DOT Out of Service Violations List: Ultimate Guide

A DOT out-of-service violation is one of the most serious problems you can face during a roadside inspection. It’s an immediate, on-the-spot order to stop operating your truck or to park your vehicle until a critical safety issue is fixed.

These violations are laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and are considered imminent hazards. Unlike a regular ticket that might just come with a fine, an Out-of-Service (OOS) order means your day is done until you correct the problem.

What Are DOT Out of Service Violations

Think of an OOS DOT violation as the ultimate “timeout” in trucking. An inspector issues this order when they find something so wrong with your truck, your load, or even your logs that it poses an immediate danger to you and everyone else on the road.

The official guidelines come from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. A simple way to look at it is the difference between a minor problem and a critical failure. For example, a cracked (but still working) taillight lens might get you a warning. But a completely dead brake light? That’s an OOS violation. You’re not moving until it’s fixed.

The Major Violation Categories

Experience shows that OOS violations almost always fall into a few key areas. If you stay on top of these, you drastically cut your chances of getting shut down.

• Vehicle-Related Violations: This is the big one. It covers all the mechanical stuff—bad brakes, worn-out tires, broken lights, and improperly secured cargo.
• Driver-Related Violations: This is all about your drivers. Running over Hours of Service (HOS), driving without a valid CDL, or having major logbook mistakes will get them put out of service just as fast as a mechanical issue.
• Hazardous Materials Violations: If you’re hauling hazmat, the rules get even stricter. Things like wrong placards or leaking containers are immediate OOS triggers.

The data from inspections tells a very clear story about where the biggest problems are.

As you can see, brakes are the number one reason trucks get sidelined. Pouring your preventative maintenance efforts into your brake system is the single best way to avoid a costly OOS order.

When a truck does pass a top-to-bottom inspection, it might earn a special decal, and it’s worth understanding what is a CVSA sticker to see how those clean inspections are rewarded.

Critical Vehicle OOS Violations You Must Avoid

When an inspector places your truck out of service, it’s almost always due to a handful of predictable, high-risk equipment failures. These aren’t minor issues; we’re talking about problems that create an immediate danger on the road.

Understanding exactly what inspectors look for is the first step in making sure your pre-trip checks are more than just a quick walk-around. Focusing your maintenance and inspection efforts on these key areas can dramatically cut your chances of getting shut down. It’s all about knowing where the biggest risks are and building a process to catch them before a DOT officer does.

The Top 5 Vehicle Out of Service Violations (Based on CVSA Data)

This table highlights the most frequent vehicle-related violations that lead to an OOS order, helping you prioritize maintenance and inspection focus areas.

The data doesn’t lie. As you can see, brakes, tires, and lights consistently top the charts for putting trucks out of service. These areas should be at the top of your list for every inspection, every single day. Check out these great articles to learn how to prevent these critical violations:

• Preventing Air Brake Violations
• Preventing Tire Violations
• Preventing Lighting Violations

Here are the top 10 violations on the DOT out of service violations list over the last 5 calendar years. The column on the right is the overall % of OOS violations that these account for.

The “Big Four” Vehicle Out of Service Violation Categories

Recent data from thousands of roadside inspections confirms where the problems lie. In the 2025 CVSA International Roadcheck results, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) found that a staggering 22.6% of inspected vehicles had violations serious enough to be placed out of service. That’s nearly one in four trucks.

Brake systems were the #1 reason, accounting for 24.4% of all vehicle OOS cases. Tires came in as the second most frequent cause at 23.4%. Based on this data and the federal regulations, these are the four areas that absolutely demand your full attention:

1. Brake Systems and Adjustments
2. Tires and Wheels
3. Lighting and Electrical Systems
4. Cargo Securement

Download a complete Vehicle DOT Out of Service List here.

Let’s break down exactly what an inspector is trained to spot in each of these critical categories.

Brake System Failures

Brake-related problems are, by a wide margin, the leading cause of vehicle violations on the DOT out of service violations list. An inspector isn’t just checking if the brakes work; they are meticulously looking for specific defects defined in the official criteria.

