FMCSR 171.2(g): Cargo Tank Compliance — Driver FAQ

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 171.2(g) citations resulted in out-of-service placement only 2.8% of the time (1 out of 36 all-time citations). This is significantly lower than the national average OOS rate of 31.4% across all FMCSR codes. Most drivers cited for cargo tank packaging non-compliance remain in service while they arrange repairs or documentation corrections.

171.2(g) is among the least-cited hazmat violations in our database—ranked #1727 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by enforcement volume. Over all time, we see only 36 citations nationwide. For comparison, the similar code 171.2(k) (misrepresenting hazmat presence) has 155 citations, and 171.2K-HMGRMC has 255. The 2.8% OOS rate here is lower than related codes like 171.2(a) at 3.4%, indicating inspectors typically treat these as documentation or minor equipment issues rather than imminent safety failures.

1. Document the citation details (inspection report, inspector badge number, date, location).
2. Contact your cargo tank manufacturer or maintenance provider to confirm current DOT/HM packaging specification compliance.
3. Request a written compliance assessment—focus on whether the tank meets current Hazardous Materials Regulations standards.
4. Retain records showing corrective action (repairs, recertification, or documentation proving compliance).
5. If the citation appears factual error (tank already compliant), prepare for DataQs challenge within 30 days of the roadside inspection.

Yes, you can file a DataQs (Roadside Data Quality) challenge if you believe the citation was issued in error. Because 171.2(g) involves equipment specification compliance, you can contest it if: (1) your cargo tank documentation proves it meets Hazardous Materials Regulations at the time of inspection, or (2) the inspector misidentified your tank model or configuration. Submit your challenge through FMCSA's DataQs system within 30 days of the inspection. Include manufacturer certifications and DOT compliance records as evidence.

Our records show zero citations for 171.2(g) in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. This code is extremely rare in active enforcement—the 36 all-time citations span many years and are concentrated among a small number of carriers, primarily those operating cargo tankers for hazmat transport in border and refrigerated transport sectors.

Across our database, TOKKO CARRIERS DE MEXICO SA DE CV and CALIFORNIA GAS TRANSPORT INC each have 5 citations—the highest count. SUTECO TRANSPORT LLC follows with 4. These three carriers account for roughly 25% of all 171.2(g) citations in our 13 million inspection records. If you work for a carrier with multiple citations, your company may need a hazmat tank qualification audit to prevent repeat findings.

Freightliner units appear in 10 citations and Polar Manufacturing trailers in 8—the highest counts in our data. Kenworth and International each show 7 citations. However, because 171.2(g) citations total only 36 all-time, these numbers reflect the specific tank models and configurations inspectors encounter, not inherent defects in the chassis manufacturers. Compliance depends on the cargo tank unit itself, not the tractor brand.

Moderate urgency, but not emergency. With a 2.8% OOS rate and zero citations in the last 12 months, 171.2(g) is not an active enforcement priority. However, do not ignore it: the violation indicates your cargo tank may not meet current DOT/HM packaging standards, which could expose you to shipper liability or denial of load at hazmat carriers. Contact your tank provider within 2 weeks and document compliance before your next hazmat load.