Common DOT Violations Trucking Companies Should Avoid
DOT violations can lead to fines, roadside delays, Out-of-Service orders, higher compliance risk, and increased FMCSA attention.
FMCSA identifies false logs, missing records of duty status, Hours-of-Service violations, vehicle inspection problems, and other driver and vehicle issues among frequently cited roadside violations. (CSA Compliance, Safety, Accountability)
Hours-of-Service and ELD Violations
Common examples include:
Driving beyond the applicable limits.
Missing required rest breaks.
No record of duty status.
False or inaccurate logs.
Failure to use an ELD when required.
Using the wrong driver account.
Unassigned driving that was not reviewed.
Improper use of personal conveyance.
Failure to retain required supporting documents.
Vehicle Maintenance Violations
Common examples include:
Inoperative lights.
Defective brakes.
Air leaks.
Damaged or worn tires.
Missing mudflaps.
Cracked or damaged windshields.
Steering or suspension defects.
Oil, fuel, or other fluid leaks.
Missing annual inspections.
Failure to correct defects reported by drivers.
Driver Qualification Violations
These may include:
Incomplete Driver Qualification Files.
Missing previous-employer investigations.
Missing MVR checks.
Expired medical certification.
Suspended or expired CDL.
Driver operating without the proper endorsement.
Failure to complete required annual reviews.
FMCSA identifies incomplete DQ files, missing MVR or previous-employer checks, physical qualification problems, and falsified medical certificates as qualification-related compliance concerns. (A&I Online)
Drug and Alcohol Compliance Violations
Common problems include:
Allowing a driver to operate before receiving a negative pre-employment drug test result.
Failure to conduct a pre-employment Clearinghouse query.
Failure to conduct annual limited queries.
Employing a driver with a prohibited Clearinghouse status.
Failure to participate in a compliant random testing program.
Missing testing and training documentation.
Roadside Inspection Violations
Carriers should avoid:
Failure to inspect the vehicle before operation.
Failure to carry required documents.
Failure to repair defects listed on an inspection report.
Operating a vehicle after it has been placed Out of Service.
Permitting a driver to operate while subject to an Out-of-Service order.
Cargo Securement Violations
Common violations include:
Insufficient tiedowns.
Damaged securement devices.
Unsecured equipment or cargo.
Failure to use edge protection when required.
Cargo that can shift, fall, leak, or blow from the vehicle.
Registration and Credential Violations
Examples include:
Expired apportioned registration.
Missing or expired IFTA license or decals.
Missing state permits.
Incorrect vehicle information.
Operating beyond the registered vehicle weight.
Failure to maintain active operating authority or required insurance.
How Carriers Can Prevent Violations
A strong compliance program should include:
Regular driver training.
Pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
Preventive vehicle maintenance.
Routine ELD and Hours-of-Service audits.
Complete Driver Qualification Files.
Monitoring of license and medical-card expiration dates.
Review of every roadside inspection.
Written corrective actions after violations.
Regular review of the company’s FMCSA safety data.
The goal should not be only to pay fines after violations occur. Carriers should identify why each violation happened, correct the underlying problem, and document the steps taken to prevent it from happening again.