How Long Do Violations Stay on PSP Reports? What CDL Drivers Must Know
Imagine you’re applying for a new CDL job, confident in your clean driving history. But when the recruiter pulls your PSP report, they see an out-of-service violation from two years ago that you barely remember. Suddenly, your job offer is in question.
FMCSA PSP reports are crucial for truck drivers and employers. They provide a detailed record of safety history, helping companies make informed hiring decisions. However, many drivers don’t fully understand how long violations stay on PSP reports and how a single roadside inspection can impact job opportunities for years. Luckily Drivers Files Online is here to help!
If you’re wondering how long violations stay on PSP reports, what drops off and when, and how to manage your record, this guide has the answers.
Sign up here for simplified PSP report management!
What is a PSP Report?
A PSP report (Pre-Employment Screening Program report) is a federal safety record that tracks a CDL driver’s crash and inspection history. Managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it helps employers assess driver safety before hiring.
If you’re wondering what’s included in a PSP report and why it matters, check out our complete guide to PSP reports for an in-depth breakdown.
How Long Do Violations Stay on PSP Reports?
FMCSA keeps different types of violations on PSP reports for varying lengths of time:
| Violation Type | Retention Period |
| Crashes | 5 Years |
| Roadside Inspections | 3 Years |
| Out-of-Service Orders | 3 Years |
| Violations & Citations | 3 Years |
This means that a minor inspection issue—like a paperwork violation—can stay on your PSP report for three full years.
For serious violations, like out-of-service orders, it could impact hiring for years.
Do All Violations Impact CSA Scores?
Not every PSP violation affects your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score. CSA scores only track FMCSA violations that contribute to crash risk.
For example:
- Expired medical card? PSP report only.
- Speeding in a CMV? PSP and CSA score impact.
Even if a violation does not impact your CSA score, it can still be seen by potential employers when they review your PSP report.
Learn more: CSA Scores for Drivers: How Does it Work?
How Can PSP Violations Affect Your CDL Career?
If a PSP report shows repeated violations, a trucking company may reject a driver’s application—even for minor issues.
Example:
🚛 Driver A: One minor paperwork violation 3 years ago → Hired!
🚛 Driver B: Two out-of-service violations in the past year → Red flag for employers!
A single PSP violation might not destroy your chances, but a pattern of violations can seriously hurt your career.
Related: CDL Downgrade FAQs: Can I Get My CDL Back? Learn Here!
Can PSP Report Violations Be Removed?
FMCSA does not allow drivers to request removals of valid violations before they reach their expiration date. However, if a violation is incorrectly recorded, it can be disputed through FMCSA’s DataQs system.
How to Dispute an Incorrect PSP Violation
1️⃣ Go to the FMCSA DataQs website.
2️⃣ Create an account and select “Request a Review.”
3️⃣ Submit supporting evidence, like police reports or inspection documents.
4️⃣ Wait for FMCSA’s review process (which can take weeks or months).
If your dispute is approved, the incorrect violation will be removed from your PSP record.
How Drivers Files Online Helps You Stay PSP-Compliant
At Drivers Files Online, we make PSP report management simple for trucking companies and CDL drivers alike.
What We Offer
✔ Instant PSP Reports – No waiting, get driver records on-demand.
✔ Automated Compliance Tracking – Track license renewals, MVRs, and safety records.
✔ MVR & Background Check Integration – Combine PSP reports, MVRs, and driver qualification files in one system.
✔ Secure Record Storage – Keep PSP reports easily accessible for compliance audits.
✔ Time-Saving Solutions – Focus on hiring and safety, not chasing paperwork.
Whether you’re an owner-operator, recruiter, or fleet manager, Drivers Files Online makes hiring smarter and compliance easier. View all of our features to see what we have to offer!
Keep Your PSP Record Clean With Drivers Files Online
Your PSP report is a powerful tool—for better or worse. A clean PSP record helps CDL drivers get hired quickly. A bad PSP report can hold you back for years.
At Drivers Files Online, we help CDL businesses and drivers stay compliant. From PSP reports to automated compliance tracking, we take the hassle out of FMCSA safety regulations.
✔ Ready to manage PSP reports the easy way? Start using Drivers Files Online today!
FAQs About PSP Reports & Violations
How long does a violation stay on a PSP report?
🚛 Crashes stay on for 5 years, while violations and inspections remain for 3 years.
Does my PSP report affect my CSA score?
Not directly. Only violations linked to safety risks affect CSA scores.
Can I remove a violation from my PSP report?
Only if it was recorded incorrectly. Use FMCSA’s DataQs system to dispute errors.
How can I check my PSP report?
CDL drivers can request their own PSP report through FMCSA’s PSP Portal. Employers can use Drivers Files Online to request PSP reports and ensure they’re up to date.
Will a bad PSP report stop me from getting a CDL job?
It can. Multiple violations or recent out-of-service orders may make employers hesitant to hire.
