FMCSR 393.62D: Inoperative Windshield Wipers—Driver Q&A

No—your truck will almost certainly not be placed out of service for this violation. Across our inspection database, 393.62D resulted in an out-of-service placement in only 9.1% of cases (1 out of 11 all-time citations). This is significantly below the national average OOS rate of 31.4% for all FMCSR codes. Most inspectors will cite you and require repair within a set timeframe rather than sideline your vehicle immediately.

393.62D carries a CSA severity weight of 4 points per citation. The points you receive depend on when the citation was issued. If cited in the last 30 days, you'll receive the full 4 points. Points accumulate over a rolling 24-month window, so a second citation within that window would add another 4. Check your FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record to see your current Vehicle Maintenance BASIC score.

First, do not defer the repair. Get your windshield wipers replaced or repaired right away—this is a safety-critical component and inspectors check for this frequently. Document the repair with an invoice showing the date and work completed. If you were cited alongside other defects (such as cab front bumper issues, which we see co-occur in our records), address those simultaneously. Request a new inspection to clear the violation once repair is complete.

No—393.62D is relatively minor in enforcement frequency and severity. Our records show only 11 all-time citations nationally, ranking this code #2167 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes. By contrast, similar lighting and visibility violations like 393.9 (inoperable required lamps) have generated 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate, and 393.78 (windshield condition defective) has 157,894 citations. Wiper maintenance is less heavily enforced than these peer violations, but still critical for safety.

Yes, you can contest this citation through the FMCSA DataQs system if you believe the citation is factually inaccurate or the inspection was improper. Since 393.62D involves a straightforward equipment inspection (wipers either work or they don't), contestation typically hinges on documenting that wipers were operational at the time of inspection or that the inspector's determination was in error. File your DataQs request within 90 days of the citation, with supporting evidence (repair records, photos, or witness statements).

Over the last 180 days, our inspection records show 393.62D citations in Kentucky (1 citation) and Texas (1 citation). The enforcement volume is too low to identify strong regional hotspots. Neither state resulted in an out-of-service placement. Most citations are scattered across a diverse range of carriers, suggesting enforcement is inconsistent rather than concentrated geographically.

Repair urgently—same day if possible. Although only 7 citations occurred in the last 12 months (very low overall), wipers are a safety system and roadside inspectors will flag non-compliance on follow-up inspections. Additionally, 1 citation in the last 90 days was placed out of service, so there is some inspector discretion. Getting wipers operational and documented removes this violation from your record and keeps you compliant with basic vehicle maintenance standards.

This citation affects both driver and carrier CSA records. The violation is logged against the carrier's Vehicle Maintenance BASIC, which impacts the company's safety rating. However, if you are an independent owner-operator, the citation follows your FMCSA PSP record and influences your own carrier rating. Either way, the violation remains on record for 24 months and accumulates points during that period. Ensure your carrier documents the repair in fleet maintenance records to prevent repeat citations.