Emergency Equipment: The Small Items That Cause Big Fines

Missing a $25 fire extinguisher shouldn't cost you a fine and a black mark on your CSA. But it does. Emergency equipment violations are frustrating because they're so easy to prevent — yet they show up on inspections all the time.

What Every CMV Must Carry (§393.95)

• Fire extinguisher — Minimum 5 B:C rating (or two 4 B:C). Must be securely mounted, accessible, fully charged, and inspected. The gauge must be in the green.
• Warning devices — Three bidirectional reflective triangles. No substitutes allowed (flares are not a substitute unless you also have the triangles).
• Spare fuses — If the vehicle uses fuses, carry spares for each type/size used. Vehicles with circuit breakers instead of fuses are exempt from this one.

Common Violations

• Fire extinguisher discharged or expired — Check the gauge monthly. Get it serviced annually.
• Missing warning triangles — They get lost, broken, or "borrowed." Keep a complete set in a dedicated spot on every truck.
• Fire extinguisher not securely mounted — Rolling around the cab floor doesn't count as "mounted."

Pre-Trip Check

Add emergency equipment to your pre-trip checklist. Takes 15 seconds: fire extinguisher gauge in the green? Check. Three triangles in the case? Check. Fuses present? Check. Done.

Cost of replacement: $20-$40. Cost of the violation: $200+ plus CSA points. The math does itself.