FMCSR 393.61: Truck Side Windows – Q&A

No. Across our inspection records, 393.61 has resulted in an out-of-service order in just 1 case out of 374 all-time citations—a 0.3% OOS rate. This is far below the national average OOS rate of 31.4% across all FMCSR codes. A citation for inadequate or missing truck side windows is typically treated as a non-safety violation and does not trigger an immediate roadside enforcement action.

First, document the condition of your windows and gather repair estimates. Second, review whether any other violations were cited in the same inspection—our data shows 393.61 is often paired with 393.9 (inoperable lamps) in 11 shared inspections over the last 90 days, or 393.95A (missing emergency equipment) in 9 shared inspections. If other codes were cited, prioritize those. Then schedule window repair or replacement within a reasonable timeframe and keep documentation of the work completed in case of re-inspection.

393.61 ranks #1015 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—it is a relatively infrequent violation. Its 0.3% OOS rate mirrors that of 393.78 (windshield condition defective), another visibility-related code, also at 0.3% OOS. By comparison, 393.9 (inoperable required lamps), a more frequently cited violation in the lighting category, has a 6.9% OOS rate and 180,097 all-time citations. 393.61 is treated as lower-severity than active lamp failures.

Over the last 180 days, our inspection records show Texas accounts for 50 citations of 393.61, with 0 out-of-service placements. Texas is the primary enforcement jurisdiction for this violation. The data covers 88 citations nationwide in the last 12 months, so Texas represents the dominant citation location for side window defects.

Citations for 393.61 have increased in recent months. Over the last 12 months, we recorded 88 total citations. December 2025 saw 11 citations, and the trend continued into early 2026 with 10 citations in January, 11 in February, and 10 in March. This suggests steady or rising enforcement activity, particularly in the last quarter of 2025 and into 2026. Plan repairs accordingly to avoid citation during this period of higher inspection focus.

Freightliners (FRHT) dominate the citation data with 77 all-time citations for 393.61, accounting for the largest share of vehicles cited. Kenworths (KW) follow with 25 citations, and Peterbilts (PTRB) with 18 citations. If you operate one of these makes, window condition should be part of your routine pre-trip inspection. These three brands represent over 60% of all 393.61 citations in our database.

Yes, you can file a DataQs record review request if you believe the citation was incorrect or the window defect was misidentified. DataQs is the FMCSA's online portal for drivers and carriers to dispute roadside inspection findings. Window condition is an observable, equipment-based violation, so contestation hinges on whether the inspector correctly documented the defect. Gather photos or repair documentation showing the window was adequate at the time of inspection to support your case. Processing typically takes 30–45 days.

Like all vehicle maintenance violations, 393.61 citations are attributed to the carrier's safety record, not the driver's. The violation reflects a company's fleet maintenance program and vehicle condition management. Both the driver and carrier may see the citation in their CSA profiles, but the safety points and violation history are linked to the carrier's USDOT number. Drivers should work with their fleet safety manager to ensure windows are inspected and maintained before each trip to prevent citations.