Every year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducts roadside inspections to ensure commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and their vehicles comply with federal safety regulations. These inspections, carried out by Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) inspectors, are critical for maintaining road safety and regulatory compliance.
When a serious violation is found, drivers may be issued an out-of-service (OOS) order, which prohibits them from operating until the issue is resolved. Understanding the most frequent violations can help fleet managers and drivers avoid costly penalties and downtime.
Here are the 10 most common FMCSA driver violations that led to OOS orders during the 2026 fiscal year:
1. Operating a CMV Without a Valid CDL
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Violation Code: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-383/subpart-B/section-383.23
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OOS Orders Issued: 39,169
2. Failure to Maintain a Record of Duty Status
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OOS Orders Issued: 34,694
3. Missing or Invalid Medical Certificate
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Violation Code: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-391/subpart-E/section-391.41
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OOS Orders Issued: 32,992
4. Operating a CMV Without Any CDL
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Violation Code: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-383/subpart-B/section-383.23
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OOS Orders Issued: 20,798
5. No Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Record
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OOS Orders Issued: 7,028
6. Falsified Duty Status Records
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Violation Code: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-395/subpart-A/section-395.8
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OOS Orders Issued: 6,879
7. Expired or Missing Medical Certificate History
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Violation Code: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-391/subpart-E/section-391.41
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OOS Orders Issued: 6,832
8. Operating Without a Valid Operator’s License
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Violation Code: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-391/subpart-B/section-391.11
OOS Orders Issued: 5,929
9. False Reports on Duty Status
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Violation Code: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-395/subpart-A/section-395.8
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OOS Orders Issued: 5,819
10. Insufficient English Language Proficiency
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Violation Code: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-391/subpart-B/section-391.11
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OOS Orders Issued: 5,007
What This Means for Fleet Safety
These violations highlight the importance of maintaining proper documentation, ensuring driver qualifications, and adhering to hours-of-service rules. Regular training, audits, and compliance checks can help reduce the risk of violations and improve overall fleet safety.
Àrachas Group LLC is committed to helping transportation businesses stay informed and compliant. Contact us to learn how we can support your safety and risk management efforts.