Common OOS brake violations include:

• The 20% Rule: This is the big one. If 20% or more of your service brakes have a defect, you’re automatically out of service. For a standard 5-axle tractor-trailer with 10 brakes, that means if just two are bad, you’re parked.
• Brake Adjustment: Inspectors will measure the pushrod stroke on each brake chamber. If it exceeds the maximum allowed adjustment limit for that specific chamber type, it’s a violation.
• Audible Air Leaks: A noticeable air leak from a brake chamber, hose, or fitting is an immediate red flag and a clear OOS defect.
• Cracked Drums or Rotors: Any visible crack in a brake drum or rotor that runs to the edge will put your truck out of service on the spot.

Here are the top 5 brake related violations on the DOT out of service violations list:

Tire and Wheel Issues

Your tires are your only connection to the road, so you can bet the DOT takes their condition very seriously. Worn, damaged, or mismatched tires are a major safety hazard that inspectors are trained to find.

They will place you OOS for:

• Tread Depth: Steer tires must have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 of an inch. Every other tire on the rig needs at least 2/32 of an inch. No exceptions.
• Exposed Belts or Cords: If any ply or belt material is showing through the tread, that tire is considered unsafe and will get you shut down.
• Cuts and Damage: Deep cuts, cracks, or bulges in the sidewall that expose the ply are immediate OOS violations.
• Mismatched Tires: On a dual-wheel setup, tires must be the same size and type. Mixing bias-ply and radial tires on the same axle is strictly prohibited.

Here are the top 5 Tire related violations on the DOT out of service violations list:

Lighting and Electrical System Defects

Properly functioning lights are non-negotiable for visibility and communicating with other drivers. While a single burnt-out clearance light might just earn you a warning, inoperative required lamps will shut you down completely.

Put simply, any required lamp that is inoperative is an OOS violation. This includes your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and tail lamps. If you’re required to have it, it has to work.

Critical vehicle OOS violations often involve essential safety equipment. For example, maintaining clear visibility is crucial, which highlights the importance of promptly addressing issues like replacing side view mirror glass if it becomes cracked or broken.

Here are the top 5 Lighting related violations on the DOT out of service violations list:

Cargo Securement Violations

Finally, making sure your load stays put is just as important as keeping your truck maintained. Improper or insufficient cargo securement can, and does, lead to catastrophic accidents.

An OOS order will be issued if:

• Insufficient Tiedowns: The number, type, or strength of your tiedowns doesn’t meet the strict requirements for the weight and type of cargo you’re hauling.
• Damaged Securement Devices: Using frayed straps, cracked chains, or damaged binders is a serious, and very avoidable, violation.
• Shifting Cargo: If any part of your load has moved, is no longer secure, or is leaking, you will be placed out of service until it’s corrected.

By focusing your daily inspection routines on these four key areas, you empower your team to find and fix problems before they lead to a costly and time-consuming roadside shutdown.

Here are the top 5 cargo securement related violations on the DOT out of service violations list:

Common Driver-Related OOS Violations

An out-of-service order isn’t just about your truck; it can be about your driver. While vehicle maintenance is a massive piece of the compliance puzzle, violations tied directly to the driver can sideline your operation just as fast.

Inspectors are trained to spot specific issues that suggest a driver might be a risk on the road. From their logbook to their license, everything has to be in perfect order. These violations are taken seriously because they often point to bigger problems like fatigue, lack of qualifications, or impairment.

Download a complete Driver DOT Out of Service List here.

Here are the top 5 Driver related violations on the DOT out of service violations list:

Hours of Service (HOS) Violations

By a long shot, the most frequent driver OOS violations fall under the Hours of Service (HOS) rules. These regulations exist for one simple reason: to keep tired drivers off the road. An inspector will place a driver out of service on the spot for several key HOS mistakes.

Common HOS violations that trigger an OOS order include:

• Driving beyond the 11-hour driving limit: If logs show they’ve driven more than 11 hours within a 14-hour duty window without taking a proper 10-hour break, they’ll be shut down.
• Exceeding the 14-hour duty limit: This is another big one. It happens when someone keeps driving after their 14-hour on-duty clock has run out.
• Logbook Falsification: This is one of the most severe violations you can get. If an officer finds clear evidence of an intentionally faked Record of Duty Status (RODS)—like running two sets of logs or messing with ELD data—an OOS order is coming, no questions asked.
• No Record of Duty Status: Simply not having a logbook or a working ELD when required is an automatic out-of-service violation.

An HOS violation means the driver has to take a mandatory break, usually 10 hours, right where they are. This means lost time, delayed deliveries, and a big hit to your CSA score. Staying on top of hours is completely non-negotiable.

