Have You Been Placed on Out-of-Service Status?
If you have recently been placed on out-of-service status, you should know that this status prohibits you from driving a commercial vehicle. Not only that but any commercial vehicle that has been put out of service cannot be moved until the state authority lifts the restriction.
Out-of-service status is given to commercial drivers or vehicles that violate certain safety rules. These rules are set by the Secretary of Transportation to protect the public from potential dangers. But if you’ve been placed out of service, how can you get reinstated?
I’m Out-of-Service—How Do I Get Back on the Road?
If you’re a commercial driver, you want to be on the road. Every day spent out of service means lost income.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tracks public safety issues using something called a CSA score. This stands for “Compliance, Safety, and Accountability.” Although CSA scores are no longer available to the public, the FMCSA still uses them to assess drivers and vehicles. However, there isn’t a specific number of points that automatically lead to out-of-service status.
Instead, the FMCSA looks at a company’s score, investigates violations, and decides if penalties are necessary. Being placed out of service is one of the most serious consequences. When this happens, the company receives a Notice of Violation and must fix the issues before operations can resume.
How Can You Avoid or Prevent Out-of-Service Status?
The best way to prevent or reverse out-of-service status is to take action before it happens. The company must show that they are addressing the problem.
For example, if the issue is faulty lights, worn tires, or brake problems, the company should have a policy requiring drivers to inspect their vehicles before, during, and after each trip. If speeding is the issue, drivers should be trained to follow speed limits. Installing forward-facing cameras can also help—when drivers know they’re being monitored, they tend to be more careful.
What’s the Fastest Way to Get Reinstated?
To get reinstated, you need to request that the operating authority lift the restriction on the driver or vehicle. However, you must first have valid insurance and a completed BOC-3 form. You’ll also need a USDOT number or an MCS-150 form as part of the application.
If you have a PIN, you can apply for reinstatement online. Another option is to fill out the MCSA-5889 form and send it by mail or fax to the FMCSA.
This is where FCCR comes in. FCCR handles all DOT compliance requirements and takes care of the difficult paperwork for you. We can help you get back on the road faster than anyone else. You don’t have to go through this alone—FCCR is here to support you every step of the way.
Related articles: