Roadside inspections, especially random ones, can be the Achilles heel of any company in the transportation sector. But there is an easy way to prepare for them, even when you don’t know when to expect them.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Analysis and Information database provides key insights into the top driver and vehicle violations found during inspections. Looking at these and learning from other drivers’ mistakes can help fleets make better choices while on the road. Plus, safety managers can take note of the various non-compliant behaviors officers are seeing and correct their own procedures to avoid facing the same fate.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top inspection violations law enforcement has cited so far in FY22.
Driver Safety Violations
Speeding 6-10 MPH over the speed limit
Drivers traveling over the speed limit in this range accounted for 34,655 violations to date. It has been the number one driver violation since 2019.
Failure to obey traffic control device – Code 392.2C
34,126 driver violations have been reported with this description, and seven out-of-service orders have been given because of it. This has remained the second-highest driver violation since 2019.
Failing to use a seat belt while operating a CMV – Code 392.16
Another seven drivers have been placed out of service due to this violation with 24,680 total violations committed.
Foley’s Solution
Although driving a few miles per hour over the speed limit or coasting through a stop sign when there’s no traffic may not seem significant, it can greatly increase the chances of an accident, and a severe one at that.
Consider using Foley’s MVR monitoring program to keep a watchful eye on your drivers’ habits. It works in the background to continuously keep track of your employees’ motor vehicle reports.
Related: How MVR Monitoring Can Help Protect Your Business
Once your fleet is enrolled, you’ll be the first to know if any driver is speeding or caught driving without wearing their seat belt through our exclusive e-notifications. You can simply log in to your online platform to view results and manage drivers from your phone, tablet, or computer. You can then address the issue as you see fit to help avoid future infractions.
The best part? Foley’s continuous MVR monitoring program can reduce violations like this by 34 percent.
Driver File Compliance Violations
Operating a CMV without a CDL – Code 383.23A2
24,986 violations under this code have been found during inspections this year. Nearly all of them have resulted in out-of-service orders. Since 2018, this has stayed in the top 10 driver violations.
Operating a property-carrying vehicle without possessing a valid medical certificate – no previous history – Code 391.41A1NPH
CDL drivers on the road without ever having a medical certificate accounted for 18,609 violations with 102 out-of-service orders declared.
No medical certificate in driver’s possession – Code 391.41A
Another 17,365 violations resulted from drivers operating CMVs without their medical certificates on their person. 1,718 of them were placed out of service.
Foley’s Solution
You can make sure you hire qualified drivers from the very beginning (and avoid this situation altogether) with our easy-to-use DOT-compliant application. Our streamlined eApplication increases application submissions by 33% because it’s designed with drivers’ needs in mind. It’s completely mobile-friendly, and drivers can submit photos of all necessary documentation, such as their CDL and medical certificate, in a snap.
Get Drivers on the Road Faster & More Compliantly
Once you are 100 percent positive you have fully licensed drivers joining your fleet, you can maintain their driver files with our effortless digital DQF management program. We’ll start by converting any paper files to an electronic format. Then, you’ll be notified whenever a driver’s medical certificate expires or their CDL needs to be renewed. Staying on top of driver files has never been this easy.
Have Driver File or MVR Questions? We Can Help!
Remind your employees to keep their CDL and medical card with them while driving to prevent these violations as well.
Top 5 Vehicle Violations
As an added bonus, here are the top vehicle violations and the number of occurrences found in FY22 so far:
- Inoperable Required Lamp – 196,272
- Operating a CMV without proof of a periodic inspection – 96,230
- Clamp or Roto type brake out-of-adjustment – 66,222
- No/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher – 64,102
- Inoperative turn signal – 59,351
Taking the initiative to keep up on company vehicle maintenance and pre/post-trip inspections will not only lessen the risk of these violations but also keep drivers safer on their routes. You depend on your trucks to keep your company going, so treat them that way!
Make Violations a Thing of the Past with Foley
If you’re ready to ease the stress surrounding roadside inspections, you’ve found Foley at the perfect time. Your dedicated compliance specialist will evaluate your current efforts and lead you down the path of complete DOT compliance, depending on which programs would best suit your needs.
Our comprehensive platform will house all of your programs in one place, so you can easily check your fleet’s driving habits, files, and other compliance matters. Give us a call today or get a free software demo and see why you won’t have to sweat inspections anymore!
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