Commercial motor carriers and drivers in the U.S. operate under strict safety regulations governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Whether you’re an owner-operator or a fleet manager, understanding and avoiding the most common USDOT violations is critical for staying on the road, protecting your business, and maintaining compliance.
Based on FMCSA roadside inspection data, here are the top 5 violations to avoid—and what you can do to stay in compliance.
- Driving with an Expired or Invalid CDL
Operating a commercial vehicle without a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is one of the most frequent and serious violations. Carriers are often cited for expired CDLs or drivers operating without the correct class of license.
🚫 Why it matters: An invalid CDL disqualifies a driver from operating legally and results in steep penalties, both for the driver and the carrier.
✅ Compliance tip: Regularly check and update driver license records and set calendar reminders for renewal deadlines. - Hours of Service (HOS) Violations
HOS regulations are designed to prevent fatigued driving, one of the top causes of commercial vehicle crashes. Drivers often violate these rules by exceeding maximum driving hours or failing to take mandatory rest breaks.
🚫 Common issues: Driving beyond the 11-hour limit, not recording duty status, or incomplete electronic logs.
✅ Compliance tip: Use ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices) to automatically track driving hours and ensure drivers adhere to HOS limits. - Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection Violations
Brake issues, tire defects, faulty lights—these are just a few of the common vehicle inspection violations that can take a truck off the road.
🚫 Common citations: Worn-out brake pads, underinflated tires, non-working headlights or tail lights.
✅ Compliance tip: Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Schedule routine maintenance and keep detailed service logs. - Missing or Inaccurate Documentation
FMCSA requires drivers to carry a full set of documents, including medical certificates, proof of insurance, and registration. Missing or outdated paperwork can lead to immediate citations during a roadside inspection.
🚫 Frequent errors: Expired medical examiners’ certificates, outdated vehicle registrations, or missing lease agreements.
✅ Compliance tip: Keep all paperwork organized and easily accessible. Create a checklist for drivers to review before hitting the road.
- Failure to Wear a Seatbelt
Believe it or not, seatbelt violations remain one of the most cited offenses during roadside inspections. It’s a simple but critical rule that often goes ignored.
🚫 Consequences: Not wearing a seatbelt may seem minor, but it can lead to citations and increased liability in the event of a crash.
✅ Compliance tip: Train drivers on the importance of wearing seatbelts and monitor compliance through random audits or in-cab cameras.
✅ Final Tips to Avoid USDOT Violations
To keep your fleet compliant and avoid FMCSA penalties:
⦁ Conduct ongoing driver training on DOT regulations
⦁ Use compliance tools like ELDs and fleet management software
⦁ Maintain an up-to-date Driver Qualification File (DQF) for each driver
⦁ Stay on top of MCS-150 filings and Biennial Updates
⦁ Schedule regular mock audits and safety meetings
Stay Compliant with Help from U.S. Carrier Registration (UCR)
At U.S. Carrier Registration, we specialize in helping carriers stay ahead of compliance with MCS-150 filings, DOT registrations, drug & alcohol program enrollment, and more.
📞 Need help staying DOT-compliant?
Contact us today:
🌐 https://ucrplans.us
📧 [email protected]
📞 877-544-4387