When you’re running a CDL business, keeping trucks on the road and in compliance is priority number one. But let’s face it—DOT out of service violations can throw a wrench in your operations faster than a tire blowout. If you or your drivers don’t follow FMCSA regulations, you risk costly fines, lost work, and serious damage to your company’s reputation.
So, what exactly lands a truck out of service, and how can you avoid these violations? In this post by Drivers Files Online, we’re breaking down the most common DOT out of service violations list, answering frequent questions, and offering tips to keep your fleet moving.
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What Is a DOT Out of Service Violation?
A DOT out of service violation means that either a driver or a vehicle is deemed unsafe for the road. This results in immediate removal from operation until the issue is corrected.
Violations are issued by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and state DOT enforcement officers. They can happen during random roadside inspections, weigh station checks, or after an accident.
What Can Happen If You Violate an Out-of-Service Order?
Violating an out of service order is a big deal—think federal fines, license suspensions, and even criminal charges. Drivers and carriers that ignore out of service violations can face:
- Fines up to $5,000 for drivers and $25,000 for carriers
- FMCSA safety rating downgrades
- CDL disqualifications
- CSA scores for drivers facing penalties that stay on record for years
For trucking businesses, these violations can lead to lost contracts, higher insurance premiums, and even company shutdowns.
Here are Some Common DOT Out of Service Violations
Some violations affect the truck itself, while others apply to drivers. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons a vehicle or driver gets placed out of service.
Driver Out of Service Violations
Drivers can be placed out of service for:
- Driving beyond HOS limits – Violating DOT’s 11-hour rule or 14-hour driving window
- No CDL or invalid license – Driving without a valid CDL or operating a truck with an expired/suspended license
- Failure to provide a medical certificate – DOT requires all CDL drivers to have an up-to-date medical examiner’s certificate (see our Iowa DOT Medical Card FAQs for an example as it changes by state)
- Controlled substance violations – Testing positive for drugs or alcohol or refusing a DOT drug test
- Out of service order violations – Ignoring an FMCSA-issued out of service order can result in serious penalties
Vehicle Out of Service Violations
A truck can be placed out of service if it has serious safety defects, including:
- Braking system failures – Brake pad thickness below minimum requirements, air leaks, or malfunctioning emergency brakes
- Tire and wheel violations – Tires with low tread, sidewall damage, or missing lug nuts
- Lighting and signal malfunctions – Non-working headlights, brake lights, or turn signals
- Steering system defects – Excessive play in the steering column, broken tie rods, or faulty suspension
- Cargo securement issues – Improperly secured loads or damaged tie-downs
- Fuel system leaks – Fuel tank leaks or unsecured caps
Logbook & Hours of Service Violations
Drivers are required to follow DOT Hours of Service (HOS) rules and keep an accurate log of their driving time. Common logbook violations include:
- Missing or falsified log entries
- Exceeding daily driving limits
- Failure to take mandatory breaks
- Using outdated paper logs instead of an ELD (if required–short haul drivers do not always need ELDs)
How Long Does an Out of Service Violation Stay on Record?
A DOT out of service violation can stay on record for years, depending on the violation type.
- Driver violations impact a driver’s PSP report and can remain for three years
- Carrier violations stay on the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) for two years
- CSA out of service violations affect a carrier’s safety score and can increase insurance costs
If you want to check your violation history, you can do so through:
- FMCSA’s SAFER System
- Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) Reports
- Your CSA Safety Score dashboard
Prevent DOT Out of Service Violations With Drivers Files Online
DOT out of service violations can be costly, but with the right tools, you can stay compliant and keep your business running smoothly. Drivers Files Online provides an all-in-one compliance solution designed to help trucking companies avoid penalties and stay on top of DOT regulations.
Application-Only Accounts for Hiring
Need a simple way to collect DOT-compliant driver applications? Our platform allows businesses to use the online application feature without committing to the full driver qualification process.
Seamless Online Driver Applications
We provide a fully online, DOT-compliant driver application portal that makes the hiring process easy and ensures all required fields are completed before submission.
Instant MVR Reports for Safer Hiring
Before hiring a driver, check their State Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) to screen for past violations and confirm their CDL status. Our system delivers these reports straight to your dashboard in just hours.
DOT PSP Reports for Risk Management
We provide Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) reports, which give insight into a driver’s five-year crash history and three-year roadside inspection history, helping you make informed hiring decisions.
Managed Services for Background Checks
Save time and ensure compliance by letting our team handle the required three-year previous employment verification for your drivers.
Automated Compliance Tracking and Alerts
Never miss an important deadline again. Our system provides automated reminders for:
- CDL license renewals
- Medical card expirations
- MCS-150 biennial updates
- Other time-sensitive compliance requirements
Secure Digital Driver Qualification Files
Eliminate paperwork and store all driver qualification documents in one place. Our system ensures your files are always audit-ready and in compliance with DOT regulations.
Electronic Forms and Signatures
All necessary DOT forms are available electronically, with built-in e-signature functionality to streamline compliance.
Law Enforcement Portal for Easy Audits
If your company gets audited, simply create a law enforcement login, assign audited drivers, and let our system handle the rest.
By using Drivers Files Online, your company can eliminate compliance headaches, stay ahead of regulations, and focus on running a successful trucking operation. View our pricing to see which option works best for your needs–we’re flexible!
Avoiding DOT Out of Service Violations for Good
DOT out of service violations can stop a trucking operation in its tracks. Whether it’s a mechanical failure, a logbook issue, or a compliance slip-up, being placed out of service is expensive and damaging to a company’s reputation.
If this article was helpful to you, take a look at our blog to see how Drivers Files Online can improve CDL management, consulting, and hiring processes!
Proactive fleet management, thorough driver screening, and consistent compliance tracking are the best ways to keep your business running smoothly. By optimizing admin duties with Drivers Files Online, CDL companies gain access to industry-leading tools that make DOT compliance simple, efficient, and stress-free.
Don’t let an out of service violation take you off the road. Take control of compliance today with Drivers Files Online.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Consult FMCSA regulations or a legal professional for official guidance on DOT violations.
DOT Out of Service Violations: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the most common DOT out of service violations?
The most common violations include brake defects, hours of service violations, CDL suspensions, and improper cargo securement.
Is an ABS light an out of service violation?
It depends. While a faulty ABS light alone may not place a truck out of service, if it impacts braking performance, the truck can be removed from the road.
How long does an out of service violation stay on record?
- Driver violations remain for three years
- Carrier violations stay on the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) for two years
What happens if you violate an out of service order?
Violating an out of service order can result in heavy fines, CDL disqualification, and potential FMCSA penalties.
How does Drivers Files Online help with compliance?
Drivers Files Online offers MVR reports, PSP screenings, automated compliance tracking, and managed services to help CDL businesses stay compliant and avoid DOT violations.
