FMCSR 393.65F: Flat or Leaking Tires — Driver Q&A

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, only 3 out of 1,310 all-time 393.65F citations resulted in an out-of-service order—a 0.2% OOS rate. The vast majority of drivers cited for flat or audibly leaking tires are allowed to continue after the citation is issued. For comparison, the national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes is 31.4%, so 393.65F is significantly less likely to ground your truck.

This violation carries a CSA severity weight of 8. The exact points added to your record depend on the 30-day multiplier rule: if this is your first violation in that window, it counts as 8 points; subsequent violations within 30 days increase the multiplier. Your carrier and safety management system will track the running total. Check your roadside inspection report or carrier's CSA dashboard for the precise points applied to your profile.

First, locate and inspect all tires for flatness or air leaks—use a tire gauge and listen for audible hissing. Our data shows 393.65F frequently co-occurs with brake system issues (116 shared inspections with brake tubing defects in the last 90 days) and maintenance failures (121 shared inspections with general inspection/repair codes). Before returning to the road, check your brakes, exhaust system, and lighting. Document any repairs in writing and keep records for your carrier. Schedule a full pre-trip inspection.

393.65F is moderately serious but far less severe than related equipment violations. It ranks #649 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, with 1,310 all-time citations. Compare this to 393.9 (inoperable lamps, 180,097 citations, 6.9% OOS rate) or 393.78 (windshield defects, 157,894 citations, 0.3% OOS rate). While flat/leaking tires are cited regularly, they almost never trigger an out-of-service order, making them lower-severity findings than structural brake or lighting failures.

Yes, you can dispute the citation through the FMCSA's DataQs (Records and Data Query System) if you believe the inspector's findings were inaccurate or the defect was already being repaired. DataQs requires that you submit supporting evidence—photos, maintenance records, or mechanic documentation—within a specific timeframe after the inspection. Since tire conditions are observable (flat or audibly leaking), evidence-based disputes often succeed when you can demonstrate the tire was not in that condition at the time of inspection.

Texas dominates 393.65F citations by a wide margin. Our inspection records show Texas accounted for 676 citations in the last 180 days—the only state ranked in our top citations list for this code. This volume likely reflects Texas's heavy commercial traffic and border-zone crossing activity. If you operate in Texas, prioritize tire maintenance and pre-trip inspections as part of your routine roadside inspection prevention plan.

Repair urgently but not panic-level. While only 0.2% of 393.65F citations result in out-of-service orders, a flat or audibly leaking tire can fail completely and strand you or pose a safety risk. Our data shows 393.65F citations have risen sharply: 21 citations in April 2025, climbing to 160 by February 2026. This upward trend suggests inspectors are citing tire defects more frequently. Address any flat or leaking tire before your next road trip to avoid repeat citations and potential accidents.

Both. Under FMCSA CSA rules, safety violations appear in two categories: your driver record and your carrier's record. A 393.65F citation on your roadside inspection will be reported to the Crash Indicator and Unsafe Driving BASICs in your driver profile and your carrier's account. If you drive for a fleet, the violation may contribute to the carrier's Vehicle Maintenance BASIC score, which affects their safety rating and insurance costs. Work with your fleet safety manager to review and resolve the citation promptly.