FMCSR 172.203(e) Citations: What Drivers Need to Know

No. Across our inspection records, 172.203(e) citations have resulted in zero out-of-service placements. All 3 all-time citations on this code were issued without OOS orders. Compare this to the national average OOS rate of 31.4% across all FMCSR codes—172.203(e) is substantially less severe in enforcement practice. However, the absence of OOS history does not guarantee future citations won't result in OOS; enforcement depends on the specific facts of each inspection.

172.203(e) is among the least-enforced hazmat codes. Our database shows only 3 all-time citations, ranking it #2551 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by volume. Peer hazmat codes in the same category are far more frequently cited and carry higher OOS rates: general loading/unloading violations (177.834A-HMC) have 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate, and placarding violations (177.817(a)) have 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate. The rarity of 172.203(e) enforcement suggests it addresses a narrower compliance gap.

First, request a copy of the full inspection report from the state that issued the citation. Review the specific finding to understand what triggered it. Second, document the condition or practice cited—take photos, note dates, and preserve any relevant records (training logs, maintenance records, shipping documents). Third, if you believe the citation is factually incorrect or based on misinterpretation, you have the right to contest it through the DataQs Rebuttal Dispute Resolution process within 45 days. Contact your carrier's safety or compliance team immediately if you drive for a fleet.

Yes, you can dispute through DataQs if the citation is factually inaccurate. The FMCSA's Rebuttal Dispute Resolution (RDR) process allows you to challenge violations within 45 days by submitting evidence that contradicts the inspection finding. Document-based violations (training records, shipping papers, manifest entries) are often easier to contest than equipment defects. Gather written evidence, submit it through the DataQs portal, and FMCSA will review. Success depends on the strength of your documentation, not on the rarity of the violation.

Our records show three carriers with citations on this code: AEGIS Chemical Solutions LLC (USDOT 2362381) with 1 citation, Basin Chemical Solutions LLC (USDOT 2883586) with 1 citation, and Keystone Chemical LLC (USDOT 2916602) with 1 citation. Given only 3 total citations in our 13 million+ inspection database, this code is extremely rare. No single carrier dominates the enforcement pattern, suggesting the violation does not cluster among specific operators.

The number of CSA points depends on the severity weight assigned by FMCSA to this specific code and whether it occurs in a rolling 12-month or 24-month window. We do not have the severity weight for 172.203(e) in our database. For the most accurate answer, check your SafetyNet CSA record after the citation is entered, or contact your carrier's compliance team. FMCSA assigns points based on violation severity, and these aggregate into five BASIC categories. The points from any single citation will appear in your CSA profile within 30 days of inspection.

It remains extremely rare. Our inspection records show zero citations in the last 90 days and zero in the last 12 months, despite covering millions of roadside inspections nationwide. The 3 all-time citations in our database represent the only enforcement activity we can track. This suggests the violation addresses a highly specific hazmat packaging or documentation requirement that is either very rarely encountered or strictly complied with across the industry.

172.203(e) falls under the Hazardous Materials category of FMCSR requirements. The code addresses specific packaging, labeling, or documentation obligations for hazardous shipments. While we cannot reproduce the full regulatory text, the low citation rate (3 all-time) and zero OOS placements suggest it targets a narrow, compliance-heavy requirement—likely documentation or marking—rather than a visible equipment defect. If cited, your inspection report will detail the specific packaging, label, or record that did not comply. Review that finding against the exact regulation and the regulation's federal guidance for clarification.