FMCSR 171.2(e) Citations: What Drivers Need to Know

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 171.2(e) has a 0.0% out-of-service rate. The one citation on record resulted in a non-OOS finding. This code is not OOS-eligible under FMCSA rules, so even if cited, your truck stays in service. Compare this to the national average: 31.4% of all FMCSR violations result in OOS orders, so 171.2(e) is significantly more forgiving.

First, request a copy of the inspection report from the officer or your carrier within 24 hours. Document the conditions and circumstances of the citation. Second, review the specific requirement you're cited for—get clarity from your carrier or a compliance professional. Third, take corrective action immediately if it's a documentation or operational issue. Finally, consider whether to contest through DataQs if you believe the finding is factually incorrect. Don't ignore it; act within 10 days.

171.2(e) is among the least-cited codes in the FMCSA database: ranked #2,796 out of 3,036 codes by citation volume, with only 1 all-time citation in our records. Peer codes in the same regulatory family show vastly higher enforcement: 376.11(d)(1) has 6,383 citations, and 999 has 4,802. Your violation is exceptionally rare, indicating either narrow applicability or strong driver/carrier compliance in this area.

Yes, you can contest through the FMCSA's DataQs (Crash and Roadside Data Quality System). DataQs allows drivers and carriers to challenge factual errors in roadside inspection records—such as incorrect vehicle information, misidentified violations, or inaccurate OOS determinations. Submit your challenge within 90 days of the inspection. You'll need to provide supporting documentation. Success depends on the strength of your evidence that the citation was recorded in error.

Our database shows only 1 all-time citation for 171.2(e), recorded for a vehicle operated by C & S CARRIERS INC (USDOT 1341623). With so minimal enforcement volume, we cannot reliably identify top states. This extremely low citation count reflects either very narrow applicability of the regulation or exceptional compliance nationwide. If you're concerned about state-specific enforcement, contact your carrier's compliance team.

Low urgency from an OOS standpoint—the 0.0% out-of-service rate means no immediate operational shutdown risk. However, do not procrastinate. Violations on your record accumulate toward CSA safety ratings and can affect future inspections or insurance. Address the specific requirement within 30 days and document your corrective action. Since this code is rarely cited, inspect your practices to understand why you triggered it—that insight will prevent repeat findings.

FMCSR 171.2(e) addresses requirements under the hazardous materials transportation rules. The regulation focuses on compliance with specific documentation, labeling, or operational procedures for hazmat shipments. Inspectors check your manifest accuracy, package marking, placard compliance, and shipper declarations. If cited, the officer will detail which element was non-compliant. Review the exact citation language in your inspection report to understand precisely what corrective action is needed.

171.2(e) is significantly less-enforced than related hazmat codes. Peer codes like 107.620(b) have 2,120 all-time citations and 376.11(d)(1) has 6,383. With only 1 citation in our 13 million+ record database, 171.2(e) is either narrowly scoped or subject to very strong industry compliance. If you drive hazmat, focus prevention effort on the higher-volume codes. That said, any hazmat citation is serious—hazmat violations carry elevated CSA penalties and insurance scrutiny.