How to Improve Your CSA Score: Proven Strategies to Avoid FMCSA Violations

The Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is more than just a safety measurement system—it plays a crucial role in shaping your company's operational reputation. Your CSA score affects everything from insurance premiums and customer trust to the likelihood of being selected for inspections or audits. A poor score signals potential safety risks, putting your fleet under increased scrutiny.

It can lead to penalties, restricted operations, or even loss of contracts. Maintaining a low CSA score isn't just about avoiding violations—it's about protecting your business, ensuring regulatory compliance, and demonstrating a commitment to safe, responsible fleet management across the board.

In this guide, we’ll break down what affects your CSA score, how it’s calculated, and most importantly, proven steps your fleet can take today to reduce it and stay compliant.

What is a CSA Score and Why Does It Matter

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores are FMCSA’s method of identifying high-risk carriers. These scores are based on roadside inspection and crash data, including violations reported during inspections.

The lower your score, the better. High scores may:

• Trigger FMCSA audits
• Increase insurance premiums
• Result in DOT interventions
• Harm your brand reputation and customer trust

The 7 BASICs That Affect Your CSA Score

Your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score plays a critical role in determining your safety reputation with the FMCSA. It’s based on seven key areas called BASICs, which track behaviors and violations. Understanding each of these categories can help you maintain compliance and avoid costly penalties.

1. Unsafe Driving

Unsafe driving reflects risky behaviors behind the wheel that threaten road safety. FMCSA tracks violations that indicate a driver is operating a vehicle recklessly or carelessly.

Examples of violations:

• Speeding
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Improper lane changes or turns
• Using a handheld mobile phone while driving
• Failure to obey traffic signals

2. Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance

Hours-of-Service regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue by limiting driving time. Carriers and drivers must ensure accurate logging and adherence to rest requirements.

Examples of violations:

• Driving beyond maximum daily or weekly hours
• Falsifying logbooks
• Incomplete or missing records of duty status
• Not using an ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
• Failing to take required rest breaks

3. Driver Fitness

Driver fitness focuses on whether a driver is medically and legally qualified to operate a commercial vehicle. It also checks that licenses and documentation are up to date.

Examples of violations:

• Operating without a valid CDL
• Expired or missing medical certificate
• Inadequate driver training
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Not meeting physical qualification standards

4. Controlled Substances/Alcohol

The FMCSA strictly enforces policies regarding drug and alcohol use. This BASIC addresses violations that involve operating a CMV under the influence or refusing testing.

Examples of violations:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Possession of illegal drugs or alcohol in a CMV
• Positive drug or alcohol test results
• Refusing to submit to testing
• Using drugs or alcohol within prohibited timeframes

5. Vehicle Maintenance

Proper upkeep of commercial vehicles is essential for safety and compliance. This category includes mechanical issues identified during inspections or reported by drivers.

Examples of violations:

• Faulty or inoperative brakes
• Worn or damaged tires
• Broken or non-functioning lights
• Windshield wiper failures
• Oil, fuel, or fluid leaks
• Missing or damaged emergency equipment
• Failure to correct reported defects

6. Hazardous Materials (HM) Compliance

For carriers transporting hazardous materials, strict rules apply to handling, documentation, and vehicle readiness. Violations here pose serious safety and environmental risks.

Examples of violations:

• Improper or missing placards
• Incorrect or incomplete shipping papers
• Insecure load of hazardous materials
• Failure to follow packaging requirements
• Lack of emergency response information
• Transporting unauthorized hazardous materials

7. Crash Indicator

Crash history impacts your CSA score through DOT-recordable incidents that reflect overall fleet safety. This includes reportable crashes, regardless of fault, that may signal ongoing safety issues.

Examples of incidents that affect this BASIC:

• DOT-recordable crashes (injuries, fatalities, or towed vehicles)
• Frequent rear-end collisions
• High number of at-fault accidents
• Crashes involving hazardous materials
• Delayed or inaccurate post-crash reporting
• Repeated patterns of preventable accidents

Steps to Reduce Your CSA Score

Here are the actionable strategies to keep your CSA score in check:

1. Conduct Frequent Internal Audits

Regular internal audits help you proactively identify and fix safety and compliance gaps before they become violations. Review driver logs, vehicle inspection reports, and maintenance records to ensure alignment with FMCSA regulations. Auditing also helps uncover training needs and documentation errors. By addressing issues early, you reduce the risk of violations during roadside inspections.