Managing HOS can feel complicated, but knowing the rules inside and out is your best defense. For practical strategies, check out our detailed guide on preventing hours of service violations.

Here are the top 5 Hours of Service related violations on the DOT out of service violations list:

CDL and Endorsement Issues

Having the right credentials for the truck and the freight is a fundamental requirement. One of the first things an inspector will do during a stop is verify the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

A driver will be placed out of service immediately if they are:

• Operating without a valid CDL: This includes driving with a license that’s suspended, revoked, or expired.
• Driving the wrong class of vehicle: If someone holds a Class B CDL but is caught driving a Class A vehicle (like a tractor-trailer), they aren’t properly licensed for that equipment.
• Missing required endorsements: Hauling double trailers without a doubles/triples (T) endorsement or a tanker without the tanker (N) endorsement will get an instant OOS order.

These are considered serious violations because they show a basic lack of qualification to operate the commercial motor vehicle safely.

Here are the top 5 CDL and Endorsement related violations on the DOT out of service violations list:

Driver Fitness and Prohibited Substances

Your driver’s physical and mental state is just as critical as your truck’s mechanical condition. The FMCSA has very strict rules about driver fitness, fatigue, and the use of alcohol or drugs as well as not allowing a driver to operate if they are in “prohibited” status in the DOT Clearinghouse.

These are absolute OOS triggers:

• Driving while ill or fatigued: An officer has the authority to put a driver out of service if they believe the person is too sick or tired to drive safely.
• Possession or use of alcohol: Having any alcoholic beverage in the cab—even if it’s unopened—is a violation. Being under the influence is an even more severe offense.
• Possession or use of controlled substances: Any sign of drug use, including marijuana (even in states where it’s legal for personal use), will result in an immediate OOS order and stiff penalties.

These “driver fitness” rules also cover a driver’s ability to read and speak English well enough to communicate with inspectors. In June 2025, the CVSA issued an emergency approval of a change to the DOT Out of Service violations list regarding enforcement of 391.11(b)(2). Now, all inspectors are expected to place drivers who can’t communicate in English out of service. Read more about the recent FMCSA English language proficiency (ELP) enforcement here.

Here are the top 5 driver fitness and prohibited substances related violations on the DOT out of service violations list:

Hazardous Materials OOS Violations Explained

If your fleet hauls hazardous materials, you already know the compliance stakes are much higher. A simple mistake with a hazmat load isn’t just about fines; it can trigger an immediate out-of-service order because of the huge risks to public safety.

Inspectors are specially trained to pick apart hazmat loads, and they have absolutely zero tolerance for errors. The regulations are ironclad for a reason—a hazmat spill or explosion can be catastrophic. Knowing these specific violations cold is the only way to keep your trucks moving safely and legally.

Download a complete HazMat DOT Out of Service List here.

Here are the top 10 Hazardous Materials related violations on the DOT out of service violations list:

Improper Placarding and Marking

One of the first things an inspector’s eyes will go to is your placarding. Placards are those diamond-shaped signs on the outside of the trailer that scream, “Hey, this is what’s inside!” Getting this wrong is one of the fastest tickets to getting shut down on the spot.

You’re looking at an OOS order for:

• Missing Placards: Failing to display placards on all four sides of the vehicle when they’re required.
• Incorrect Placards: Using a placard that doesn’t match the hazard class of the material listed right there on the shipping papers.
• Damaged or Obscured Placards: Any placard that isn’t crystal clear due to dirt, damage, or poor placement is an instant violation.

The rule is simple: what’s on the shipping papers has to be visible on the outside of the truck. Any mismatch between the two is a massive red flag for an inspector and an immediate OOS violation.

Shipping Paper Errors

Think of your shipping papers as the official story of the hazardous materials you’re hauling. These documents have to be precise, complete, and within arm’s reach at all times.

An inspector will place you out of service if your shipping papers are:

• Inaccessible: They must be within the driver’s immediate reach while belted in. Stashing them in the sleeper berth is a classic and costly mistake.
• Missing Information: Critical details like the proper shipping name, hazard class, UN identification number, and packing group must be present and 100% correct.
• Incorrect Emergency Contact: A 24-hour emergency response phone number, monitored by a real person who actually knows about the material, is mandatory. No excuses.

For a deeper dive into these complex rules, reviewing a comprehensive guide on Hazmat Shipping Requirements is a smart move.

