What Is Out-of-Service Order in Trucking?
Also called: Out of Service, OOS, Out-of-Service Violation
An out-of-service order stops a driver or a vehicle from operating until the problem is fixed. An FMCSA special agent can order a driver out of service for hours of service violations, such as driving past the limits or not having a current log. A vehicle is marked out of service if its condition or load would likely cause an accident or breakdown.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 17, 2026
Key Points
- A driver can be ordered out of service for driving past the hours limits, or for a record of duty status that is not current for the day of the inspection and the prior 7 days (49 CFR 395.13(b))
- A driver may not drive again until it is lawful under the hours of service rules (395.13(d)). A driver put out of service for a missing log must also be off duty for the required hours
- A vehicle is marked out of service if its mechanical condition or loading would likely cause an accident or a breakdown (49 CFR 396.9(c)(1))
- No one may operate an out-of-service vehicle, even to tow it, until the repairs are done. It may be towed away with a crane or hoist (396.9(c)(2))
- No one may remove the out-of-service sticker before repairs are complete (396.9(c)(3))
- The carrier must certify the violations were corrected within 15 days and keep a copy for 12 months (396.9(d)(3))
What does out of service mean in trucking?
It means a driver may not drive, or a truck may not move, until a violation is fixed. A driver is put out of service for hours of service problems. A vehicle is put out of service for a defect or load problem that could cause a crash or breakdown. The order comes from an inspection.
When can a driver be ordered out of service?
An FMCSA special agent may order a driver out of service for two main reasons. One is driving after being on duty longer than the rules allow. The other is not having a record of duty status that is current for the day of the inspection and the prior 7 days (49 CFR 395.13(b)). A driver who is only missing the last day or two of logs gets the chance to bring them up to date. FMCSA has also said it will place drivers out of service for using a revoked ELD after the deadline.
What happens when a vehicle is put out of service?
It gets an out-of-service sticker. Nobody may operate it, even to tow it, until all repairs on the notice are done. It may be towed away with a crane or hoist. The driver gives the inspection report to the carrier at the next terminal, or sends it within 24 hours. The carrier fixes the problems, certifies that within 15 days, and keeps a copy for 12 months (49 CFR 396.9(c) and (d)).
What should a driver and carrier do after an order?
Do not move the truck or drive until you may lawfully do so. Give the paperwork to the carrier within 24 hours (49 CFR 395.13(d)(3)). The carrier must not send the driver back to work early (395.13(c)(1)). It must send its certification of action taken to FMCSA within 15 days (395.13(c)(2)).
Related Terms
Related Free Tools
DOT Audit Readiness Checklist
An interactive compliance checklist to get ready for a DOT compliance review.
Hours of Service (HOS) Tracker
Full 49 CFR Part 395 tracking. It covers the daily log, 14-hour window, 30-minute break, and the real 60/70-hour weekly rule with 34-hour restart detection.
Pre-Trip / Post-Trip DVIR Checklist
A 49 CFR 396.11 compliant Driver Vehicle Inspection Report with defect tracking.
CDL & Compliance Deadline Tracker
Track all compliance deadlines in one place with color-coded alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does out of service mean in trucking?+
It means a driver may not drive, or a vehicle may not be operated, until the violation is corrected. Drivers can be ordered out of service for hours of service violations (49 CFR 395.13), and vehicles for conditions likely to cause an accident or breakdown (49 CFR 396.9(c)).
What happens if you get put out of service?+
You may not drive until it is lawful to do so under the hours of service rules. If a log was missing, you also need the required hours off duty. A vehicle may not be moved, even towed, until repairs are done. A crane or hoist may lift it away.
Who can order a driver out of service?+
The rule authorizes every FMCSA special agent to order a driver out of service when the agent finds, at the time and place of the examination, that the driver violated the out-of-service criteria (49 CFR 395.13(a)).
Can I remove an out-of-service sticker?+
No. Nobody may remove the sticker before all repairs required by the out-of-service notice are complete (49 CFR 396.9(c)(3)).
What must a carrier do after an out-of-service order?+
Certify that the violations were corrected, within 15 days of the inspection, and keep a copy for 12 months (49 CFR 396.9(d)(3)). For a driver order, send the certification of action taken to FMCSA within 15 days (395.13(c)(2)).
More trucking terms
Want a dispatcher to handle this for you?
Grow Trucking finds loads, negotiates rates and does the paperwork for owner-operators and small fleets. Tell us about your truck and we will show you how we can help.
Also: About Grow Trucking · Refer a carrier · Trucking blog
This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.