FMCSR violations for operating without a valid CDL, missing medical certificates, lacking endorsements, or failing physical qualifications.
FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS)
The Driver Fitness BASIC evaluates whether drivers are properly licensed, medically qualified, and adequately trained. Violations include operating a CMV without a valid CDL, missing or expired medical certificates, lacking required endorsements (such as HazMat or passenger), and failing to meet physical qualification standards. This BASIC also covers violations related to driver training requirements and record-keeping for driver qualification files. Carriers are responsible for ensuring all their drivers meet FMCSA fitness requirements before operating commercial motor vehicles.
119 codes in this BASIC category • Page 1 of 3
| Rank | Code | Description | OOS | Times Cited ▼ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 383.23(a)(2) | CDL - wrong class | OOS | 50,385 |
| #2 | 391.41APC | Medical (Certificate) - Operating a property-carrying vehicle without a valid medical certificate in possession or on file with the state drivers licensing agency | — | 49,539 |
| #3 |
| License (CDL) - Operate a CMV and does not possess a valid CDL |
| — |
| 47,123 |
| #4 | 391.41(a) | Physical qualification - general | OOS | 42,270 |
| #5 | 391.11B2-Z | Border Zone - Driver cannot satisfy the English language proficiency requirements of 391.11(b)(2) as per FMCSA Enforcement Guidance Memo MC-SEE-2025-0001. | — | 42,240 |
| #6 | 391.41(a)(1) | 391.41(a)(1) | — | 35,686 |
| #7 | 391.41A-MCPC | Physical qualification - general | — | 30,779 |
| #8 | 391.11B2-Q | Driver cannot satisfy the English language proficiency requirements of 391.11(b)(2) as per FMCSA Enforcement Guidance Memo MC-SEE-2025-0001. Driver failed the I | — | 23,688 |
| #9 | 383.23A2 | Operating a CMV without a CDL | — | 21,829 |
| #10 | 391.11(b)(4) | No valid medical certificate | OOS | 11,706 |
| #11 | 391.41A | Physical qualification - general | — | 11,387 |
| #12 | 391.45(b) | Expired medical examiner's certificate | — | 9,698 |
| #13 | 391.11(b)(2) | CDL suspended/revoked | OOS | 8,078 |
| #14 | 383.51(a) | CDL disqualification - major offense | OOS | 7,710 |
| #15 | 391.41B10-MC | Medical (Certificate) - Operating a commercial vehicle without corrective lenses or hearing aid as indicated on the driver's medical certificate | — | 7,463 |
| #16 | 391.11(b)(5) | Not physically qualified | OOS | 7,431 |
| #17 | 391.11B5-LNCDLNVL | License - Operate a CMV without a valid operators license issued by one State or jurisdiction | — | 6,181 |
| #18 | 383.95A-LCDL | Restriction - (CDL) - Operate a CMV in violation of a restriction | — | 5,296 |
| #19 | 391.15(a) | Driving while disqualified | OOS | 5,115 |
| #20 | 383.71(h) | License (CDL) - CDL or CLP holder possesses a valid medical certificate but is not on file with the issuing state driver's licensing agency as required | — | 4,444 |
| #21 | 391.15A-LNCDLNSRW | Driving while disqualified | — | 4,199 |
| #22 | 383.51A-SIN | CDL disqualification - major offense | — | 4,130 |
| #23 | 391.11B4 | Medical (Certificate) - Operating a CDL (passenger or property carrying) vehicle that is non-excepted and the driver has self-certified as excepted interstate or | — | 4,026 |
| #24 | 391.11B5-LNCDLNVE | License - Endorsement - Operate a CMV without proper endorsement or in violation of restriction. NOTE: Other than a 391.41 violation. | — | 3,581 |
| #25 | 383.71H | License (CDL) - CDL or CLP holder possesses a valid medical certificate but is not on file with the issuing state driver's licensing agency as required | — | 3,332 |
| #26 | 383.23A2-LCDLNP | License (CDL) - Operate a CMV while not in possession of a CDL on person | — | 3,246 |
| #27 | 383.51A-LCDLRSWD | CDL disqualification - major offense | — | 2,597 |
| #28 | 391.41A-MCPVI | Physical qualification - general | — | 2,527 |
| #29 | 391.41A1-NPH | Operating a property-carrying vehicle without possessing a valid medical certificate - no previous history | — | 2,429 |
| #30 | 391.11B2-S | Driver must be able to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language | — | 2,375 |
| #31 | 383.91A-LCDL | No CDL endorsement | — | 2,271 |
| #32 | 383.91(a) | No CDL endorsement | OOS | 1,821 |
| #33 | 391.11B2 | Driver cannot read or speak the English language sufficiently to respond to official inquiries | — | 1,802 |
| #34 | 391.45B | Expired medical examiner's certificate | — | 1,782 |
| #35 | 391.45A-MCEM | No medical exam certificate | — | 1,596 |
| #36 | 383.95-LCDL | RESTRICTION - (CDL) - OPERATE A CMV IN VIOLATION OF A RESTRICTION. | — | 1,561 |
| #37 | 391.11B4-DEN | Driver operating a CMV without proper endorsements or in violation of restrictions | — | 1,442 |
| #38 | 391.41(a)-FPC | Physical qualification - general | — | 1,338 |
| #39 | 383.23A2-LCDL | Endorsements - (CDL) - Operate a CMV without proper endorsements on operators license | — | 1,331 |
| #40 | 383.51A-NSIN | CDL disqualification - major offense | — | 1,331 |
| #41 | 391.11(b)(1) | No valid CDL | OOS | 1,141 |
| #42 | 391.45B-MCEM | Driver who has not been medically examined and certified as qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle during the preceding 24 months | — | 1,139 |
| #43 | 383.51A-SOUT | CDL disqualification - major offense | — | 1,114 |
| #44 | 391.11B1-A | Age - Operate a CMV while not at least 21 years of age in interstate commerce | — | 1,012 |
| #45 | 391.11B5-DNL | Driver does not have a valid operator's license for the CMV being operated | — | 952 |
| #46 | 391.11A-QMC | Unqualified driver | — | 857 |
| #47 | 383.21 | Operating a CMV with more than 1 driver license | — | 811 |
| #48 | 383.51A-NSOUT | CDL disqualification - major offense | — | 803 |
| #49 | 383.71C-LCDL | 383.71C-LCDL | — | 756 |
| #50 | 383.25A1 | Learner's Permit (CLP) - Is not accompanied by the holder of a valid CDL that is fully authorized to operate the CMV. | — | 752 |