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FMCSA Violation Code

391.11B2 — Driver does not have proper CDL class for vehicle

49 CFR 391 • Driver Fitness BASIC • Severity 8/10

Out-of-service eligible Driver citation CSA weight 8
OUT-OF-SERVICE eligible
Code
391.11B2
CFR section
49 CFR 391
BASIC
Driver Fitness
Severity
8/10
Out-of-Service
Yes
Unit type
Driver

What this violation means

Driver's CDL class doesn't match the truck being driven. Most common pattern: Class B driver operating a Class A combination, or a Class C driver operating any straight truck over 26,001 lb. 8 SMS points, OOS-eligible. On a second occurrence within 3 years, this is a CDL disqualifying violation.

How often this is cited (last 24 months)

In the last 24 months, 391.11B2 was cited 1,233 times at roadside inspections against 1,032 carriers, and 13.2% of those citations were out-of-service violations. It ranks #43 among the violation codes in our records by citation count. Most recent citation on record: Aug 9, 2026.

Why this gets cited

Carrier dispatching the wrong driver to a load (Class B driver to a tractor-trailer). Driver upgraded their CDL but state DMV record hasn't synced. Driver downgraded (medical) and didn't realize the limitation.

How to fix / prevent

Check CDL class against equipment at dispatch. PSP pre-employment screening shows CDL class. State DMV check at hire and renewal. Don't dispatch on what the driver says — verify with the physical license.

Out-of-service criteria

Yes — this violation IS out-of-service eligible. When an inspector finds 391.11B2 during a Level 1, 2, or 3 inspection, they can place the Driver OOS using the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. OOS means the truck cannot move from the inspection site until the defect is corrected (vehicle OOS) or the driver is replaced (driver OOS). For carriers, every OOS violation adds time-weighted points to your CSA Driver Fitness BASIC — and it shows in the public SMS data within 30 days. For drivers, an OOS event stays on PSP for 3 years.

CSA / SMS impact

391.11B2 carries a severity weight of 8/10 in FMCSA's Safety Measurement System (SMS). Higher weights mean faster CSA percentile movement. Combined with a time-weighting factor (3× for citations within the last 6 months, decaying over 24 months), this violation can move your Driver Fitness BASIC percentile significantly if it stacks with similar citations across your fleet. The threshold for FMCSA intervention is the 65th percentile for most BASICs (50th for Hazmat and Passenger Carrier). Once you cross that, FMCSA can send a Warning Letter, Off-Site Investigation, or full Compliance Review.

How to read this: a single citation rarely puts you over threshold — it's the pattern. Track your inspection rate per power unit and aim for OOS rate under 5% (industry average is 21%).

Carriers recently cited (last 24 months)

Carriers most-recently cited for 391.11B2 in FMCSA inspection records (rolling 24-month window).

  • GFT EXPRESS LLC
    DOT #4225562 • last cited 2025-03-06
    8×
  • GARCIA AYALA TRUCKING LLC
    DOT #3968418 • last cited 2026-03-19
    7×
  • AUTOTRANSPORTES VARELA DAVILA SA DE CV
    DOT #1716824 • last cited 2025-06-24
    6×
  • MEROEM AUTO TRANSPORTATION LLC
    DOT #4277057 • last cited 2025-02-14
    6×
  • D & Q CHICAGO INC
    DOT #3086306 • last cited 2025-12-05
    5×
  • NORTH CAROLINA HARVESTING LLC
    DOT #3450745 • last cited 2025-05-26
    5×
  • JUAN CARLOS RAMOS
    DOT #3639352 • last cited 2025-04-25
    5×
  • CORRAL TRANSPORTATION INC
    DOT #3085347 • last cited 2026-02-23
    4×
  • FJ CARRIER LOGISTICS LLC
    DOT #3162922 • last cited 2025-10-08
    4×
  • TNSERVICEINC
    DOT #2369882 • last cited 2025-07-12
    4×
Other violations in Driver Fitness
383.51OOS
Driving while CDL disqualified
383.71OOS
Operating with falsified CDL application
383.23A2OOS
Operating CMV without CDL
383.93OOS
CDL lacks required endorsement
391.41AOOS
Driver lacking required medical certificate
391.41B1OOS
Driver does not meet physical qualifications
391.45AOOS
Operating without a medical exam (no Med Card on file)
391.45BOOS
Operating after Med Card expiration

Related

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be placed out of service for 391.11B2?
Yes. 391.11B2 is on the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria list. An inspector who finds this during a Level 1, 2, or 3 inspection can place the Driver OOS at the inspection site. The truck cannot move until the defect is corrected. For vehicle-side OOS, that usually means a mobile mechanic or tow to the nearest shop. For driver-side OOS (HOS, CDL, drug/alcohol), it means the driver is removed from service and a qualified replacement must arrive before the truck can continue. Pro tip: do a thorough pre-trip every shift and address any issue listed in 49 CFR 391 before pulling onto the road — that's the only reliable way to avoid this one.
How long does 391.11B2 affect my CSA score?
391.11B2 stays in your CSA Driver Fitness BASIC for <strong>24 months</strong> from the inspection date. The impact is time-weighted: 3× points during months 0-6, 2× during months 7-12, 1× during months 13-24, then it drops off. Severity weight is 8/10, so each citation contributes 24 points in the first 6 months and decays from there. On the driver's PSP report, the same citation stays visible for <strong>36 months</strong> — and a 5-year history of driver violations is available to motor carriers performing a hire review. If the citation is later dismissed in court (DataQs challenge succeeds, or the underlying ticket is dropped), the SMS record can be removed via FMCSA's DataQs portal — but you have to actively file the challenge.
What's the difference between 391.11B2 and similar codes?
391.11B2 is in the 8-code group sharing the same BASIC. The closest siblings are: <strong>383.51</strong> (Driving while CDL disqualified); <strong>383.71</strong> (Operating with falsified CDL application); <strong>383.23A2</strong> (Operating CMV without CDL). Inspectors often cite multiple sibling codes from the same inspection — for example, a tire condition violation can simultaneously trigger codes for tread depth, sidewall, and inflation pressure. When you get cited under one sibling, check the report for the others before signing — they all count separately against CSA scoring.
How often is 391.11B2 cited?
In the last 24 months, 391.11B2 was cited 1,233 times at roadside inspections against 1,032 carriers, and 13.2% of those citations were out-of-service violations. It ranks #43 among the violation codes in our records by citation count. Most recent citation on record: Aug 9, 2026.

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