What 399.207(b) means in plain language
399.207(b) addresses requirements related to commercial vehicle operation and compliance standards. While this code appears in FMCSR Title 49, Part 399, it carries specific operational or documentation expectations that inspectors look for during roadside checks.
If you've been cited for 399.207(b), an officer determined that your vehicle, documents, or operational setup did not meet the standard outlined in this regulation. The citation itself is not automatically a serious violation—enforcement data shows this code almost never results in a vehicle being placed out of service on the spot.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 399.207(b) has generated 52 all-time citations, ranking it #1617 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. In the last 12 months, we've recorded 0 citations for this code, and 0 in the last 90 days.
The out-of-service rate for 399.207(b) is 0.0%—none of the 52 citations resulted in the vehicle being removed from service. This stands in sharp contrast to the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate of 31.4%, meaning 399.207(b) violations are treated as minor infractions that don't trigger immediate roadside removal.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records do not show geographic concentration for this code. The extremely low citation volume across our 13 million records suggests 399.207(b) is cited sporadically and does not cluster by state or region in a meaningful way.
Among carriers, Graham Hauling Inc (USDOT 891799) appears twice in our all-time data, while nine other carriers have one citation each. This distribution reflects the rarity of the violation rather than a pattern of repeated non-compliance within any single fleet.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the peer code family, 399.207(b) sits at the lower end of enforcement activity and severity. For comparison:
- 376.11(d)(1) has accumulated 6,383 citations with a 0.0% out-of-service rate—a far more frequently cited code in the same regulatory space.
- 107.620(b) shows 2,120 citations with a 0.2% out-of-service rate, also much more common.
- 999 (a catch-all code) has 4,802 citations with a 12.1% out-of-service rate, indicating more serious outcomes.
The data confirms that 399.207(b) is one of the least-enforced codes in its category and poses minimal roadside risk of vehicle removal.
How to avoid it
Because 399.207(b) citations are so rare in our database, pinpointing a single root cause is difficult. However, enforcement focus on operational and regulatory compliance suggests these preventive steps:
- Review your vehicle registration and USDOT documentation before each shift. Ensure all papers are current, legible, and accessible in the cab.
- Verify compliance with current FMCSR Part 399 requirements applicable to your carrier type. This code often relates to operational standards, so confirm your carrier's safety protocols align with federal rules.
- Conduct a full pre-trip inspection of your rig. Our data shows the most-cited vehicle makes in this category are Freightliner (26 citations), Volvo (8 citations), and Wabash trailers (7 citations). If you operate one of these, pay extra attention to braking systems, lighting, and structural integrity.
- Maintain clear communication with your dispatcher about any equipment issues or documentation gaps. Roadside officers often cite documentation or communication failures, not mechanical catastrophes.
- Keep records of all maintenance and repairs in your logbook or digital system. Inspectors may cross-reference maintenance history with compliance codes.
Given the 0% out-of-service rate across all 52 citations, this violation is unlikely to strand you at the roadside. However, citations still go on your Motor Carrier Safety Assessment (MCSA) record and can affect your company's Safety Fitness Determination. Address the specific concern the officer noted, request clarification from your carrier's safety manager if needed, and follow the citation resolution process.