393.11

393.11 Violation: Required Lamps and Reflective Material

Required lighting devices, conspicuity treatment, or reflective material were recorded as missing, defective, improperly placed, or otherwise noncompliant.

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Plain-English answer

What does violation code 393.11 mean?

Required lighting devices, conspicuity treatment, or reflective material were recorded as missing, defective, improperly placed, or otherwise noncompliant.

Why carriers pay attention

How 393.11 can affect a trucking safety record

Section 393.11 covers multiple vehicle types, model years, lamp positions, colors, and reflective-material configurations. Correct classification depends on the equipment and vehicle date.

FMCSA inspection data can flow into the Safety Measurement System used to organize carrier performance into Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, commonly called FMCSA SMS BASICs. The carrier should verify the inspection, the assigned BASIC, and whether the violation is included in the official calculation.

How it gets cited

Common 393.11 inspection situations

  • A required lamp, reflector, or conspicuity strip is missing or damaged.

  • The inspector applies a requirement that does not match the vehicle type or manufacture date.

DataQ review

When a 393.11 violation may deserve a closer look

A DataQ challenge should identify a specific factual or legal error in the inspection data. These are review questions—not assumptions that the violation should be removed.

Potential review angles

  • The cited device was not required for the vehicle configuration or model year.
  • The device was present, correctly located, and compliant at inspection.
  • A general 393.11 code duplicates a more specific lighting finding.

Evidence to collect

  • Full-side and rear photographs of the inspected vehicle
  • Manufacture-date label and vehicle configuration records
  • Lighting and conspicuity diagrams applicable to the vehicle type
Compliance expert review

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We'll review the violation details, identify evidence gaps, and explain whether the facts may support a DataQ challenge.

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DataQs changes in 2026

A stronger review process still requires a stronger record.

FMCSA’s 2026 DataQs overhaul adds independent review stages, decision deadlines, and more detailed explanations. Carriers still carry the burden of identifying the error and supporting the requested correction.

See the 2026 DataQs changes
Frequently asked questions

393.11 violation FAQ

What does a 393.11 violation mean?

Required lighting devices, conspicuity treatment, or reflective material were recorded as missing, defective, improperly placed, or otherwise noncompliant.

Which FMCSA SMS BASIC is associated with 393.11?

Code 393.11 is commonly associated with the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC in the FMCSA Safety Measurement System. Inclusion and weighting should be confirmed on the carrier’s official record.

Can a trucking company challenge a 393.11 violation?

A carrier may submit an FMCSA DataQs Request for Data Review when the underlying inspection data is incomplete or incorrect. A repair made after the inspection does not by itself prove the original 393.11 finding was wrong.

What evidence helps review a 393.11 violation?

Useful evidence may include full-side and rear photographs of the inspected vehicle, manufacture-date label and vehicle configuration records, lighting and conspicuity diagrams applicable to the vehicle type. The best evidence is tied to the cited vehicle, driver, location, and inspection time.

Keep reviewing

Related DOT violation codes

View all violation guides
393.9Inoperable Required LampLighting393.9BRKLAMPInoperative Brake LampsLighting396.17CNo Proof of Periodic InspectionInspection and maintenance393.75A3Flat Tire or Audible Air LeakTires and wheels

Source references: 49 CFR 393.11 and FMCSA roadside inspection data. This guide is general information and does not guarantee a DataQs outcome or replace legal advice.