The 10 Most Common FMCSA Driver Violations During the 2023 Fiscal Year

Roadside inspections by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) involve thorough examinations of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and/or drivers, carried out by inspectors from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP). These inspections aim to ensure that CMVs and drivers adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Hazardous Materials Regulations.

If an inspection results in a serious violation, the driver is issued an out-of-service (OOS) order. These violations must be corrected before the driver or vehicle can return to service. The FMCSA keeps a close eye on the most common violations committed by CMV drivers. This data can be used to help CMV drivers stay safe and keep businesses in compliance with the rules of the road. Here are the 10 most common OOS orders issued for driver violations during the 2023 fiscal year.

Common FMCSA Driver Violations In 2023

1. Operating a CMV Without a CDL (53,317 OOS Orders)
2. ELD – No Record of Duty Status (ELD Required) (33,603 OOS Orders)
3. False Report of Driver’s Record of Duty Status (30,772 OOS Orders)
4. No Record of Duty Status When One Is Required (ELD Not Required) (13,075 OOS Orders)
5. Driver Does Not Have a Valid Operator’s License for the CMV Being Operated (8,569 OOS Orders)
6. Driver Failing to Retain Previous 7 Days Records of Duty Status (8,298 OOS Orders)
7. Operating a Property-Carrying Vehicle Without Possessing a Valid Medical Certificate (6,259 OOS Orders)
8. Driver Operating a CMV Without Proper Endorsements or in Violation of Restrictions (6,023 OOS Orders)
9. Prohibited From Performing Safety Sensitive Functions Per 382.501(a) in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (5,447 OOS Orders)
10. False Record of Duty Status – Improper Use of Personal Conveyance Exception (4,855 OOS Orders)