How Long Do CSA Points Stay on Your Record?

Anyone involved in the trucking industry knows that controversy accompanies CSA points. But some individuals aren’t sure how they work or affect their records. How long do CSA points stay on your record? 

As a part of our efforts to make information about safety and compliance checks more readily accessible, we at FMCA Filings provide some answers about CSA points.

What Are CSA Points?

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) points help truck fleets maintain the high safety standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) when drivers operate fleet vehicles. A driver who fails to maintain these standards will get points added to their personal and company records. These violation points affect the driver’s career advancement, hampering the fleet’s business opportunities and possibly increasing its insurance premiums. 

Reputable fleets will work hard to achieve the lowest possible CSA score. They also won’t hire drivers with high scores since these represent a potential liability. Points range from one to ten, with ten having the highest violation severity. 

How Does the CSA Measure Safety?

Drivers earn points when violating important standards related to proper record keeping, failure to obey traffic laws, unsafe driving habits, and other types of misconduct:

· Drivers who don’t obtain or update their licenses, certifications, or paperwork are subject to earning CSA points. 

· Traffic violations or accidents can also accrue points. 

· Using a mobile device while operating a vehicle constitutes a safety violation.

· Operating outside of dedicated hours of service can earn points.

· Failing roadside inspections can also lead to points. 

The myriad violations fall into distinct categories and take on point values related to their severity. 

How Long Do CSA Points Stay on Your Record?

If you have CSA points on your record, you probably wonder when or if they’ll go away. How long do CSA points stay on your record? Each point could stay on your record for up to 36 months. That’s three years. 

How can these points affect you right now? If you are currently employed with a fleet, your employer might view you with more scrutiny. Once you obtain 50 or more points, the FMCSA could intervene. If you don’t work for a carrier, you will likely struggle to find one that will hire you for driving services.  

How Does Your Safety History Affect Future Evaluations?

When evaluated for safety, a carrier’s CSA score does not change if the violating driver leaves the fleet. Once a carrier accrues points, they affect the score until the appropriate time passes. Thus, even in a commercial motor vehicle operator’s absence, their impact on safety continues to influence their former employer. 

Discover Attainable Online Solutions With FMCA Filings

How long do CSA points stay on your record? They can affect your record for up to three years. CSA points also impact your employability, your standing with a current carrier, and your carrier’s reputation in responsible fleet management. An authority rating letter can provide more information about your standing. 

Obtain compliance permits from FMCA Filings to maintain a good CSA score.