Leaking Containers and Poor Securement

Beyond the paperwork, the physical state of the hazmat packages and how they’re secured is just as critical. An inspector will be looking very closely at how the cargo is loaded and if it’s truly safe for the road.

Common OOS violations that fall into this category include:

1. Leaking or Damaged Packages: Any package holding hazardous materials that is found to be leaking is an automatic, no-questions-asked, severe OOS violation.
2. Improper Blocking and Bracing: Hazmat packages must be securely blocked and braced to prevent any movement, shifting, or falling while the truck is rolling.
3. Mixing Prohibited Materials: You can’t just load anything next to anything. Loading certain classes of hazmat next to each other (like poisons and food items) is strictly forbidden.

Finally, having the right safety equipment on board is a non-negotiable part of hazmat compliance. This absolutely includes properly rated fire extinguishers. You can learn more about the specific DOT fire extinguisher requirements to make sure your trucks are always prepared for the worst.

The True Cost of an Out of Service Violation

Getting slapped with a violation on the DOT out-of-service violation list is a whole lot more than just an inconvenient delay on the shoulder of the highway. Multiple OOS violations can have long-term fallout that can send ripples through your entire operation, messing with everything from your schedule to your company’s hard-earned reputation.

Right away, you’ll feel the sting in your wallet. You’ve got immediate downtime where your truck isn’t earning a dime, the cost of unexpected roadside repairs, and potential fines that can quickly climb into the thousands, all depending on just how bad the problem is. Of course, every violation that is found to be out of service will also cost you an additional 2 severity points. So, instead of that flat tire violation being a 10 severity point violation, it’s actually a 12 severity point violation due to it also being an OOS violation as well.

The Impact on Your CSA Score

Beyond those instant hits, the real, lasting damage is what happens to your company’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. Every single OOS violation piles on significant points to your company’s safety profile, which is basically like a giant red flag for the FMCSA, your insurance company, and even your best customers.

A high CSA score isn’t just a bad look; it has very real, very painful consequences:

• More Inspections: A poor score pretty much puts a target on your fleet’s back, leading to more frequent and much more thorough roadside inspections.
• FMCSA Audits: Consistently high scores are a surefire way to trigger official interventions from the FMCSA, including a full-blown DOT audit and mandatory DOT corrective action plans.
• Skyrocketing Insurance Premiums: Insurers see a high CSA score as a clear sign of high risk. That almost always translates to a brutal hike in your premiums.

Think of each OOS violation as a data point in the story of your fleet’s safety culture. When those points start stacking up, they paint a pretty unflattering picture of a high-risk carrier. Now, some critics will argue that just looking at individual data points can blow the risk way out of proportion and that you need more context for a fair shake. That perspective just shows how critical it is to manage every single violation to keep a clean record.

How One Violation Affects Your Business

A single OOS violation can set off a chain reaction of negative effects across your business. It can tarnish your reputation with shippers, making it tougher to land contracts with the top-tier clients who dig deep into their carriers’ safety records before signing on the dotted line.

An OOS violation isn’t just a mark against the driver or the truck; it’s a mark against your company’s operational integrity. It signals a breakdown in your maintenance, training, or compliance processes.

In short, the true cost isn’t just the repair bill or the check you write for the fine. It’s the lost revenue from that idle truck, the higher operating costs from insurance hikes, and the potential loss of future business. That’s why preventing items on the DOT out of service violations list is one of the most important investments you can make in your company’s future.

How to Correct Violations and Get Back in Service

So, the officer just handed you an Out-of-Service (OOS) order. Now what? The absolute first thing you need to understand is that your truck isn’t moving an inch until the specific violations are fixed. This isn’t a friendly suggestion—it’s a hard-and-fast rule under federal regulation 49 CFR 396.9.

Trying to drive away from a stop after being placed OOS without making the required repairs is a huge mistake. It’s a serious violation that can bring down much bigger fines and do major damage to your CSA score, basically telling the DOT you have a flagrant disregard for safety. The law couldn’t be clearer: you fix it on the spot.

The Correction and Certification Process

Getting back on the road involves a few key steps that have to be followed to the letter. Your goal is to get the problem fixed safely, get the paperwork right, and get back to your trip with as little downtime as possible.

