# 49 CFR § 385.5: Safety fitness standard

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.5

## Section

- **Citation:** 49 CFR § 385.5
- **Heading:** Safety fitness standard
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 49—Transportation > Subtitle B—Other Regulations Relating to Transportation > CHAPTER III—FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION > SUBCHAPTER B—FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS > PART 385—SAFETY FITNESS PROCEDURES > Subpart A—General

## Text

The satisfactory safety rating is based on the degree of compliance with the safety fitness standard for motor carriers. For intrastate motor carriers subject to the hazardous materials safety permit requirements of subpart E of this part, the motor carrier must meet the equivalent State requirements. To meet the safety fitness standard, the motor carrier must demonstrate it has adequate safety management controls in place, which function effectively to ensure acceptable compliance with applicable safety requirements to reduce the risk associated with:
(a) Commercial driver's license standard violations (part 383 of this chapter),
(b) Inadequate levels of financial responsibility (part 387 of this chapter),
(c) The use of unqualified drivers (part 391 of this chapter),
(d) Improper use and driving of motor vehicles (part 392 of this chapter),
(e) Unsafe vehicles operating on the highways (part 393 of this chapter),
(f) Failure to maintain accident registers and copies of accident reports (part 390 of this chapter),
(g) The use of fatigued drivers (part 395 of this chapter),
(h) Inadequate inspection, repair, and maintenance of vehicles (part 396 of this chapter),
(i) Transportation of hazardous materials, driving and parking rule violations (part 397 of this chapter),
(j) Violation of hazardous materials regulations (parts 170-177 of this title), and
(k) Motor vehicle accidents and hazardous materials incidents.
[77 FR 28454, May 14, 2012]

## Nearby sections

- [49 CFR § 385.1 § 385.1 Purpose and scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.1.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.3 § 385.3 Definitions and acronyms.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.3.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.4 § 385.4 Matter incorporated by reference.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.4.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.5 § 385.5 Safety fitness standard.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.5.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.7 § 385.7 Factors to be considered in determining a safety rating.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.7.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.9 § 385.9 Determination of a safety rating.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.9.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.11 § 385.11 Notification of safety fitness determination.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.11.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.13 § 385.13 Unsatisfactory rated motor carriers; prohibition on transportation; ineligibility for Federal contracts.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.13.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.14 § 385.14 Motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders delinquent in paying civil penalties: prohibition on transportation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.14.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.15 § 385.15 Administrative review.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.15.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.17 § 385.17 Change to safety rating based upon corrective actions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.17.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.19 § 385.19 Safety fitness information.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.19.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.21 § 385.21 Separation of functions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.21.md)
- [49 CFR § 385.101 § 385.101 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.101.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-49-385.5. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.