps the citation on your record. Response time is typically 30–60 days.
Repair is urgent. A defective coupling device creates immediate risk of trailer separation, jackknife, or loss of control on the road—a hazard to you, your cargo, and other motorists. Federal regulations prohibit operation of a CMV with defective coupling methods. Do not delay: contact your maintenance team or a certified shop today. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of a second citation or an accident.
Our inspection data shows zero citations for 393.55 across all states in the database. This code has not been cited in any measurable volume in the 13 million+ records we track. If you have received a 393.55 citation, it represents an extremely rare enforcement action—which underscores that the inspector identified a serious coupling device or towing method defect that warranted citation.
Both. Vehicle maintenance violations like 393.55 appear on both the driver's record and the carrier's safety record in the CSA system. The carrier is responsible for vehicle upkeep, so the violation reflects on fleet safety management. However, the driver cited for operating the defective vehicle also receives the citation and CSA points. Your best protection: document that you reported the defect to dispatch and did not knowingly operate an unsafe coupling device.
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.