Learn: Discover how DQid simplifies driver qualification compliance

2. Train Drivers on Safety and Regulations

Ongoing driver training is key to lowering your CSA score. Educate drivers on defensive driving, HOS rules, ELD usage, and company policies. Keep them informed of FMCSA regulation changes and encourage them to report safety issues. Well-informed drivers are more likely to avoid violations related to unsafe driving, driver fitness, and substance control. Make training a continuous process—not just a one-time event.

3. Monitor and Maintain Vehicles

Proper vehicle maintenance prevents breakdowns and violation points under the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC. Create a schedule for preventive maintenance and enforce daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Address issues such as brake wear, tire pressure, lighting systems, and leaks immediately. A well-maintained fleet not only reduces CSA scores but also improves operational efficiency and driver safety on the road.

Discover: Fleet Safety: A Proactive Approach to Compliance and Risk Management

4. Improve HOS and ELD Compliance

Non-compliance with Hours-of-Service rules is a major contributor to CSA violations. Train drivers to use ELDs correctly and ensure they understand rest break rules, driving limits, and documentation requirements. Regularly audit logs for inconsistencies or signs of tampering. Supporting drivers with automated alerts and real-time monitoring tools can help reduce HOS-related violations and maintain regulatory compliance.

5. Keep DQ Files Updated and Organized

Incomplete or outdated Driver Qualification (DQ) files can hurt your Driver Fitness BASIC score. Stay on top of expiration dates for CDLs, medical cards, and endorsements. Using a digital system simplifies tracking, alerts you to renewals, and ensures all documents are securely stored and easily accessible during audits. Organization and accessibility are critical for compliance.

Check out DQid’s DQ File Management Platform for an easier way to stay organized and audit-ready.

6. Challenge Incorrect Violations

Not all violations are accurate. If your company receives incorrect citations or inspection reports, use the FMCSA’s DataQs system to file a formal challenge. Provide evidence such as maintenance records, training logs, or inspection photos to support your case. Challenging unjust violations can significantly reduce your CSA score and protect your safety reputation.

Bonus Tips for Long-Term CSA Score Health

Maintaining a low CSA score isn’t a one-time task—it requires ongoing effort, monitoring, and a culture built around safety. Small actions, when done consistently, can prevent major violations. These bonus tips are designed to help you stay ahead of compliance issues and improve operational efficiency over time. Think of them as proactive habits that protect your fleet and reputation.

1. Analyze Violation and Inspection Trends

Regularly review inspection reports to identify recurring issues and high-risk areas before they escalate.

2. Benchmark Against Industry Standards

Compare your safety performance with national and industry averages to set realistic improvement goals.

3. Track Driver Performance with Scorecards

Driver scorecards promote accountability and help identify training needs based on measurable performance metrics.

4. Provide Continuous Safety Training

Reinforce safety procedures and regulatory updates through regular, interactive training sessions.

5. Recognize and Reward Safe Drivers

Acknowledge drivers with clean records or improved performance to motivate safe driving habits.

6. Promote a Fleet-Wide Safety Culture

Encourage open communication, proactive reporting of safety concerns, and shared responsibility across your team.

How DQid Helps You Stay Off FMCSA’s Radar

DQid does more than simplify compliance—it keeps you ahead of it. Built around FMCSA regulations, the platform gives your team the tools to manage safety, documentation, and driver qualification with ease.

From automated alerts to centralized records and digital onboarding, DQid helps you stay audit-ready at all times. It’s a proactive solution that reduces risk, saves time, and supports a culture of ongoing compliance and accountability. With the help of DQid, you can:

✅ Automatically track document expirations and alert you in advance

✅ Generate audit-ready Driver Qualification Files

✅ Centralize all your driver and safety records in one dashboard

✅ Ensure every hire meets FMCSA standards with digital onboarding

Get Started with DQid Now or explore how we help carriers stay compliant.

Conclusion

Reducing your CSA score isn’t about taking shortcuts—it’s about embedding safety, compliance, and accountability into your day-to-day operations. When you consistently follow best practices and equip your team with the right tools, you can proactively manage risk, avoid FMCSA penalties, and improve overall efficiency. A strong safety record doesn’t just protect your business—it builds trust with clients, improves driver performance, and positions your fleet as a reliable, responsible, and well-managed operation in a competitive industry.

Take the first step toward effortless compliance today.

👉 Book a Demo with DQid and see how simple compliance can be.