What 393.87A-FPLR means in plain language
When cargo, equipment, or materials extend beyond the rear or sides of your truck bed, they must be marked with warning flags so other drivers can see them. The regulation requires these flags to be visible and properly positioned on any load that projects beyond the vehicle's outline.
This isn't optional or a minor visibility issue. Projecting loads that lack warning flags create a hazard for other motorists, especially in low-light conditions or heavy traffic. Inspectors check for the presence and condition of these flags during roadside stops, and if they're missing or inadequate, you'll be cited.
The requirement applies whether you're hauling building materials, scrap metal, machinery, or any other cargo that extends past your truck's dimensions. If it sticks out, it needs to be flagged.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million inspection records, we've documented 1,441 all-time citations for 393.87A-FPLR, with 936 citations issued in the last 12 months and 184 in the last 90 days. This code ranks #623 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
The enforcement pattern is unusually strict on this violation. Our data shows a 97.6% out-of-service rate for this code—meaning inspectors took trucks out of service in 1,407 of 1,441 citations. For comparison, the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate is 31.4%. This code is nearly three times more likely to result in an out-of-service order than a typical FMCSR violation.
Monthly citation trends over the last 12 months show peaks in May 2025 (92 citations, 88 OOS) and September 2025 (102 citations, 100 OOS). These surges suggest seasonal enforcement or possible targeted inspection periods by state agencies.
Who gets cited most
In the last 180 days, California leads with 48 citations, followed by South Carolina with 34 citations, and Missouri with 31 citations. The geographic concentration is notable: California's out-of-service rate was 93.8%, while South Carolina and Missouri both hit 100%. This variation suggests different enforcement philosophies or inspection intensity across regions.
Our data shows that carriers such as Jordan Carriers Inc. (USDOT 494832) have accumulated 9 citations for this code over time. While no single fleet dominates the violation list, the presence of repeat citations indicates this is not an isolated occurrence for some operations.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
In the vehicle maintenance category, 393.87A-FPLR stands apart for its out-of-service enforcement rate. Comparison peer codes show:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps: 660,737 all-time citations but only a 15.4% OOS rate. Despite much higher citation volume, lamps are taken out of service far less frequently.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance (general): 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate, roughly half the out-of-service frequency of 393.87A-FPLR.
- 393.78 — Windshield condition defective: 157,894 citations with just a 0.3% OOS rate, indicating windshield issues are almost never grounds for removal.
The data indicates that missing load flags are treated with severity comparable to brake or structural safety failures, not minor cosmetic defects. Inspectors view this as a genuine road hazard.
How to avoid it
Before you load:
- Measure your load dimensions carefully. If anything extends beyond your truck's rear bumper or side rails, plan to flag it.
- Carry spare warning flags on every trip. Our inspection records show this violation appears in multiple seasonal peaks, suggesting some drivers underestimate when flagging is needed.
- Check that your flags are bright red or fluorescent orange and securely attached. Flags must be visible in daylight and visible in low-light conditions.
During your pre-trip inspection:
- Walk the full perimeter of your loaded truck and confirm that projecting cargo is flagged on all sides.
- If you're transporting vehicles, machinery, or materials from carriers with prior citations (such as those in auto-haul or metals transport), pay extra attention—these loads frequently extend beyond the bed.
- Verify flag attachment points are solid. A flag that flies off during transit won't protect you if you're pulled over later.
On the road:
- Avoid last-minute load additions or shifts that might change the load's footprint. If cargo moves during transit, your flags may no longer be properly positioned.
- In high-traffic states like California, South Carolina, and Missouri, expect stricter inspections. These regions show 93–100% out-of-service rates for this violation, so compliance is non-negotiable.
Our co-occurring violation data shows that this citation frequently appears alongside inspection and driver-condition codes, suggesting that trucks cited for missing load flags often have other maintenance or documentation gaps. A solid pre-trip routine that includes load verification will help you avoid compounding violations.