21 Common DOT Violations and How to Avoid Them

Drivers and carriers are responsible for maintaining compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When a driver or carrier is caught breaking these rules (commonly referred to as DOT violations), they face penalties and fines, and their actions can jeopardize public safety.

Your job is to connect your customers with safe and reliable transportation, which is why understanding the most frequent DOT violations and checking to ensure your transportation partners haven’t violated them should be part of your business practices.

DOT violations can be a serious headache for drivers and carriers alike. But what exactly are they, and what are the consequences of getting one? From fines to potential record impacts, the repercussions can be significant. 

We’ll break down DOT violations, review the most common offenses, and provide insights into how to avoid them.

What is a DOT violation?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has an extensive list of rules and regulations that truck drivers and carriers must follow. A DOT violation occurs when the driver or carrier breaks one of these rules.

Freight brokers are unlikely to be held responsible for DOT violations. However, your reputation could suffer if your carriers and drivers aren’t DOT compliant.

List of 21 DOT violations

DOT violations are broken down into two categories: DOT safety violations and DOT inspection violations.

• Safety violation: A DOT safety violation occurs when the truck driver does something unsafe on the road.
• Inspection violations: Violations of DOT roadside inspections occur when the driver or carrier does not follow all paperwork, maintenance, or other regulations.

Both types of violations carry serious penalties, including fines and even the revocation of operating authority.

The most common DOT violations include speeding, failing to log duty status, and operating without a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, understanding a broad range of violations, including those that follow, can help brokers better evaluate the quality of drivers and carriers.

Common violations

1. Operating without a CDL: This violation can happen when a driver is operating “under the table,” when a carrier fails to check records on an independent contractor, or even when the driver accidentally lets their CDL expire.
2. Driver doesn’t have a valid operator’s license for the type of truck they are driving: There are three different classes of CDLs: A, B, and C. Each one permits a driver to operate a certain kind of vehicle. Sometimes a driver knowingly or unknowingly operates a truck that requires a higher type of CDL than they have.
3. No record of duty status within the electronic logging device (ELD): With a few limited exceptions, the FMCSA requires truck drivers to use an ELD to log their trips. The input data includes a record of duty status (driving, on-duty not driving, off-duty, etc.) to ensure compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Failing to record duty status is one of the top violations for many carriers, as some drivers simply forget to log it.
4. False report of driver’s record of duty status: Creating a false duty status report to circumvent HOS rules, or altering a report after the fact, is a more severe violation than an accidental omission.
5. Driver fails to keep previous seven days’ worth of record of duty status: Drivers must maintain seven days’ worth of duty status logs and present them when asked by an official.
6. Driver not physically qualified to carry out duties related to the job: Trucking is hard physical work, and all drivers must undergo a full physical every two years. Those with certain medical conditions may need more frequent physicals. If a driver operates a truck without proper medical clearance, they could receive this DOT violation.
7. Driver operates a truck in violation of restrictions or without proper endorsements: Some types of loads require extra endorsements, like hazardous materials. Drivers must also follow specific procedures for oversized loads.
8. Allowing the driver to operate with a suspended/revoked CDL: Carriers can be hit with this violation if a driver continues to work with an invalid CDL. Of course, the driver will also be in trouble, facing fines and an immediate out-of-service order that prevents them from finishing the trip.
9. Having a driver with more than one CDL operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV): CMV drivers can only hold one CDL at a time. If a driver holds multiple CDLs, including those issued by different states, both the truck driver and the carrier could be at risk.
10. Speeding: This is one of the most common DOT violations for truck drivers. Exceeding posted speed limits is a serious offense that poses significant risks to everyone on the road.
11. Following too closely: Truck drivers, like all drivers, can face penalties for tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle. This dangerous driving behavior increases the risk of accidents and is strictly prohibited by traffic laws.
12. Improper lane changes: Improper lane changes are illegal for anyone. They’re especially risky for truck drivers, as the equipment size and blind spots make accidents even more likely to occur.
13. Reckless driving: Along with its less severe counterpart, careless driving, poses a significant threat to road safety. Both offenses demonstrate a disregard for the well-being of others and can lead to serious accidents. 
14. Improper turns: An improper turn is another common traffic infraction that can be highly dangerous for truckers.
15. Failure to yield the right of way: Yielding the right of way is a crucial defensive driving technique that all drivers, including truckers, must master. This practice helps prevent accidents on the road.
16. Railroad grade crossing violations: Railroad crossings are a common source of fatalities for both truckers and railroad workers, and the DOT has laid out specific regulations for them. Drivers must follow these guidelines to avoid a violation.
17. Failure to obey a traffic control device: This covers traffic lights, stop signs, and any other device designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely.
18. Failed drug test: Truckers must submit to a drug test before employment, then once per year thereafter. They are also tested after most accidents. Failing a drug test is a severe DOT violation.
19. Exceeding Hours of Service: Truckers are subject to HOS regulations that specify maximum driving hours and minimum break times. Driving longer than HOS limits is a critical DOT violation.
20. DOT inspection violations: Vehicle inspections are a vital part of DOT compliance to help ensure equipment is safe and operable. Truck drivers must complete a pre-trip and post-trip inspection themselves, as well as a quick inspection every 24 hours during a trip. In addition, roadside inspections by government authorities may occur, especially at weigh stations.
21. Conditional or unsatisfactory DOT audit: DOT audits happen within the first 18 months (usually the first six months) of a new carrier or owner-operator starting up. They can also occur randomly or when a trucking company has questionable CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores. If the audit discovers violations that result in a conditional or unsatisfactory rating, the company will likely receive a fine or other penalties.

What are the fines for DOT violations?

As you might suspect, the fines for DOT violations vary dramatically depending on the type and severity of the violation. The charges typically amount to several thousands of dollars, and fines for serious violations can rise into the tens of thousands of dollars. For a serious violation that results in an accident, the charge could be well over $100,000. It’s much less expensive and time consuming, as well as far easier, for drivers and carriers to simply comply with all regulations.

How to clear a DOT violation

There are different processes for addressing various types of DOT violations. No matter what type of violation it is, though, addressing it as soon as possible is the first step. Drivers and carriers may be entitled to challenge the violation, but for those who know they are guilty, it’s generally better to resolve it.

• The process for inspection-type violations, such as truck issues or missing documentation, generally involves paying the fine and producing proof of compliance.
• For drug or alcohol violations, there is a seven-step “return to work” procedure that must be precisely followed.
• Frequent DOT violations should be addressed promptly to avoid further complications and maintain good standing.

DOT violations typically remain on the driver’s or carrier’s record for three to five years, depending on the violation. If the violation is challenged and adjudicated “not guilty,” the violation will be removed.

How freight brokers can check DOT compliance

While DOT compliance doesn’t directly affect freight brokers, it’s nonetheless important for them to regularly check to see if their transportation partners have incurred violations. Brokers can check a transportation company’s public safety information and DOT violations through the FMCSA website. The best freight brokers do everything possible to ensure that all the carriers on their list are in compliance.

Simplify and speed up carrier safety and compliance monitoring.

Don’t let carrier compliance stress you out. Truckstop’s carrier monitoring service automates the process, alerting you to any risk factors and helping to ensure your carriers stay compliant. We monitor for changes, provide instant alerts, and offer easy CSA score checks. Plus, our database helps you find new, reliable carriers. Protect your business and your reputation. Call us or book a demo today.