393.75A3

393.75A3 Violation: Flat Tire or Audible Air Leak

A tire was recorded as flat or leaking enough for escaping air to be heard during the roadside inspection.

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Plain-English answer

What does violation code 393.75A3 mean?

A tire was recorded as flat or leaking enough for escaping air to be heard during the roadside inspection.

Why carriers pay attention

How 393.75A3 can affect a trucking safety record

Flat and actively leaking tires are frequent out-of-service conditions. A successful review generally requires evidence addressing the tire’s condition at the inspection—not only proof that it was repaired afterward.

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 393.75A3 inspection situations

  • A puncture, valve leak, bead leak, or damaged tire produces an audible loss of air.

  • The report attributes the condition to the wrong axle, wheel position, trailer, or unit.

DataQ review

When a 393.75A3 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 tire position or vehicle unit is factually incorrect.
  • Pressure readings and contemporaneous inspection evidence contradict the reported condition.
  • The defect arose after the inspected condition was documented or involves a different tire.

Evidence to collect

  • Roadside tire-pressure readings and time-stamped photographs
  • Tire-service invoice identifying unit, axle, and wheel position
  • Dash, yard, or inspection video captured near the inspection time
Compliance expert review

Not sure whether 393.75A3 belongs on your record?

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

393.75A3 violation FAQ

What does a 393.75A3 violation mean?

A tire was recorded as flat or leaking enough for escaping air to be heard during the roadside inspection.

Which FMCSA SMS BASIC is associated with 393.75A3?

Code 393.75A3 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 393.75A3 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 393.75A3 finding was wrong.

What evidence helps review a 393.75A3 violation?

Useful evidence may include roadside tire-pressure readings and time-stamped photographs, tire-service invoice identifying unit, axle, and wheel position, dash, yard, or inspection video captured near the inspection time. The best evidence is tied to the cited vehicle, driver, location, and inspection time.

Keep reviewing

Related DOT violation codes

View all violation guides
393.75CTire Tread Depth Below 2/32 InchTires and wheels393.75BFront Tire Tread Below 4/32 InchTires and wheels393.9Inoperable Required LampLighting396.17CNo Proof of Periodic InspectionInspection and maintenance

Source references: 49 CFR 393.75 and FMCSA roadside inspection data. This guide is general information and does not guarantee a DataQs outcome or replace legal advice.