Direct answers on fifth wheel defects, out-of-service rules, CSA points, and repair timelines based on 13M+ inspection records.
Ranks #2,813 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 100.0% is above the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Coupling - Lower saddlemount has movement of more than 1/4 inch.
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
Yes—this violation has a 100% out-of-service rate across our inspection records. Of the 1 citation for fifth wheel defects in our database, 1 resulted in an OOS placement. This is significantly higher than the 31.4% average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes, meaning inspectors treat fifth wheel assembly defects as critical safety failures that prevent operation.
This violation carries an 8-point CSA severity weight. The violation generates points in the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC category. In FMCSA scoring, violations accumulate within a rolling 12-month window; your actual CSA point total depends on other violations in your history and when they were cited. Request your motor carrier safety profile from FMCSA to see the full picture of your current standing.
First 24 hours: Do not operate the vehicle. Request the inspection report details and citation language from the inspector or your motor carrier. Next steps: Have a certified mechanic inspect the fifth wheel assembly for excessive wear, cracks, or improper locking mechanisms. Document all repairs with photos and receipts. Then: File a request for re-inspection once repairs are complete to clear the out-of-service status. Keep records for DataQs contestation if you dispute the finding.
Yes. Fifth wheel defects are more serious than most peer codes in the same category. Our data shows similar violations like inoperable required lamps (393.9) have a 6.9% OOS rate, and lighting device defects (393.11) have only 1.8%. The 100% OOS rate for fifth wheel defects places them among the most critical vehicle failures inspectors encounter—comparable in enforcement gravity to structural brake failures.
Yes, you can file a DataQs record dispute through FMCSA's online portal. Contestation works best when you have documentation: repair receipts showing the defect was corrected, photos of the fifth wheel assembly in proper condition, or evidence the inspection was conducted incorrectly. Submit your dispute within the DataQs window (typically 120 days from the inspection). If you dispute the inspector's judgment, include a certified mechanic's statement supporting your position.
This violation is rare in the enforcement landscape. Across our database of 13 million+ inspections, we have recorded 1 citation for fifth wheel defects in the last 12 months and 1 all-time. This ranks 393.71K-CDLSM at #2796 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. The single citation occurred in April 2025 and resulted in an out-of-service placement, underscoring how seriously this defect is treated when detected.
Extremely urgent—your truck is out of service immediately. Fifth wheel assembly defects directly compromise coupling integrity and trailer stability; operating a vehicle with this defect poses catastrophic rollover or jackknife risk. Repair or replacement must be completed and re-inspected before the vehicle can return to service. Do not attempt workarounds; federal safety standards require full compliance. Given the 100% OOS rate in our data, enforcement is strict.
This violation is recorded against your motor carrier's profile, not your personal driver record. It affects the carrier's Vehicle Maintenance BASIC score within the CSA program. However, the citation will appear on roadside inspection reports tied to the vehicle and driver present at the stop. For CSA purposes, the violation impacts carrier safety compliance metrics and may trigger increased audit scrutiny if patterns emerge.
TruckCodex aggregates official public-sector datasets. See the Source registry for dataset-level coverage and the Freshness log for last-import timestamps.
Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.
Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
TruckCodex is an independent aggregator; it is not affiliated with FMCSA, NHTSA, EIA, or Transport Canada. Always verify compliance-critical information directly with the originating agency.