FMCSR 393.90: Standee Line or Bar — Driver Q&A

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, code 393.90 has a 0.6% out-of-service rate—placing only 1 vehicle out of service in all-time data. This is far below the 31.4% average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes, making 393.90 one of the least likely citations to result in an immediate roadside shutdown. You'll almost certainly be allowed to continue operating while you address the defect.

No, 393.90 is low-severity in the vehicle maintenance category. Our data shows peer violations like inoperative required lamps (393.9) carry a 6.9% OOS rate and inspection/maintenance defects (396.3) reach 45.3%—both substantially higher. The 0.6% OOS rate for 393.90 ranks it among the least enforced defects, with only 154 all-time citations nationally. Inspectors rarely cite it, and when they do, immediate compliance is rarely forced.

First, document the defect with photos and get a repair quote. Second, review your inspection report for co-occurring violations—our data shows 393.90 frequently appears alongside driver fatigue (392.2), windshield wiper failures (393.62), and inoperable lamps (393.9A). If any of those codes are also on your citation, address those immediately as they carry higher OOS risk. Third, schedule repair within 30 days and keep proof of compliance. Fourth, report the citation to your carrier's safety department.

The severity weighting for this code is not available in our enforcement database. However, FMCSA applies the 30-day cycle multiplier to all vehicle maintenance violations—meaning multiple citations within 30 days compound your CSA severity. If you received 393.90 alongside other violations in the same inspection window, your total point impact will be higher. Contact your carrier's safety manager or the FMCSA's CSA website to verify your exact point total.

In the last 180 days, our inspection records show 393.90 citations concentrated in three states: Puerto Rico leads with 9 citations, Georgia with 5 citations, and California, Florida, Iowa, and Kansas each with 1 citation. This makes 393.90 extremely rare outside of PR and GA. If you operate in those regions, ensure your bus meets standee line specifications during pre-trip inspections.

Citations are highly variable month-to-month. Our 12-month trend shows peaks in June 2025 (6 citations), September 2025 (7 citations), February 2026 (7 citations), and March 2026 (6 citations), with drops as low as 1 citation in July, August, November, and December. The 46 citations in the last 12 months represent a slight increase from historical rates, but overall enforcement remains very low. This suggests sporadic state or region-specific enforcement cycles rather than a sustained national crackdown.

Yes. DataQs (FMCSA's Record Dispute Resolution process) allows drivers and carriers to challenge any roadside inspection record, including 393.90. Since this violation is equipment-based rather than purely documentary, contestability depends on whether the inspector's measurement or observation was accurate. If the standee line or bar was actually present and compliant, or if the citation was issued in error, file your dispute through the FMCSA DataQs portal within 30 days. Include photos, repair receipts, or documentation of compliance.

Our all-time data shows Ford vehicles account for 39 of 154 citations (25%), followed by Chevrolet with 8 citations and Motor Coach, International, and Van Hool each with 5–6 citations. If you operate a Ford-branded bus or coach, pay extra attention to standee line and bar installation and maintenance during pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Ensure the line is visible, secure, and positioned per FMCSA specifications.