Violation code

391.11B4-DEN

Driver operating a CMV without proper endorsements or in violation of restrictions.

Driver Fitness8Non-OOS· SMS Appendix A v3.20

391.11B4-DEN is a License-related: High violation under 49 CFR §391.11B4-DEN. It falls in the Driver Fitness BASIC with a severity weight of 8/10. Nationally it was cited 16,405 times in the last five years, with an OOS rate of 97.5%.

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National roadside inspection stats

as of 9/20/2026

Inspections

16,322

that found this code

Violations

16,405

total written

OOS rate

97.5%

15,991 OOS

Source: FMCSA roadside inspection data (last 5 years). The OOS rate is the share of these violations that led the officer to mark the driver or vehicle out of service.

Violation group: License-related: High
Regulation §: 391.11B4-DEN
Severity weight: 8
Used in SMS: Yes
Status: Active
Updated: 9/20/2026

Last updated September 2026

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Notes

DSMS: Y | Comment: Added in 3.11 | Footnote: Violation added in Version 3.11 of the methodology and included with the September 25, 2020 snapshot.

What 391.11B4-DEN means — and how to avoid it

In plain English

In plain terms, 391.11B4-DEN is cited for driver operating a CMV without proper endorsements or in violation of restrictions. It falls under the FMCSA rules on driver qualifications.

What the inspector checks

•Valid CDL of the right class with required endorsements
•Current medical examiner’s certificate
•Driver not disqualified and carrying required documents

How to prevent it

✓Track CDL, medical card, and endorsement expirations ahead of time
✓Keep the DQ file complete and the medical card on the driver
✓Renew before, not on, the expiration date

How it affects your CSA

up to 24 pts (fresh)

Severity 8/10. A fresh citation counts at the 3× time weight — up to 24 points toward the Driver Fitness BASIC — then tapers to 2× after 6 months and 1× after a year, dropping off the score at 24 months.

General guidance from the violation’s FMCSA classification — not legal advice, and not a substitute for the inspector’s findings or 49 CFR.

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Challenging 391.11B4-DEN through FMCSA DataQs

If this violation was written incorrectly, here are the angles trucking-safety managers use to contest it. Playbook: Driver Fitness.

Common ways to challenge this code

Medical certificate was valid and on file
A valid medical examiner's certificate was in the driver's qualification file and was either not produced at roadside or not properly recognized.
Evidence that wins
- ✓Copy of the valid medical examiner's certificate
- ✓Driver qualification file index
- ✓National Registry verification printout
CDL class / endorsement was correct for the operation
The driver's CDL class and endorsements were correct for the vehicle and cargo being operated.
Evidence that wins
- ✓Copy of the valid CDL with endorsements
- ✓Vehicle registration showing GVWR/configuration
- ✓Bill of lading or shipping papers showing cargo

Common pitfalls — avoid these

⚠A medical certificate that expired the DAY of inspection still fails — there is no grace period

⚡ Draft a challenge for 391.11B4-DEN →Read the DataQs guide first

More codes in Driver Fitness

Same BASIC category — ranked by national citation volume

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Codes under the same FMCSA violation group

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Frequently asked questions about 391.11B4-DEN

What does violation 391.11B4-DEN mean?

391.11B4-DEN is the FMCSA roadside-inspection violation code for "Driver operating a CMV without proper endorsements or in violation of restrictions.", part of the License-related: High group, cited under 49 CFR §391.11B4-DEN.

What BASIC does 391.11B4-DEN affect?

391.11B4-DEN falls under the Driver Fitness BASIC in the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS).

What is the CSA severity weight of 391.11B4-DEN?

391.11B4-DEN carries a severity weight of 8 out of 10. Higher weights indicate violations more closely tied to crash risk, and they count more toward a carrier's Driver Fitness score.

Is 391.11B4-DEN an out-of-service (OOS) violation?

No. 391.11B4-DEN is not an out-of-service violation, so on its own it does not trigger an out-of-service order at the roadside.

How many CSA points does 391.11B4-DEN add to a carrier's score?

The point contribution of 391.11B4-DEN depends on its severity weight (8/10) multiplied by a time weight of 3, 2, or 1 based on how recent the inspection is. You can calculate the exact contribution with the CSA points calculator.

How can a driver prevent 391.11B4-DEN?

Track CDL, medical card, and endorsement expirations ahead of time; Keep the DQ file complete and the medical card on the driver; Renew before, not on, the expiration date.

Can 391.11B4-DEN be challenged through DataQs?

Yes. If you believe 391.11B4-DEN was recorded in error, you can file a Request for Data Review (RDR) through the FMCSA DataQs system with supporting evidence. A successful challenge can remove or correct the violation on your record.

Keep going

CSA points calculator How to challenge a violation Draft a DataQs letter for 391.11B4-DEN Driver Fitness BASIC Carrier CSA lookup CSA glossary

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