How to Prevent CSA Violations from Lighting Failures
If you manage a fleet or oversee maintenance, lighting violations are more than just a nuisance—they’re a direct hit to your CSA score and your bottom line. These failures are among the most common citations in DOT inspections, and they’re 100% avoidable with the right wiring setup.
The Situation: Why It Happens So Often
During a roadside stop or weigh station inspection, DOT officers are trained to walk around the truck and trailer, checking every single light. If one is out, flickering, or visibly damaged, it’s a violation. They don’t ask questions or offer grace periods.
Common culprits include:
- Corroded connections from water intrusion and road salt
- Pinched or frayed wires due to poor routing or repairs
- Low-quality connectors that loosen or degrade over time
- Inconsistent grounding that leads to flickering or non-working lights
One light out is all it takes to trigger a violation, a fine, and a delay your operation can’t afford.
What This Means for Your Operation
One bad connection can cost you:
- ❌ Failed Inspection – A single non-working light can ground your trailer, leading to unplanned downtime and missed delivery windows.
- 💸 Fines and Citations – Lighting violations bring immediate financial penalties that eat into your margins.
- ⏱️ Delayed Deliveries – Pulled trailers stall shipments, damage customer trust, and create scheduling headaches.
- 📉 Drop in CSA Score – Every violation drags down your safety rating, putting future contracts and partnerships at risk.
- 📈 Higher Insurance Premiums – A lower CSA score signals higher risk to insurers—meaning you’ll pay more to stay covered.
- 🚨 Increased DOT Scrutiny – Repeat violations put your fleet under the microscope, resulting in more stops and longer inspections.
And your driver? They’re stuck waiting—while the clock (and the cost) keeps ticking.
The Solution: Sealed, Modular Harness Systems
Peterson builds advanced wiring and lighting systems to eliminate the failures inspectors are trained to catch. These aren’t just upgrades—they’re investments in uptime and compliance.
PetersonPULSE® – Our most advanced smart trailer solution—engineered for fleets that demand real-time visibility and proactive performance:
- Continuous monitoring of lights, brakes, tires, cargo temp, and more
- Real-time alerts via Bluetooth (driver) and cellular (fleet manager)
- Built on SAE J1939 CAN-Bus with Maxi-Seal® and Lumen X® LED integration
- Desktop and mobile apps for inspections, alerts, and repair scheduling
- lps reduce downtime, prevent CSA violations, and protect every load
Defender® Harness System – Our toughest, most advanced wiring solution. Ideal for extreme-duty fleets
- 10-year warranty against defects and corrosion
- Dual isolated grounding eliminates flickering and failures
- Heavy-duty terminals and advanced silicone seals
- Modular design for easy repairs and faster diagnostics
PetersonPATRIOT® Harness System – A durable, all-purpose solution that balances rugged performance and affordability
- 5-year warranty against defects and corrosion
- Integrated Moisture Barrier (IMB™) and modular design
- Sealed ring terminals and silicone seals for long life
- Improved bullet connectors and J560 plug
Maxi-Seal® Harness System – Custom-engineered for fleets across the light-, medium-, and heavy-duty markets
- Over 25 years of field-proven performance
- Improved breakout and connector design
- Manufactured to exact customer specs
- Available with IMB™, modular layout, and sealed components
Don’t Let Wiring Be Your Weak Link
Peterson’s sealed wiring systems are designed to eliminate the most common causes of lighting failure—before they cost you time, money, or your CSA standing.
If you manage compliance, operations, or maintenance, making the switch to a better harness system could be the smartest move you make this year.
👉 Talk to a Peterson Representative Today
Peterson Manufacturing Company
Founded in 1945, Peterson Manufacturing Company is a world-leading innovator in the design, engineering and manufacturing of a complete line of commercial vehicle/trailer safety lighting and harness systems. With headquarters in the greater Kansas City area, Peterson is a privately held company. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Peterson Manufacturing is a key subsidiary of Peterson Corporation, five highly specialized companies and nearly 700 associates working in global transportation-related industries. For more information, visit PMLights.com.