DOT Violations List: A Short Guide

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial vehicle drivers to meet and maintain certain regulations. If they fail an inspection, drivers receive a violation that may range from a fee to the inspector putting the truck out of service. Check out the DOT violations list below to learn more about the most common violations that truckers face.

Lighting Violations

One of the most common reasons a state trooper pulls a commercial driver over for roadside inspections involves the vehicle’s lights. Drivers should regularly check the state of their headlights, turn signals, and brake lights to ensure they work and don’t need bulb replacement. Trucks should also illuminate their license plates brightly enough that a state trooper can read it from 50 feet away.

Officers can easily see when a truck commits lighting violations, giving them an excuse to pull the trucker over and perform a more thorough inspection. By keeping your lights clean and clear of debris, you make it less likely that you’ll have to pull over for a random inspection.

Documentation Violations

Truck drivers have to keep up with multiple types of documentation ranging from their commercial driver’s license (CDL) to their electronic logging device. Inspectors check all forms of documentation to ensure that drivers follow the rules set forth by the FMCSA. Common reasons documentation issues appear on a DOT violations list include:

• Having an invalid or expired CDL
• Neglecting their record of duty status logs
• Failing to keep up with their electronic logging device

Moving Violations

Many truck drivers commit moving violations that get them pulled over by state troopers for random inspections and a ticket. Besides costing commercial truck companies thousands of dollars, moving violations also put the truck driver, their cargo, and other vehicles around them in danger. The most common moving violation, speeding, could easily result in a terrible accident and the injuries or death of drivers on the interstate.

State troopers might pull a truck driver over for other violations like following other drivers too closely, changing lanes improperly, and failing to obey stop signs and traffic lights.

How to Avoid Violations

Avoiding FMCSA violations typically requires little more than regular inspections and maintenance check-ups. Drivers can escape the notice of state troopers by driving safely, keeping their trucks in good physical shape, and replacing or repairing damaged or broken truck parts. Drivers should also practice good documentation procedures and remember to log their driving status properly so deeper inspections won’t reveal other problematic violations.

Fleet owners can help drivers from accumulating violations by performing regular maintenance and compliance checks. Keep your drivers up-to-date on changes with FMCSA regulations and ensure they meet all requirements by state and federal commercial driving laws.

FMCA Filings Helps You Keep Your Permits Up-to-Date

One of the many items on a DOT violations list includes forgetting to keep your permits up-to-date. When you work with us at FMCA Filings, our team ensures you never fall behind. Contact us today to learn more about our permit filing services.