Source: J. J. Keller Compliance Network, “Top 20 commercial vehicle violations of 2025” (Jan. 22, 2026) and “Top 20 CMV driver violations of 2025” (Jan. 8, 2026), compiled from FMCSA roadside inspection data. OOS shares are rounded as published. FMCSA's live roadside inspection data is at ai.fmcsa.dot.gov.
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Required lamps broken or obscured
- 660,792 violations in 2025, No. 1 vehicle violation
- 14% led to out-of-service orders
- 6 CSA severity points
Start here (engineer): LED lamps and sealed wiring harnesses.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 393.9 [VEH]
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Tire tread, inflation, or load limit
- 311,932 violations in 2025, No. 2 vehicle violation
- 27% led to out-of-service orders, the highest OOS share in the vehicle top 5
- 4/32 in. minimum tread on steer tires
Start here (engineer): Tire pressure monitoring systems.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 393.75 [VEH]
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Brake hose or tubing
- 230,677 violations in 2025, No. 3 vehicle violation
- 7% led to out-of-service orders
- 4 CSA severity points
Start here (engineer): Hose supports and spring guards; chafe sleeves.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 393.45 [VEH]
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No proof of annual inspection
- 227,662 violations in 2025, No. 4 vehicle violation
- 12 months maximum between periodic inspections
- 0% OOS, but a direct CSA hit
Start here (track): Due-date tracking for every unit, including trailers.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 396.17 [VEH]
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Emergency equipment
- 209,669 violations in 2025, No. 5 vehicle violation
- 3 warning triangles required
- 1 charged, secured fire extinguisher
Start here (equipment): Mounted extinguisher bracket in every cab.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 393.95 [VEH]
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Speeding
- 133,465 violations in 2025, No. 1 driver violation
- Up to 10 CSA severity points, depending on speed
- 392.2 requires obeying state and local laws
Start here (engineer): Speed governors and telematics alerts.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 392.2 [DRV]
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Invalid or no medical certification
- 104,010 violations in 2025, No. 2 driver violation
- 68% led to out-of-service orders
- 24 months maximum certificate period
Start here (track): Expiration dates with 60- and 30-day reminders.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 391.41(a) [DRV]
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Log falsification
- 98,292 violations in 2025, No. 3 driver violation
- 20% led to out-of-service orders
- 7 CSA severity points
Start here (plan): Dispatch within hours; account for detention.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 395.8(e) [DRV]
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No or wrong type of log when required
- 82,616 violations in 2025, No. 4 driver violation
- 59% led to out-of-service orders
- ELD required for most drivers who keep logs
Start here (train): Short-haul and ELD exception rules.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 395.8(a) [DRV]
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ELD form and manner
- 76,623 violations in 2025, No. 5 driver violation
- 0% OOS, but a CSA hit
- 395.24 driver ELD obligations
Start here (train): Hands-on ELD training for every driver.
Rules and guidance: 49 CFR 395.24 [DRV]
The full PDF adds, for each item, why it really happens, the rules or guidance in plain words, controls in order, a 30-minute self-audit, who owns it and a toolbox talk starter.