CSA scores are an important and critical aspect of a successful carrier. If a driver manages them well, the scores help them get access to not only preferred loads but also reduced insurance rates. However, if a driver fails to manage them well, the carrier’s CSA scores could hit them with things like an out of service order.
Keep reading if you’re new to commercial driving and interested in learning the CSA’s point breakdown for violations.
What is CSA’s Point Breakdown for Violations?
Regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA, commercial vehicles and the CSA program is used to ensure that carrier companies and their drivers comply with safety standards. According to Safety Measurement System of FMCSA, violations are considered as a severity weight that FMCSA assesses when a violation occurs.
Typically, FMCSA includes seven BASICs categories in CSA program;
- Unsafe Driving
- Crash Indicator
- Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Controlled Substances/Alcohol
- Hazardous Materials (HM) Compliance
- Driver Fitness
Also, there is a critical sub-category of violations in each BASIC category. Their values creates flags automatically against a carrier in text message.
Here is a brief breakdown of CSA point violations.
Common Violations in the Categories
Unsafe Driving
10-Point Violations
- Using a mobile (hand-held) device when operating a CMV – : 392.82(a)(1)
- Local and State Laws : Speeding 15 mph or more –:392.2-SLLS4
- Local and State Laws – Speeding in construction zones :– 392.2-SLLSWZ
7-Point Violations
- Not using a seat belt when operating a CMV: – 392.16
- Local and State Laws – Speeding 11-14 mph – 392.2-SLLS3
5-Point Violations
- Not obeying a traffic control gadget : 392.2C
- Following cars too close: – 392.2FC
- Improper or quick lane change : 2LC
4-Point Violations
- Local /State Laws: Speed driving more than 6-10 mph: 392.2-SLLS2
Hours of Service
10-Point Violations
- Operating a commercial vehicle while ill– 392.3
7-Point Violations
- Local and State hours of service (HOS) rules : 392.2H
- False report – a record of duty status – 395.8(e)
- 11 hour rule breach : 395.3A1R
- 14 hour rule breach : 395.3A2R
5-Point Violations
- No duty status record : 395.8(a)
- Duty status record (not current) : 395.8(f)(1)
1-Point Violations
- Issues in ELD recording : 395.26B
Vehicle Maintenance
10-Point Violations
- Operating or driving an out-of-service car : 396.9(c)(2)
8-Point Violations
- Fabric exposed or Flat tire : 393.75(a)
6-Point Violations
- Inoperative turn on signal : 393.9TS
- Inoperable lamp tail : 393.9T
Driver Fitness
10-Point Violations
- Operating or driving a commercial vehicle with a fake medical certificate: 390.35B-MED
8-Point Violations
- Operating a commercial vehicle without endorsement: 391.11B5-DEN
4-Point Violations
- The driver is unable to speak or read the English language proficiently to respond to any official inquiries : 391.11(b)(2)
1-Point Violations
- Driving without medical certificate : 391.41(a)
- Hazardous Material Compliance
Hazardous Materials Compliance
10-Point Violations
- Failure to fulfill package requirements : 173.24(b)
- Unsanctioned packaging from the Hazardous Materials Regulations : 173.24(c)
- Package not safe in vehicle : 177.834(a)
Summing Up
In conclusion, to run a safe and compliant business carrier companies or trucking services must know what CSA points are and how they can improve or maintain them.
Links
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/what-do-csa-point-values-mean-to-me-1361543
https://cdllegal.com/what-is-your-csa-score-a-breakdown/