Direct answers on 393.88 citations, OOS rates, and what to do next. Based on 13M+ roadside inspections.
Ranks #602 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.1% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Television/video display device - Improperly located
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 393.88 citations result in an out-of-service placement only 0.1% of the time—just 1 OOS out of 1,550 total citations. For context, the national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes is 31.4%, so this violation is far less likely to sideline your truck. Most drivers receive a citation and can continue operating.
No, 393.88 is among the least severe in its category. Our data shows it has a 0.1% OOS rate, while peer violations like Inoperable Required Lamps (393.9) generate a 6.9% OOS rate, and general Inspection/Repair/Maintenance violations (396.3(a)(1)) hit 45.3%. By volume, 393.88 ranks #595 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes nationally, meaning inspectors cite it far less frequently than lighting and brake issues.
First, verify the video/display device location or mounting on your truck. Our inspection data shows 393.88 often co-occurs with fatigued driving violations (16 shared inspections in the last 90 days), so review your logbook and rest practices. Second, check other vehicle systems: we see it paired with windshield defects and tire pressure issues. Schedule an inspection to confirm all systems comply, then document the repair or correction for your records.
Over the last 180 days, 393.88 citations concentrate in three states: Texas leads with 68 citations, California has 53, and Pennsylvania has 39. These three account for a significant portion of all 393.88 citations. If you operate in these corridors, your risk of inspection on this code is higher. All top states show a 0% OOS rate for this violation.
Our monthly trend shows enforcement has been steady between 45–70 citations monthly from May 2025 through February 2026, with a spike to 70 in December 2025. The most recent data (April 2026) dropped to 5 citations, though this may reflect incomplete month-end reporting. Overall, across the last 12 months, inspectors have issued 629 citations for this code—suggesting consistent baseline enforcement rather than a sharp climb or decline.
Western Express Inc (USDOT 511412) tops the all-time list with 10 citations for 393.88. New Prime Inc, Swift Transportation Co of Arizona, and US Xpress each have 7 citations. These larger carriers' higher citation counts likely reflect higher inspection volume rather than worse compliance. No single carrier dominates this violation, and no carrier shows an OOS rate that stands out as abnormal.
Yes. The DataQs (Roadside Enforcement Records) challenge process allows you to contest inspection findings on your CSA record. For 393.88, focus on documentary evidence: photos or maintenance logs showing the device is properly located, witness statements, or service records from inspection dates. If the inspector's notes are vague or the finding factually incorrect, you have grounds to file. Submit your challenge within the DataQs timeline to have FMCSA review the citation.
Freightliner trucks account for 316 of all 393.88 citations in our database, followed by Freightliner (144 citations), Utility trailers (131), and Volvo (112). Peterbilt, Kenworth, and other Class 8 tractors round out the top makes. This distribution tracks overall roadside inspection volume—heavy-duty tractors and trailers are inspected far more frequently than lighter vehicles, so they accumulate more citations in absolute terms.
Where 393.88 is most commonly cited (last 180 days)
Other violations commonly found on the same inspection (last 90 days)
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.