Skip to Content
CSA - Compliance, Safety, Accountability
Skip Navigation LinksHome > Frequently Asked Questions
Filter Options (clear)

Frequently Asked Questions

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are questions and answers about Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compiled to assist the public. As questions come in through the website, FMCSA adds them to the database along with their answers. If you do not see your question or topic addressed, please contact us by submitting a feedback form. We will respond to you directly and consider your question for inclusion in the FAQs.

The FAQ area has recently been enhanced. Users can now search FAQs by stakeholder group, topics (displayed on the left side of the page), or by entering a keyword below. Choosing “Show All” will display the entire collection of FAQs.

Search Results (reset search)
  1. How can commercial motor vehicle carriers successfully navigate Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)? Answer

    Check, update, and review your records:

    • Ensure that your motor carrier census form (MCS-150) is up-to-date and accurate.
    • Monitor and review your Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) percentile ranks as well as inspection and crash data in the Safety Measurement System (SMS) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Portal.
    • Maintain copies of inspection reports and evidence related to any observed violations, and request a review of any potentially incorrect data using DataQs.

    Ensure compliance:

    • Review your inspection and violation history for the past two years. Identify patterns, trends, and areas that need improvement and begin to address them now.
    • Examine your business processes to determine how they may be contributing to any safety compliance deficiencies.
    • Take steps to increase your drivers' awareness that inspections are more important than ever, that all violations count, not just out-of-service violations, and that their performance directly impacts their driving records and the safety assessment of their employing carrier.

    Visit the CSA Website:

    • FMCSA regularly updates materials on the CSA Website. There, you will find explanations, answers to questions, tips, and guidance.
    • You can sign up for the email subscription service or RSS feed to receive the most up-to-date information.
    • You can also submit questions and review Frequently Asked Questions.
    • Be sure to review the materials about SMS and the new BASICs, understanding the new SMS is an important step in preparing for CSA.
    (link)