What 50,000 FMCSA Violations Tell Us About Carrier Compliance in 2025

Below are the violations that have caused the most issues for carriers through June 2025. Learning from these common mistakes can help you avoid similar citations and penalties.

Violation #1: Violation of Local Laws (§ 392.2)

No, the FMCSA isn't re-issuing tickets for speeding, cell phone use, or other traffic violations. Instead, they're checking whether carriers enforce safe driving by requiring proof that the company took corrective action measures, such as coaching or discipline, when drivers receive citations. When that paperwork is missing, the carrier is cited under § 392.2 for failing to ensure their drivers operate legally. There have been 5,746 violations so far this year, with an average penalty of $11,172.

Violation #2: No Pre-Employment Clearinghouse Query (§ 382.701(a))

Since 2020, carriers have been required to run a full Clearinghouse query on all CDL drivers before allowing them to perform safety-sensitive functions. In 2025 so far, there have been 2,696 violations for carriers failing to run this pre-employment query. Owner-operators must also run this query on themselves. The average penalty for this violation is $7,736.

Violation #3: No Annual Clearinghouse Query (§ 382.701(b)(1))

Carriers must run a limited query on every CDL driver at least once every 365 days. If this limited query shows a "hit," carriers must obtain the driver's consent and complete a full query within 24 hours. The FMCSA has issued 2,471 violations for failing to conduct annual queries in 2025 so far, with an average penalty of $10,278.

Violation #4: False Records of Duty Status (§ 395.8(e)(1))

This violation occurs when drivers falsify their logs or carriers knowingly allow false entries in hours-of-service records. FMCSA investigators uncover these violations by comparing ELD data with GPS records, fuel receipts, bills of lading, and other supporting documents. When discrepancies show that a driver's actual activities don't match their logged status, both the driver and carrier can face citations. There have been 2,241 violations so far this year, with an average penalty of $9,018.

Violation #5: No System to Show Maintenance Due Dates (§ 396.3(b)(2))

Carriers must maintain records showing when each vehicle's next inspection, maintenance, or repair is due. This isn't just about having maintenance records on file—it's about having a systematic way to track and schedule upcoming maintenance needs. Without a clear system showing what's due and when, carriers cannot demonstrate they're maintaining their vehicles properly. There have been 1,204 violations so far this year, with an average penalty of $2,040.

Violation #6: Seat Belt Violation - Driver (§ 392.16)

While seat belt violations may seem minor, they remain common and signal to investigators that a carrier may have broader safety culture issues. Carriers are required to ensure that their drivers use seatbelts while operating commercial motor vehicles, and violations suggest inadequate driver training or supervision. There have been 1,192 violations so far this year, with an average penalty of $6,390.

Violation #7: No Maintenance Record Identifying Vehicle (§ 396.3(b)(1))

Every maintenance record must clearly identify the specific vehicle it pertains to, including the company unit number, make, serial number, year, and tire size. This violation often occurs when carriers keep generic maintenance forms or receipts that don't specify which vehicle received service. Even if maintenance is performed regularly, inadequate documentation can lead to citations. There have been 1,097 violations so far this year.

Violation #8: Carrier Not Registered in Clearinghouse (§ 382.711(b))

Before querying the Clearinghouse, carriers must first register as an employer in the system. This free, one-time registration is required for all carriers employing CDL drivers. There have been 1,057 violations so far this year, with an average penalty of $5,072.

Violation #9: Using Driver Before Clearinghouse Result (§ 382.301(a))

Carriers must receive Clearinghouse query results before allowing a driver to perform any safety-sensitive functions. This violation typically occurs when carriers face pressure to get drivers on the road quickly and allow them to drive before receiving the results of their pre-employment Clearinghouse query. Even if the query later comes back clean, it's still considered a violation. There have been 1,050 violations so far this year, with an average penalty of $10,654.

Violation #10: Wrong Hours of Service Logging Method (§ 395.8(a)(1))

This violation occurs when drivers use the wrong method to record their hours of service based on their operation type. Most commonly, it happens when a driver required to use an ELD instead uses paper logs or no log at all. Carriers may also be cited if they misclassify drivers as exempt from ELDs without meeting the criteria for the short-haul exemption. Even when hours are accurately recorded, using the incorrect logging method results in citations. There have been 1,049 violations so far this year, with an average penalty of $1,049.