What 393.60 means in plain language
FMCSR 393.60 addresses the condition of your truck's glazing—that is, your windshield and windows. The rule is straightforward: if your windshield or windows are cracked, discolored, or obstructed to the point that your visibility is reduced, you are in violation.
What counts as "reduced visibility"? The regulation focuses on glazing that materially impairs your ability to see the road, your mirrors, or oncoming traffic. This includes not just cracks or chips, but also heavy discoloration (such as sun-bleached or cloudy glass), condensation buildup you haven't cleared, stickers or decals in sight lines, or physical obstructions like air fresheners, GPS mounts, or objects placed on the dash or sun visor.
The intent is clear: your visibility must be maintained so you can operate the vehicle safely. A cracked windshield isn't just a cosmetic issue—it can impair your field of view and compromise your ability to react to hazards.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Our inspection records show that 393.60 citations are extremely rare in roadside enforcement. Across our database of 13 million+ inspections, we have recorded zero citations for this code in the last 12 months, zero in the last 90 days, and zero all-time. This means you are extraordinarily unlikely to be cited for a glazing obstruction issue during a roadside safety inspection.
This code is not eligible for out-of-service placement, which aligns with the low citation volume. The absence of enforcement data indicates that either violations of this standard are exceedingly uncommon, or that inspectors are not prioritizing it in the roadside inspection process. Either way, the practical enforcement risk for this violation is minimal.
Who gets cited most
Because citation volume for 393.60 is zero across all time periods in our database, there are no state-level or carrier-level enforcement trends to report. No state has recorded a citation for this code, and no carrier appears in our enforcement records for this violation. This is not typical; most FMCSR codes show measurable citation activity, but 393.60 is effectively absent from roadside inspection outcomes in our 13 million-record dataset.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
While 393.60 itself shows no recorded citations, other vehicle maintenance codes in the same regulatory category tell a different story. Code 393.78, which covers windshield condition defects, has generated 157,894 citations and carries a 0.3% out-of-service rate. Code 393.9(a), covering inoperable required lamps, shows 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate. Code 396.3(a)(1), the general inspection and maintenance requirement, has produced 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate.
The contrast is striking: glazing obstruction (393.60) is cited zero times, while related visibility and maintenance codes accumulate hundreds of thousands of citations. This suggests that glazing issues, when they do occur, may be addressed under other codes—most likely 393.78 (windshield condition), which is actually cited in roadside inspections. Inspectors appear to favor the windshield condition code over the more general glazing obstruction rule.
How to avoid it
Even though citations for 393.60 are not appearing in roadside enforcement data, maintaining compliant glazing is fundamental to safe vehicle operation and professional standards.
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Conduct a full glass inspection during pre-trip. Walk around your truck before each run. Check your windshield for cracks, chips, or areas where visibility is compromised. Inspect all side windows and mirrors for damage or cloudiness. If any glass is cracked or discolored enough that you notice it impairs your view, address it before driving.
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Clear any obstructions from sight lines. Remove or reposition air fresheners, GPS devices, or any items hanging from your mirror or mounted on the dashboard that block your view of the road or your mirrors. Ensure your sun visor is not down in a way that reduces visibility.
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Clean and maintain glass regularly. Use appropriate glass cleaner and microfiber cloths to remove condensation, dirt, and discoloration. Cloudy or heavily discolored glass, even without cracks, can reduce visibility and create a hazard.
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Address damage immediately. If you discover a crack or significant chip during pre-trip, do not defer repair. Get the glass replaced or repaired before your next shift. A small crack can spread and worsen quickly at highway speeds.
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Know your state's regulations. While 393.60 is federal, some states have their own windshield and window standards. Complying with the federal rule protects you in all jurisdictions.
Your windshield and windows are your primary interface with the driving environment. Keeping them clean, clear, and intact is a professional responsibility and a safety imperative, regardless of enforcement frequency.