Here’s how the process usually plays out:

• Know the Violation: First, understand exactly what put you OOS. The officer will give you a Driver Vehicle Examination Report (DVER) that spells out the specific defects.
• Get it Repaired: The repairs have to be done before the vehicle can legally operate again. This might mean calling a mobile repair service to your location or, if the officer allows it for safety reasons, getting towed to a shop.
• Certify the Correction: Once the work is done, you or the mechanic needs to sign the DVER. This signature certifies that the violations have been corrected.
• Submit the Paperwork: You have to return the signed DVER to the agency that issued it within 15 days. This step is absolutely critical for officially closing out the inspection and making sure it’s recorded properly.

Feel like a violation was issued to you or your driver incorrectly? Check out our FMCSA DataQ article to see how to fix it.

Managing Roadside Repairs Effectively

Having a solid plan for roadside repairs before you need one is the key to minimizing downtime. This means knowing who to call. Keep a list of reputable mobile repair services for the routes you run most often.

But what if you’re dealing with the same violations over and over? That’s when you need to dig deeper. For persistent issues, developing a formal response is your best bet. Our guide on creating a DOT Corrective Action Plan can walk you through building a real strategy to stop repeat offenses and show your commitment to safety. By managing the process legally and efficiently, you can turn a costly delay into a resolved issue and get your load moving again.

Proactive Strategies to Prevent OOS Violations

The absolute best way to handle a citation from the DOT out of service violations list is to never get one in the first place. It’s all about shifting your mindset from reacting to problems to actively preventing them. That’s the real key to building a safer, more profitable fleet. It all starts with creating a rock-solid culture of compliance that empowers your team to catch issues long before an inspector does.

This means you’ve got to move beyond just fixing what’s broken and start thinking ahead. A robust preventative maintenance schedule, thorough daily inspections, and continuous driver education aren’t just good ideas—they are your best defense against costly downtime and major hits to your CSA score.

Implement a Robust Preventative Maintenance Program

Your maintenance program is your first line of defense against OOS violations. A great program isn’t just about changing the oil on time; it’s a data-driven strategy to keep your equipment in peak condition, with a special focus on the systems that land trucks on the side of the road.

• Prioritize High-Risk Areas: Your maintenance schedule has to put extra emphasis on brakes, tires, and lights. These three categories account for the vast majority of vehicle OOS orders. Regular, detailed inspections of these parts are non-negotiable.
• Keep Detailed Records: Document every single repair and maintenance task. This creates a complete history for each truck, helps you spot recurring problems, and proves to the DOT that you are serious about upkeep.
• Use Technology to Your Advantage: Modern fleet management software can automate maintenance schedules, track parts inventory, and flag potential issues before they become critical failures on the highway.

A well-documented and consistently followed maintenance plan is one of the strongest indicators of a safe operation in the eyes of the FMCSA.

Master the Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspection

A thorough Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) is much more than a piece of paper; it’s a critical safety tool. You have to train your team to treat these inspections with the seriousness they deserve, going far beyond a quick walk-around.

An effective pre-trip inspection isn’t about hoping you don’t find a problem. It’s about hunting for problems with the specific goal of finding and fixing them before you hit the road.

Encourage a “find it and fix it” mentality. When you empower your drivers to report minor issues without fear of blame, you create a culture where small problems—like a flickering light or a hissing air line—get corrected before they can escalate into an OOS violation during a roadside check.

Invest in Continuous Driver Training

At the end of the day, your drivers are your eyes and ears out there. The more they know, the safer your entire fleet will be. Ongoing training is absolutely essential for keeping everyone sharp and up-to-date on the mess of complex regulations.

Training should zero in on key areas:

1. HOS Rules: Regular refreshers on Hours of Service rules are critical for preventing the most common driver-related OOS violations.
2. Cargo Securement: Provide hands-on load securement training for the specific types of freight you haul. Proper securement is both a skill and a science, and it’s a huge focus for inspectors.
3. Violation Recognition: Train your drivers to spot potential OOS defects during their inspections, just like a DOT officer would.

By investing in maintenance, inspections, and training, you turn compliance into a true team effort. This will drastically reduce your chances of seeing your trucks on the side of the road with an OOS order slapped on the window.

Frequently Asked Questions About OOS Violations

Keeping your fleet compliant and on the road is a full-time job. My Safety Manager takes that pressure off your shoulders. We manage every piece of your DOT compliance, from driver qualification files to monitoring your CSA score, all for one flat monthly fee. Let us handle the details so you can get back to growing your business. Discover how My Safety Manager can help your fleet today.