What 393.62C means in plain language
FMCSR 393.62C requires that windshield wipers on your commercial motor vehicle are in working order. If an inspector finds that your wipers are missing, broken, or won't operate, you'll be cited for this violation.
This is a straightforward safety requirement: functional wipers keep your windshield clear during rain, snow, or spray from other vehicles. An inspector will typically check this during a walk-around inspection by testing the wipers or visually confirming they're present and undamaged. It's one of the most basic pre-trip items you should verify before leaving the lot.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our database of 13 million+ inspections, this code ranks #1763 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. Over the all-time period, we've recorded 33 citations for 393.62C. In the last 12 months, that figure was 16 citations, with 7 citations in the last 90 days.
Here's what makes this code distinct: our inspection records show an 81.8% out-of-service rate across all 33 citations—meaning 27 of those citations resulted in the vehicle being placed out of service. That's far above the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate of 31.4%. However, it's important to note that 393.62C itself is not OOS-eligible under the regulations; the high OOS rate reflects inspectors placing vehicles out of service due to the combination of this violation with other defects found during the same inspection.
The monthly trend shows variability. In the last 12 months, we saw peaks in March 2026 (7 citations), with lighter enforcement in other months. This suggests seasonal patterns—possibly related to winter weather when wipers are most critical.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that Texas leads in citation frequency, with 9 citations in the last 180 days and a 55.6% out-of-service rate. Illinois follows with 2 citations, both resulting in out-of-service orders (100.0% OOS rate). The variation in OOS rates between Texas and Illinois reflects the mix of other defects found alongside the wiper violation, not differences in enforcement policy.
Among carriers in our database, Student Transportation of America Inc (USDOT 2356208) has accumulated 4 citations for this code over the all-time period. Several other carriers—Roadrunner Charters Inc, My Bus Line Inc, Lily Charter Bus Limited, and All About You Limos LLC—each show 2 citations. These are transportation and charter operations where vehicle appearance and maintenance visibility may drive more frequent inspections.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
In the vehicle maintenance category, 393.62C sits well below the enforcement volume of related codes. For comparison:
- 393.9 (Inoperable Required Lamp) has 180,097 citations with a 6.9% OOS rate—far more common but less likely to trigger out-of-service.
- 393.78 (Windshield condition defective) has 157,894 citations with only a 0.3% OOS rate—also vastly more frequent but rarely OOS by itself.
- 396.3(a)(1) (Inspection/repair/maintenance—general) has 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate, indicating that general maintenance failures more often co-occur with other serious defects.
The 81.8% OOS rate for 393.62C is unusual precisely because it's rare; when it appears, it's usually alongside multiple other violations that collectively warrant removing the vehicle from service.
How to avoid it
Preventing a 393.62C citation requires attention to your pre-trip inspection and ongoing maintenance practices:
-
Test your wipers every morning before departure. Activate them in all modes (low, high, intermittent if equipped) and verify they move smoothly across the windshield without streaking, skipping, or chattering. If they're sluggish or leave dry spots, they're due for replacement.
-
Replace wiper blades seasonally or when performance drops. Spring and fall are ideal times; winter driving especially demands fresh blades. Most commercial fleets carry spare blade sets in their maintenance inventory.
-
Inspect your wiper arms for damage or bending. A bent arm won't apply even pressure, and inspectors will flag it. Check that both passenger and driver arms move freely and sit flush against the windshield when not in use.
-
Keep your windshield clear of ice, snow, and debris before operation. This isn't strictly about wiper function, but our data shows 393.60C (glazing/window obstructions) co-occurs with 393.62C violations in the same inspections—suggesting that windshield and wiper issues often get cited together.
-
Address related brake and steering checks. Our inspection records show that 393.62C frequently co-occurs with 393.47E (slack adjuster defective) and 393.53B (steering system components worn). This isn't a causal link; it reflects that trucks cited for missing maintenance in one area often have neglected maintenance elsewhere. A thorough pre-trip catches all of it.
-
Pay special attention if you operate a Volvo. In our database, Volvo tractors and buses account for 8 of the 33 all-time citations for this code, suggesting either higher inspection frequency or a particular maintenance issue in that fleet segment. If you drive a Volvo, wiper condition should be a priority check item.
The bottom line: windshield wipers are inexpensive, easy to test, and mandatory. A five-minute pre-trip check prevents a citation that not only creates a compliance record but frequently triggers out-of-service status due to co-occurring defects.