Keeping your trucks in good shape isn’t just smart, it’s required by law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict rules on commercial vehicle maintenance, and failure to follow them can lead to steep fines, vehicle shutdowns, and damaged safety scores.
This guide breaks down the most common FMCSA maintenance violations, what they really mean, and how to avoid them. All data is sourced from:
FMCSA’s Common Violations Report (PDF)
2025 FMCSA Civil Penalty Update (PDF)
Why Maintenance Violations Matter
Every time a commercial vehicle hits the road, it's subject to random inspections, audits, or crash investigations. If the truck is out of compliance with federal maintenance standards, the consequences are serious:
- Your truck may be placed out of service immediately
- Fines can run thousands of dollars per violation
- Your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score can spike
- You risk a Conditional or Unsatisfactory safety rating
- Repeat issues could even result in losing your operating authority
Common FMCSA Vehicle Maintenance Violations
These are the top issues that lead to violations during FMCSA inspections:
FMCSA Violations - Torque By Ryder
| Violation |
Code |
What It Means |
| Parts or accessories in disrepair |
§ 396.3(a)(1) |
Worn, broken, or unsafe equipment—like mirrors, lights, or fenders |
| Oil or grease leaks |
§ 396.5(b) |
Leaks from the engine, axles, or hubs that pose safety or fire risks |
| Missing annual inspection |
§ 396.17(c) |
Required yearly inspection not completed or recorded |
| Hub oil/grease leaking |
§ 396.5(b) |
Lubricant escaping from hubs, signaling bearing issues |
| Wheel seal leaking |
§ 396.5(b) |
Oil or grease leaking from the seal, risking brake contamination |
| Defects not fixed from inspection reports |
§ 396.9(d)(2) |
Known problems weren’t corrected before the next trip |
| Brakes in poor condition |
§ 396.3(a)(1) |
Worn linings, leaks, or damaged components |
| Brake pressure system loss |
§ 396.3(a)(1) |
Air brake system losing pressure, reducing stopping power |
| Worn or damaged tires |
§ 396.3(a)(1) |
Bald tires, sidewall damage, or improper inflation |
What These Violations Could Cost You (2025 Rates)
FMCSA assigns fines through civil penalties. Here’s what violations might cost your business under current rates:
FMCSA Penalties - Torque By Ryder
| Violation Type |
Penalty (2025) |
| General maintenance violation (non-recordkeeping) |
Up to $19,246 |
| Operating a vehicle placed out of service |
Up to $2,364 per event |
| Permitting someone else to drive an out-of-service vehicle |
Up to $23,647 |
| Failing to submit proof of completed repairs |
Up to $1,182 |
| Operating during a shutdown or suspension |
Up to $29,980 per day |
| Operating after being declared unfit |
Up to $34,116 per event |
See full penalties in the 2025 FMCSA Civil Penalty Update (PDF)
How FMCSA Inspections Work
There are three main types of inspections that can catch maintenance violations:
- Roadside Inspections – These happen during traffic stops or checkpoints.
- Compliance Reviews (Audits) – FMCSA reviews your safety records and vehicle logs.
- Crash Investigations – If one of your trucks is in a crash, regulators will often inspect maintenance history as part of the process.
Any of these can lead to citations or out-of-service orders.
CSA Score Impact
FMCSA’s CSA program gives carriers a score based on safety history. Maintenance violations increase your Vehicle Maintenance BASIC score.
A higher score means:
- Increased chance of a downgraded safety rating
What Happens If You’re Placed Out of Service
When a vehicle has a major safety issue, inspectors can place it out of service. That means:
- The truck cannot legally continue operating
- You must complete and document repairs before returning to service
- Every day offline can cost you revenue, customers, and time
How to Stay Compliant
Preventive maintenance is key. These best practices help you stay compliant:
- Do pre-trip and post-trip inspections every day
- Make sure drivers file Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)
- Address and document all DVIR defects before the vehicle goes back on the road
- Perform and record your annual inspections (required under § 396.17)
- Regularly check hubs, seals, tires, and brakes for leaks or wear
- Train drivers and technicians to recognize signs of mechanical failure
Keeping accurate records is just as important as making the repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most common maintenance violation?
Brake problems and tire wear are consistently among the most cited violations.
Do I have to do inspections every day?
Yes. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections daily. These are required by law.
Can I be fined even if I fix the problem later?
Yes. If the issue existed during inspection or was not repaired in time, the violation still counts.
Can I get multiple fines for the same issue?
Yes. Operating a vehicle before fixing a defect or failing to send proof of correction can result in additional penalties.
Final Thoughts
Fleet maintenance is more than good business—it’s a legal requirement. By following FMCSA rules, you can avoid fines, prevent delays, and keep your company running smoothly.
Follow these three simple rules:
Avoid the costs. Protect your drivers. Stay compliant.
Downloads:
FMCSA Common Violations Report (PDF)
2025 Civil Penalty Update (PDF)
