Violation code

396.3A1-TM

Tires - Not for Highway User used on Steering Axle

Vehicle Maintenance8Non-OOS· SMS Appendix A v3.20

396.3A1-TM is a Tires violation under 49 CFR §396.3A1-TM. It falls in the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC with a severity weight of 8/10. Nationally it was cited 10 times in the last five years, with an OOS rate of 90.0%.

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National roadside inspection stats

as of 6/20/2026

Inspections

that found this code

Violations

total written

OOS rate

90.0%

9 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: Tires
Regulation §: 396.3A1-TM
Severity weight: 8
Used in SMS: Yes
Status: Active
Updated: 6/20/2026

Last updated June 2026

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Notes

DSMS: Y | Comment: Added in 3.11 | Footnote: This violation was added to SMS with the September 25, 2020 snapshot.

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Challenging 396.3A1-TM through FMCSA DataQs

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

Relevant 49 CFR49 CFR § 396.3

Inspection, repair, and maintenance

“Every motor carrier and intermodal equipment provider must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles and intermodal equipment subject to its control.”

Common ways to challenge this code

Tread measurement disputed
The tread depth measurement was taken at a worn point that is not representative, contrary to NHTSA/FMCSA measurement standards.
Evidence that wins
- ✓Independent tread gauge reading from same tire (multiple positions)
- ✓Photograph of the tire with a reference scale
Inflation context — recent stop or temperature
The under-inflation reading was taken immediately after a long-distance high-temperature run or before warm-up, not at the FMCSA standard measurement state.
Evidence that wins
- ✓Tire-pressure-monitoring system log (TPMS)
- ✓Service receipt showing inflation at start of trip

Common pitfalls — avoid these

⚠Inflation readings can't be challenged with a re-inflation done after the stop — must show original-state evidence

⚡ Draft a challenge for 396.3A1-TM →Read the DataQs guide first

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Frequently asked questions about 396.3A1-TM

What does violation 396.3A1-TM mean?

396.3A1-TM is the FMCSA roadside-inspection violation code for "Tires - Not for Highway User used on Steering Axle", part of the Tires group, cited under 49 CFR §396.3A1-TM.

What BASIC does 396.3A1-TM affect?

396.3A1-TM falls under the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC in the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS).

What is the CSA severity weight of 396.3A1-TM?

396.3A1-TM 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 Vehicle Maintenance score.

Is 396.3A1-TM an out-of-service (OOS) violation?

No. 396.3A1-TM 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 396.3A1-TM add to a carrier's score?

The point contribution of 396.3A1-TM 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.

Can 396.3A1-TM be challenged through DataQs?

Yes. If you believe 396.3A1-TM 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 396.3A1-TM Vehicle Maintenance BASIC Carrier CSA lookup CSA glossary