FMCSR 393.65(f) — Flat or Leaking Tires: Driver Q&A

No. Our inspection records show that 393.65(f) is not an out-of-service eligible violation, meaning an inspector cannot immediately take your truck off the road for this citation alone. However, across all 1,015 citations for flat or audibly leaking tires in our database, only 5 resulted in an out-of-service order (0.5% OOS rate). This is substantially lower than the 31.4% average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes, making this one of the least severe tire citations you can receive.

This violation carries a severity weight of 8 CSA points. The actual number of points added to your record depends on your carrier's 30-day moving window: if you receive multiple violations in the same 30-day period, points accumulate. A single 393.65(f) citation contributes 8 points to your Roadworthiness BASIC in the FMCSA's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) system. Track your CSA scores regularly through your carrier or the SafetyNet portal.

Take these immediate steps:

1. Do not operate the vehicle with the flat or leaking tire until it is repaired or replaced.
2. Document the repair with a receipt and timestamp—keep this for your carrier and regulator records.
3. Notify your fleet safety manager of the citation and corrective action taken.
4. Request inspection records from the roadside inspection to confirm the violation details for any potential DataQs contest.
5. Review tire maintenance procedures with your carrier to prevent repeat citations.

Since this is not an OOS-eligible violation, you can typically make the repair and continue once the tire is serviceable.

393.65(f) ranks as the least cited and least severe tire violation in our data. Across vehicle maintenance codes, 393.9(a) (inoperable required lamps) has 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate, and 396.3(a)(1) (inspection/repair/maintenance general) has 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate. By comparison, 393.65(f) has only 1,015 all-time citations and a 0.5% OOS rate. This code is ranked #713 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, reflecting its lower enforcement frequency and risk profile.

Yes, you can contest this citation through the FMCSA's DataQs (Disagree with our Data) process. Tire conditions are equipment-based findings, meaning the inspector physically observed the flat or audible leak. To succeed, you would need to demonstrate either: (1) the tire was repaired before the inspection was recorded, or (2) the inspector's observation was inaccurate. Gather repair documentation, photos, and witness statements. DataQs requests must be submitted within a set timeframe—contact your carrier's safety department or FMCSA for the current deadline and process.

Enforcement of 393.65(f) is currently inactive. Our inspection database shows zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days, though 1,015 citations were recorded historically. This suggests either a shift in inspection priorities, a decline in roadside checks for this specific condition, or that the violation is now being cited under different codes. Fleet managers should still maintain tire pressure and condition as part of routine pre-trip inspections, as any flat or leaking tire remains an unsafe condition.

Our data identifies these carriers with the highest 393.65(f) citation counts:

• Quality Tank SA de CV (USDOT 2864600): 18 citations
• Oscar Guillermo Juraidini Silva (USDOT 2511762): 17 citations
• Petrolificos de Monterrey SA de CV (USDOT 3910464): 16 citations

These carriers operate primarily in cross-border or hazmat transport sectors where tire maintenance demands are high. If you work for or manage one of these carriers, prioritize tire inspections and pressure checks as part of your vehicle maintenance compliance program.

Across our 13 million+ inspection records, Freightliner tractors account for 129 citations for flat or audibly leaking tires—the highest of any make. Kenworth (30 + 63 KW variants = 93 combined), Peterbilt/FRHT variants, and unclassified tractors (OTHR, 83 citations) follow. These patterns reflect the prevalence of these models in heavy-haul and long-distance operations where tire stress and mileage are highest. Drivers operating these vehicles should perform extended tire pressure and tread inspections, especially on extended runs.