Violation code

391.15(a)

Driving a CMV while disqualified

Driver Fitness8Non-OOS· SMS Appendix A v3.20

391.15(a) is a License-related: High violation under 49 CFR §391.15(a). It falls in the Driver Fitness BASIC with a severity weight of 8/10. Nationally it was cited 38 times in the last five years, with an OOS rate of 94.7%.

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National roadside inspection stats

as of 6/20/2026

Inspections

that found this code

Violations

total written

OOS rate

94.7%

36 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 §: 391.15(a)
Severity weight: 8
Used in SMS: Yes
Status: Active
Updated: 6/20/2026

Last updated June 2026

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Notes

DSMS: Y

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Challenging 391.15(a) 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 391.15(a) →Read the DataQs guide first

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Codes under the same FMCSA violation group

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Frequently asked questions about 391.15(a)

What does violation 391.15(a) mean?

391.15(a) is the FMCSA roadside-inspection violation code for "Driving a CMV while disqualified", part of the License-related: High group, cited under 49 CFR §391.15(a).

What BASIC does 391.15(a) affect?

391.15(a) falls under the Driver Fitness BASIC in the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS).

What is the CSA severity weight of 391.15(a)?

391.15(a) 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 391.15(a) an out-of-service (OOS) violation?

No. 391.15(a) 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 391.15(a) add to a carrier's score?

The point contribution of 391.15(a) 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 391.15(a) be challenged through DataQs?

Yes. If you believe 391.15(a) 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 391.15(a)Driver Fitness BASIC Carrier CSA lookup CSA glossary