Is violation 393.48 serious?

It is a brakes citation that frequently results in an out-of-service order. 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 393.48?

Yes — if the VIN appears in FMCSA roadside records, TruckWhere shows its violations (including codes like 393.48), out-of-service events, and the inspection timeline for that exact VIN.

DOT violations › 393.48

FMCSA Violation 393.48: Inoperative or defective brakes

Cited when one or more brakes are inoperative or defective. Directly affects stopping performance.

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

Quick answer

FMCSA roadside violation 393.48 (inoperative or defective brakes) is a brakes citation that frequently results in an out-of-service order. On a used truck, a past 393.48 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 393.48 serious?

This is a Brakes violation. It frequently results in an out-of-service order. 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 which brakes were affected and what was replaced or repaired.

What a mechanic should inspect

Verify each wheel-end brake functions and holds; inspect chambers, slack adjusters, and S-cams.

How 393.48 appears in a TruckWhere report

In a TruckWhere DOT Buyer Report, a 393.48 citation shows up in the roadside timeline with its date, state, unit attribution, out-of-service status, and a plain-English explanation — plus a Brakes entry in repeated-system detection if it occurred more than once.

Check a VIN for 393.48 →

Related brakes violations

393.47 — Brakes out of adjustment / inadequate for safe stopping 393.45 — Brake tubing and hose — leaks or damage

Learn more

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Frequently asked questions

What does FMCSA violation 393.48 mean?: Cited when one or more brakes are inoperative or defective. Directly affects stopping performance. It frequently results in an out-of-service order.
Is violation 393.48 serious?: It is a brakes citation that frequently results in an out-of-service order. 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 393.48?: Yes — if the VIN appears in FMCSA roadside records, TruckWhere shows its violations (including codes like 393.48), out-of-service events, and the inspection timeline for that exact VIN.