396.17C

396.17C Violation: No Proof of Periodic Inspection

The driver or carrier could not produce the required evidence that the commercial motor vehicle had passed a periodic inspection within the required interval.

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Plain-English answer

What does violation code 396.17C mean?

The driver or carrier could not produce the required evidence that the commercial motor vehicle had passed a periodic inspection within the required interval.

Why carriers pay attention

How 396.17C can affect a trucking safety record

This code concerns proof of compliance, not necessarily the mechanical condition of the vehicle. The distinction between no current inspection and no document available at roadside can matter when reviewing the record.

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 396.17C inspection situations

  • The inspection decal or report is missing, expired, unreadable, or unavailable to the driver.

  • A valid inspection exists, but the documentation was stored elsewhere or associated with a different unit identifier.

DataQ review

When a 396.17C 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

  • A valid periodic inspection was completed before the roadside inspection.
  • The inspector associated the document with the wrong VIN, plate, trailer, or power unit.
  • The record should use a documentation-specific code rather than a no-inspection code.

Evidence to collect

  • The signed periodic inspection report
  • Decal photographs showing the inspection date and unit
  • VIN, plate, and fleet-unit records connecting the document to the vehicle
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

396.17C violation FAQ

What does a 396.17C violation mean?

The driver or carrier could not produce the required evidence that the commercial motor vehicle had passed a periodic inspection within the required interval.

Which FMCSA SMS BASIC is associated with 396.17C?

Code 396.17C 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 396.17C 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 396.17C finding was wrong.

What evidence helps review a 396.17C violation?

Useful evidence may include the signed periodic inspection report, decal photographs showing the inspection date and unit, vin, plate, and fleet-unit records connecting the document to the vehicle. The best evidence is tied to the cited vehicle, driver, location, and inspection time.

Keep reviewing

Related DOT violation codes

View all violation guides
396.3A1Inspection, Repair, and MaintenanceInspection and maintenance393.9Inoperable Required LampLighting393.75A3Flat Tire or Audible Air LeakTires and wheels393.75CTire Tread Depth Below 2/32 InchTires and wheels

Source references: 49 CFR 396.17 and FMCSA roadside inspection data. This guide is general information and does not guarantee a DataQs outcome or replace legal advice.