What does FMCSA violation 393.201 mean?

Cited for cracked, broken, or sagging frame members. Structural issues are a serious buyer concern. It can result in an out-of-service order depending on severity.

Is violation 393.201 serious?

It is a frame citation that can result in an out-of-service order depending on severity. Historical violations do not prove a current defect, but they tell you exactly what to verify before buying.

Can I check if a truck's VIN has violation 393.201?

Yes — if the VIN appears in FMCSA roadside records, TruckWhere shows its violations (including codes like 393.201), out-of-service events, and the inspection timeline for that exact VIN.

DOT violations › 393.201

FMCSA Violation 393.201: Frame — cracks or defects

Cited for cracked, broken, or sagging frame members. Structural issues are a serious buyer concern.

Last updated: June 2026 · Data sources: NHTSA vPIC (live) and FMCSA public inspection records (periodic refresh).

Quick answer

FMCSA roadside violation 393.201 (frame — cracks or defects) is a frame citation that can result in an out-of-service order depending on severity. On a used truck, a past 393.201 citation does not prove a current defect — it tells you exactly what to verify before you buy. If the VIN appears in FMCSA roadside records, TruckWhere shows whether it has this or other violations.

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Is 393.201 serious?

This is a Frame violation. It can result in an out-of-service order depending on severity. An out-of-service order means the vehicle could not continue until the condition was corrected at that time — it does not prove the defect remains today.

What a buyer should ask the seller

Ask for documentation of any frame repair and whether it was done to manufacturer spec.

What a mechanic should inspect

Inspect frame rails, crossmembers, and gussets for cracks, prior welds, and corrosion.

How 393.201 appears in a TruckWhere report

In a TruckWhere DOT Buyer Report, a 393.201 citation shows up in the roadside timeline with its date, state, unit attribution, out-of-service status, and a plain-English explanation — plus a Frame entry in repeated-system detection if it occurred more than once.

Check a VIN for 393.201 →

Learn more

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Frequently asked questions

What does FMCSA violation 393.201 mean?: Cited for cracked, broken, or sagging frame members. Structural issues are a serious buyer concern. It can result in an out-of-service order depending on severity.
Is violation 393.201 serious?: It is a frame citation that can result in an out-of-service order depending on severity. Historical violations do not prove a current defect, but they tell you exactly what to verify before buying.
Can I check if a truck's VIN has violation 393.201?: Yes — if the VIN appears in FMCSA roadside records, TruckWhere shows its violations (including codes like 393.201), out-of-service events, and the inspection timeline for that exact VIN.