FMCSR 172.203(a): DOT-SP Permit Number on Shipping Papers

No, most trucks cited for this violation remain in service. Across our inspection records, 172.203(a) resulted in an out-of-service order just 1.6% of the time—well below the national average OOS rate of 31.4% across all FMCSR codes. Of the 62 all-time citations in our database, only 1 truck was placed out of service. This is a documentation violation, not an equipment failure, so you'll likely be allowed to continue operations after the citation.

This is a relatively minor hazmat violation. The 1.6% OOS rate for 172.203(a) is significantly lower than related hazmat shipping codes: general loading/unloading violations (177.834A and 177.834) carry 99.2% and 97.9% OOS rates respectively, and placarding violations (177.817(a)) reach 75.1%. Our data shows 172.203(a) ranks #1564 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. It's infrequently cited—zero citations in the last 90 days—suggesting inspectors treat it as a lower-priority documentation issue.

1. Verify the document. Review the shipping papers on the load to confirm whether the DOT-SP or special permit number was actually missing or just unclear to the inspector.
2. Request the inspection report. Get the full roadside inspection record (RDR) to see exactly what was cited.
3. Contact your carrier or shipper. Clarify whether the responsibility lies with you (driver), the carrier (documentation), or the shipper (original paperwork).
4. Correct future loads. Ensure all special permit numbers are legibly entered before accepting any hazmat shipment.
5. Keep the citation. You'll need it for any company safety record or DataQs challenge.

Your citation details will specify the severity weight assigned to your violation. The FMCSR 172.203(a) code itself does not appear in our statistics block with a published severity weight, so contact the issuing state DOT or your carrier's safety department for the exact CSA point value. However, because the OOS rate is low (1.6%), this is typically scored as a lower-severity violation compared to equipment or mechanical failures.

Yes, you can challenge it through the DataQs process if you believe the citation is factually incorrect. This violation is a documentation finding, not an equipment or driver qualification issue, so contestability depends on whether you can prove the DOT-SP or special permit number was actually present on the shipping papers at the time of inspection. You'll need the original shipping documents and the inspection report as evidence. Submit your challenge through FMCSA's DataQs portal within the required timeframe shown on your citation notice.

Our 13 million+ inspection records show only 62 all-time citations for code 172.203(a), and zero citations in the last 90 days nationally. The violation is so infrequently cited that state-level breakdowns are not reliably meaningful. This low enforcement volume suggests the violation is either difficult for inspectors to spot during roadside checks or that most carriers comply with permit number documentation. If you operate hazmat routes, focus on ensuring all paperwork is complete before dispatch rather than worrying about state-specific enforcement patterns.

Low urgency. Zero citations have been issued in the last 90 days, and the all-time enforcement volume is only 62 citations—ranking this violation #1564 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes. Your truck won't be shut down (1.6% OOS rate), and inspectors rarely flag this issue during roadside stops. However, if you're running hazmat, correct it immediately as a matter of compliance: ensure the DOT-SP or special permit number is legibly entered on every shipping paper before accepting a load. This prevents future citations and demonstrates due diligence to your carrier.

Two carriers account for the majority of all-time citations: JACS LOGISTICS INC (USDOT 3034175) and TRALO COMPANIES INC (USDOT 1158934) each received 5 citations. Several other carriers—NUCO2 SUPPLY LLC, APT TRUCKS INC, CANNONBALL TRUCKING INC, KANGAROO DREAMS LLC, and ONEH2 INC—have 2 citations each. If you drive for one of these carriers or similar hazmat specialists, pay extra attention to shipping paper preparation. The pattern suggests documentation practices vary significantly between carriers, so working with your dispatcher to use a standardized checklist can help avoid repeat violations.