FMCSR 397.11A Citation: What Drivers Need to Know

No. Across our inspection records, 397.11A has never resulted in an out-of-service order—the OOS rate is 0.0%. Out of 1 citation on record, the vehicle remained in-service. This is significantly more lenient than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, making this among the safest citations you can receive from an enforcement standpoint.

397.11A is far less severe than most hazmat-related citations. In the same hazardous materials category, peer codes show dramatically higher out-of-service rates: loading/unloading violations (177.834A-HMC) hit 99.2% OOS, placarding violations (177.817(a)) reach 75.1%, and movement of damaged packages (177.823(a)) sits at 51.8%. At 0.0% OOS, 397.11A represents minimal enforcement action in the hazmat space.

First, review the citation document for the exact violation details. Based on our inspection data, 397.11A frequently co-occurs with equipment violations—specifically inoperable lamps (393.9) and missing inspection documentation (396.17C). Check that all required lights function and your periodic inspection records are current and accessible. Document your corrections and keep photos. If you believe the citation is inaccurate, you can file a DataQs (Docket #FMCSA-2016-0055) challenge within 90 days; provide clear evidence of compliance at the time of inspection.

No, 397.11A is quite rare. It ranks #2796 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. Our database shows only 1 citation in the last 12 months, and 1 total in the last 90 days. This low frequency means you're unlikely to encounter it, and enforcement focus remains on higher-volume hazmat violations like general loading/unloading breaches.

Texas accounts for the primary citation volume in our records: 1 citation, resulting in 0 out-of-service orders (0.0% OOS rate). With only 1 citation recorded in the last 180 days, this violation is extremely uncommon geographically and shows no pattern concentration.

You can file a DataQs (Docket #FMCSA-2016-0055) challenge within 90 days of the citation. Provide documentation that proves you were in compliance at the time of inspection—inspection records, equipment maintenance logs, or photographs are strong evidence. Since 397.11A is a hazmat compliance code, your strongest argument will be documentary proof that required conditions were met. FMCSA will review your submission and may dismiss or uphold the citation based on the evidence.

CSA point values are assigned by FMCSA and vary based on severity weight and the 30-day multiplier rule (citations issued within 30 days of a previous conviction receive additional points). Your specific point impact depends on whether you have prior violations within that window. Check your FMCSA CSA profile or request your record from your carrier's safety department to see the exact point total assigned to your citation.

FMCSA CSA violations impact both driver and carrier records. Your citation will appear in your driver BASIC profile (affecting your hire ability) and in your carrier's BASIC profile (affecting their compliance rating). Even a single violation contributes to both records, though the impact is minimal given the 0.0% out-of-service rate and the rarity of this code across 13 million inspections.