What Drivers and Carriers Need to Know
Out-of-service (OOS) violations continue to impact carriers across the country, leading to costly downtime. In 2025, the average driver OOS rate reached 12.68%, while the vehicle OOS rate climbed to 29.13%. This shows that both driver qualifications and equipment condition remain top enforcement priorities.
Top Driver Violations
The most common driver-related out-of-service violations include:
Hours of Service violations top the list. False logs and missing records remain significant red flags during inspections. Proper and accurate recordkeeping is critical, not only for compliance, but also for protecting drivers and carriers during audits and roadside inspections.
Driver qualification issues are also a major factor. Operating without a valid CDL or a current medical certificate immediately places a driver out of service, resulting in preventable downtime.
Top Vehicle-Related Out-of-Service Violations
Vehicle maintenance continues to account for most OOS findings. The most common violations not directly related to driver qualifications include:
Truck maintenance remains one of the biggest areas of concern. Many of these violations are preventable through consistent pre-trip inspections and timely repairs.
Fewer violations mean less downtime, more miles, and more money in your pocket. Proactive compliance, accurate logging, proper credential management, and thorough vehicle inspections can dramatically reduce OOS risk.
ICSA encourages members to review internal compliance procedures, verify driver qualification files, and reinforce the importance of accurate Hours of Service reporting and daily inspections.
Staying prepared isn’t just about avoiding violations, it’s about keeping trucks moving safely and profitably.
In March, ICSA’s executive director Shawn Nelson was privileged to attend the annual conference for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). Truckload 2026 was packed with information that ICSA is committed to bringing back to its members.
Safety is a priority not just because it prevents accidents; it also helps make a carrier profitable. Every smart decision behind the wheel can save lives and reduces costs.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a Final Rule, effective March 16, 2026, on non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses – CDLs held by foreign-domiciled truck drivers operating in the U.S.