Operational Policy 15 - Spare Fuses

Motor carriers are being issued warnings and/or citations in an unnecessary compound excessive manner for not being in compliance of 393.95(b) – Emergency equipment on all power units, Spare fuses.

• This inspection item is inconsistently enforced as some enforcement officials lack the understanding to determine which, if any, fuses are necessary. Because relays and resettable fuses are more common than conventional fuses in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), drivers and motor carriers can be cited for not having spares – despite the fact that some trucks do not require them. Additionally, there are multiple junction circuit boxes installed throughout a power unit where inspectors, knowingly or unknowingly, ignore. The problem is so pervasive that some fleets fill plastic sandwich bags with random fuses and tie them to their truck’s in-cab fuse panel to pass visual inspection. • Truck drivers are trained not to interfere with a vehicle’s electronics. Although many drivers check that fuses are present during the pre-trip inspection, most do not know which components need spare fuses and which do not. Often, fuse panels are located underneath plates, dash panels, or protective under-hood covers that require the removal of fasteners to access. CMV drivers are frequently restricted from modifying or accessing the truck’s electrical system. Accessing these compartments could even violate company rules regarding equipment tampering – even if drivers know spare fuses are available. Truck manufacturers and fleets are also concerned about fires from replacing fuses without diagnosing the reason for the fuse. If a truck is in need of a fuse replacement, and it is away from the shop, road service is can be dispatched for technicians to diagnose and repair known electrical issues. Last, it is not known how a blown fuse is disruptive to vehicle or traffic safety while the truck is in operation. • Fleets report that officers find them in violation of 393.95(b) in times of driver confrontation and/or officer dictation. Trucks that nearly pass roadside inspection and leave with only a violation to 393.95(b) suggest either a driver confrontation with the officer or “worth the officer’s time” enforcement misconduct for going through the effort.

Remove the enforcement inspection item for 393.95(b).