What 393.62(c) means in plain language
Windshield wipers are a safety-critical component on every commercial motor vehicle. This violation occurs when your vehicle's wipers are not functioning or are missing entirely at the time of inspection.
The rule is straightforward: if your windshield wipers don't work, you're in violation. This isn't about having the fanciest wipers or brand-name blades—it's about having operational wipers that can clear rain, snow, or debris from your windshield so you can see the road. A missing wiper arm, a broken blade, or a failed wiper motor all trigger this citation.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, this code carries an 89.3% out-of-service rate—dramatically higher than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%. When an inspector finds inoperative wipers, there's a strong likelihood the vehicle will be placed out of service on the spot.
However, the absolute enforcement volume is low. All-time, we see 280 total citations for 393.62(c), ranking it #1112 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes. In the last 90 days and last 12 months, our database shows zero citations—meaning this violation is either very rare now or represents a data lag. The vast majority of that historical volume—250 out of 280 citations—resulted in out-of-service placement, compared to just 30 that did not.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection data does not break citations by state in the block provided, so we cannot name the top three states. However, we can tell you that certain fleets appear more frequently in our records for this violation. Quick Transit Management Agency LLC (USDOT 1713003) and Dahlonego Inc (USDOT 3734602) each show 12 citations in our all-time database, while SFiniex Line Express Inc (USDOT 591725) has 11. This does not imply systemic negligence—these may reflect fleet size, inspection frequency, or regional enforcement patterns. The data simply reflects what we've observed in roadside inspection records.
Vehicle make matters more than carrier: Ford vehicles dominate the citation list with 43 citations, followed by THMS with 11 and INTL with 8. If you drive a Ford in your fleet, pre-trip wiper inspection is especially important.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Inoperative windshield wipers sits in the vehicle maintenance category alongside several other defects. For context:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps: 660,737 citations, 15.4% OOS rate. Lighting defects are far more common but trigger out-of-service less often.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance general: 236,919 citations, 45.3% OOS rate. General maintenance violations are nearly as frequent and have a higher OOS rate, suggesting they affect braking or steering.
- 393.78 — Windshield condition defective: 157,894 citations, 0.3% OOS rate. A cracked or dirty windshield is cited far more often but almost never results in out-of-service.
The 89.3% OOS rate for 393.62(c) reflects that inspectors view non-functioning wipers as an immediate safety hazard that cannot be ignored. You cannot safely operate a commercial vehicle in rain or snow without wipers.
How to avoid it
Wiper maintenance is one of the cheapest and easiest preventive steps you can take:
- Check both wipers during every pre-trip inspection. Activate them and listen for a steady swipe sound. If they chatter, skip, or move slowly, replace the blades immediately.
- Replace wiper blades every 6–12 months or as soon as they show wear. Don't wait for an inspector to catch them.
- Inspect the wiper arms for cracks or bends. A bent arm won't press the blade evenly against the windshield and may fail during heavy rain.
- Test wipers on a wet windshield during your pre-trip. Dry windshield testing can mask a failing motor or transmission; wet testing reveals whether they actually clear moisture.
- Carry spare wiper blades and a basic replacement tool in your cab. If a blade fails between service stops, you can swap it yourself rather than risk an inspection.
- Check wiper fluid level. An empty reservoir won't help visibility, and you may be tempted to drive without clearing the windshield.
- If you drive a Ford, give wipers extra attention in pre-trip—this make appears most frequently in our citation data.
Because the OOS rate is so high, a wiper citation often means immediate removal from service. The cost of a replacement blade set (typically $20–$50) is negligible compared to downtime, tow fees, or a failed safety audit.