Violation code393.95

§393.95

Missing or defective emergency equipment

49 CFR §393.95

At a glance

Severity
1
OOS eligible
No
BASIC category
Vehicle Maintenance
Typical fine
$50–$200

Every CMV must carry a fire extinguisher, spare fuses (if used), and warning devices. Missing or expired items are an immediate roadside finding.

Section 393.95 requires every CMV to be equipped with: a fire extinguisher meeting the §393.95(a) specifications, spare fuses (if the vehicle's electrical system uses them), and warning devices for stopped vehicles per §393.95(f) — typically three reflective triangles.

Common citations

  • Fire extinguisher missing, discharged, or expired (gauge in red).
  • Fire extinguisher present but with the seal broken and no record of recharging.
  • Triangles missing or incomplete (one out of three).
  • Spare fuses not present in fuse-equipped vehicles.

How to prevent it

  • Pre-trip inspection includes the emergency equipment compartment.
  • Check the extinguisher gauge monthly and after any heavy vibration event.
  • Replace any missing or expired equipment immediately — not "next stop."
  • Log the inspection on the DVIR.

How Roadworthy HQ helps

DVIRs in Roadworthy HQ explicitly include the §393.95 emergency equipment items. Missing equipment generates a vehicle-level defect that must be cleared before the vehicle is marked roadworthy.

Related violations

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Roadside findings link to the driver and vehicle, with corrective action documented and surfaced in the audit binder.

Not legal advice · CFR is the authoritative source · SMS Appendix A publishes current severity weights