Final answer:
Abstracts, accident reports, and violations must generally be kept for 3 years, as required by FMCSA regulations, although retention periods may vary by specific details and jurisdiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the retention period for various types of records, specifically abstracts, accident reports, and violations. These documents are critical in the realms of business compliance, legal affairs, and transportation. In general, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that motor carriers keep accident reports and records of violations for a minimum of 3 years. Abstracts, which could refer to summaries of driving records, are also commonly retained for the same period. However, it is crucial to understand that retention requirements might vary based on industry, jurisdiction, and the specific type of document.