FMCSR 393.67C7 — Tire Defects Q&A for Drivers

No, but it's a close call. Across our 13 million inspection records, 393.67C7 citations resulted in an out-of-service order only 8.8% of the time. That's well below the 31.4% national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes—meaning inspectors typically give you a chance to repair before pulling you off the road. However, in North Carolina and Illinois the OOS rate jumped to 46.2% and 40.0% respectively, so geography matters. Have your tires inspected immediately and document any repairs.

A single 393.67C7 citation carries a severity weight of 6 points. Under the CSA 30-day multiplier system, citations issued within 30 days of each other compound in their impact on your carrier's BASIC scores. One citation alone won't trigger an alert, but if you or your fleet rack up multiple tire or vehicle maintenance citations in a short window, the cumulative weight climbs fast. Track your citation date and monitor your carrier's CSA profile over the next month.

Take these steps immediately:

1. Inspect all tires for fabric exposure, cuts, bulges, or bumps—don't wait for a second citation.
2. Check related systems: our data shows 393.67C7 frequently appears with lighting defects (393.9 in 64 shared inspections), steering wear (393.53B), and brake issues (393.47E). Request a full pre-trip inspection.
3. Document repairs with dates, mechanic name, and invoice.
4. Report completion to the inspection agency if required by your state.
5. Review tire maintenance logs with your carrier's safety team to prevent repeat citations.

It's moderate in seriousness. Our database shows 393.67C7 with 1,188 all-time citations ranks #672 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes—not a high-volume citation, but steady. Its 8.8% OOS rate is significantly lower than general inspection/maintenance codes like 396.3(a)(1) at 45.3% OOS. However, it's closer to lighting defects (393.9 at 6.9% OOS). The real risk isn't the citation itself but the cascade: tire defects often co-occur with brake, lighting, and steering issues that do result in immediate out-of-service orders.

Yes, you can challenge it through the FMCSA's DataQs (Clearinghouse for Safety Equity and Accountability) process. Because 393.67C7 is a visual, equipment-based inspection finding—not a documentary requirement—your challenge must argue one of three things: the inspector misidentified the defect, the vehicle didn't actually meet the violation threshold, or the inspection procedure wasn't followed. You'll need photos, maintenance records, or inspection reports from a certified mechanic. Submit your challenge within your state's deadline (typically 60–90 days from citation issuance).

Over the last 180 days, Texas dominates with 282 citations—more than seven times the next state. New Mexico follows with 39, and Iowa with 26. Texas also has the lowest OOS conversion rate at 3.5%, whereas Iowa jumped to 11.5% and North Carolina to 46.2%. If you run through Texas frequently, expect higher citation frequency but more leniency on the enforcement end. If you're in the Midwest or Southeast, inspectors are more likely to pull you out of service on the spot.

Very urgent. Our 12-month trend shows steady enforcement: citations ranged from 57 to 85 per month between May 2025 and March 2026, with 742 citations in the last year and 181 in the last 90 days. This isn't a declining violation. Repair within 7–10 days if possible. The longer you drive on defective tires, the higher your risk of a second citation—or worse, an accident that could void your insurance and trigger federal investigation. Out-of-service rates have climbed in recent months (8 OOS in January 2026, 8 again in March), signaling stricter enforcement.

Both. Under FMCSA's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, the citation is recorded against your carrier's safety profile first—it affects their Safety event BASIC and insurance costs. However, you as the driver are also accountable: repeat citations on your record make you a liability to future employers and damage your hiring prospects. If you're leased, the violation typically falls to the carrier under whose authority the vehicle was operated. Always clarify responsibility with your carrier, and document your role in repairs to protect your driving record.