# Got a Conditional Safety Rating? Here's the Path Back. Canonical page: https://fleetregulators.com/conditional-safety-rating-help Page type: Page Summary: How a conditional FMCSA safety rating works, how to request a rating change under 49 CFR 385.17, and how Fleet Regulators helps carriers correct and document deficiencies. --- [Home](https://fleetregulators.com/) → [Services](https://fleetregulators.com/services) → Conditional Safety Rating Help Conditional Safety Rating Help A conditional rating means FMCSA found your safety management controls are not adequate. Once the deficiencies are corrected, you can ask FMCSA to change the rating. We help you fix the problems and document the corrections. FMCSA makes the decision. [Request a Free Compliance Review →](https://fleetregulators.com/contact) Prefer to talk now? [Call (209) 639-2303](tel:2096392303). Quick Answer A conditional safety rating means FMCSA found that a motor carrier does not have adequate safety management controls in place to ensure compliance with the safety fitness standard (49 CFR 385.3). Under 49 CFR 385.17, a carrier that has corrected the deficiencies can request a rating change at any time, in writing, with evidence of its corrective actions. FMCSA decides; no consultant can guarantee an upgrade. The Basics ## What a Conditional Rating Means. Safety ratings come out of an FMCSA compliance review. FMCSA must send written notice of the rating as soon as practicable and no later than 30 days after the review, with a list of the deficiencies the carrier must correct (49 CFR 385.11). A proposed conditional rating becomes final after 45 days for carriers hauling placardable hazardous materials or passengers, and after 60 days for other carriers. A conditional rating does not by itself stop you from operating. But some brokers, shippers, and insurers review safety ratings when deciding whether to work with a carrier, so the rating can cost freight and complicate renewals while it stands. The Process ## How a Rating Change Request Works. 49 CFR 385.17 sets out the steps: 1. **Correct the deficiencies** listed in FMCSA's notice. 2. **Document the corrections.** The request must be based on evidence that you have taken corrective actions and that your operations currently meet the safety standard and factors in 49 CFR 385.5 and 385.7. It must include a written description of the corrective actions and any other documentation you want FMCSA to consider. 3. **Submit it in writing** to the FMCSA Service Center for the area where your principal place of business is located (listed in 49 CFR 390.27). You can make the request at any time. 4. **FMCSA decides** based on your documentation and any other relevant information, and notifies you in writing whether the rating is upgraded. 5. **If the request is denied,** you may request administrative review under 49 CFR 385.15 within 90 days of the denial. The rule sets FMCSA review periods only for carriers with an unsatisfactory rating, so there is no fixed timeline for a decision on a conditional rating. Two Different Routes ## Rating Change or Administrative Review? A **rating change request** (49 CFR 385.17) is for when the deficiencies were real and you have fixed them. An **administrative review** (49 CFR 385.15) is for when you believe FMCSA made an error in assigning the rating. That request explains the error, lists the factual and procedural issues in dispute with supporting documents, and must be made within 90 days of the proposed or final rating. If you are unsure which applies, talk to us or an attorney before you file. How We Help ## How Fleet Regulators Helps. - Review your FMCSA notice and the compliance review findings with you, deficiency by deficiency. - Build a [corrective action plan](https://fleetregulators.com/blog/dot-audit-corrective-action-plan-fmcsa) and fix the underlying records: [driver qualification files](https://fleetregulators.com/driver-qualification-files), [hours of service](https://fleetregulators.com/hours-of-service-compliance), maintenance records, and your [drug and alcohol program](https://fleetregulators.com/drug-alcohol-compliance). - Help you prepare the written description of corrective actions and the supporting documents for your request. - Keep the fixes in place with [ongoing monitoring](https://fleetregulators.com/fractional-safety-manager), so the same deficiencies do not return. We are an independent company, not part of FMCSA, and we cannot change your rating. You submit the request as the carrier, and FMCSA decides. We do not promise an upgrade or a timeline. If your rating is a proposed unsatisfactory rating, deadlines are much tighter: contact us or an attorney right away. See also [DOT audit help](https://fleetregulators.com/dot-audit-help). FAQ ## Common Questions. **What is a conditional safety rating?** Under 49 CFR 385.3, a conditional safety rating means FMCSA found that a motor carrier does not have adequate safety management controls in place to ensure compliance with the safety fitness standard. It usually follows a compliance review. **Can a conditional safety rating be upgraded?** Yes. Under 49 CFR 385.17, a carrier that has taken action to correct the deficiencies behind a proposed or final conditional rating may request a rating change at any time. FMCSA decides whether to upgrade the rating. **How long does FMCSA take to decide?** 49 CFR 385.17 sets FMCSA review periods of 30 or 45 days only for carriers with a proposed or final unsatisfactory rating. The rule sets no fixed review period for a conditional rating, so no one can promise a date. **Where does the rating change request go?** The request must be made in writing to the FMCSA Service Center for the geographic area of the carrier's principal place of business. The Service Centers are listed in 49 CFR 390.27. **What if I think FMCSA made a mistake?** You can request an administrative review under 49 CFR 385.15. The request explains the error, lists the factual and procedural issues in dispute, and must be made within 90 days of the proposed or final rating. **Can Fleet Regulators guarantee an upgrade?** No. Fleet Regulators is an independent company, not part of FMCSA. We help you correct the deficiencies and document the corrections; FMCSA makes the decision. Sources & Regulatory References - [49 CFR 385.3, Definitions ↗](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-385/section-385.3) - [49 CFR 385.11, Notification of safety fitness determination ↗](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-385/section-385.11) - [49 CFR 385.15, Administrative review ↗](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-385/section-385.15) - [49 CFR 385.17, Change to safety rating based upon corrective actions ↗](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-385/section-385.17) - [49 CFR 390.27, Locations of motor carrier safety service centers ↗](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-390.27) Prepared by Fleet Regulators from the regulations listed above (eCFR, read November 7, 2026). Last updated November 2026.