Direct answers about 172.203B citations: out-of-service risk, next steps, and how this hazmat violation compares to similar codes.
Ranks #2,428 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.0% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Limited quantity not shown
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. A 172.203B citation does not result in an out-of-service order. Across our inspection records, this code has never triggered an OOS placement—the OOS rate is 0.0%, compared to a 31.4% national average across all FMCSR codes. You can continue operating once cited, though you must address the underlying hazmat documentation issue.
172.203B is significantly less severe than related hazmat placarding and loading violations. For comparison, general loading/unloading hazmat violations (177.834A-HMC) carry a 99.2% OOS rate with 3,954 citations, while placarding violations (177.817(a)) result in OOS 97.9% of the time. 172.203B enforcement is rare—only 5 all-time citations in our database—and never results in OOS placement.
No. This violation ranks #2406 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. Our inspection records show only 5 all-time citations and just 2 citations in the last 12 months. There were zero citations in the last 90 days. This is one of the rarest hazmat documentation violations inspectors cite, indicating either strict carrier compliance or infrequent inspection focus.
Yes. You can contest any FMCSR citation through the DataQs (Crash and Roadside Data Query System) process if you believe the inspection finding is factually incorrect. For a 172.203B violation—a documentation issue—challenge the citation if the limited quantity was actually marked, records were misread, or the shipment didn't require limited quantity notation under DOT rules. Gather your shipping papers, manifests, and photographic evidence before submission.
Texas is the only state with recorded 172.203B citations in our last 180 days of data—1 citation with a 0.0% OOS rate. The rarity of enforcement across states suggests this violation is either caught sporadically during hazmat-focused inspections or reflects inconsistent inspector training on limited quantity documentation standards.
Our inspection records show Central Transport LLC (USDOT 661173) has received 3 citations for 172.203B, the highest count. J B Hunt Transport Inc (USDOT 80806) and AutoZone Texas LLC (USDOT 288323) each have 1 citation. None resulted in out-of-service placement. Fleet size and hazmat shipping volume likely influence exposure to this documentation violation.
While this violation won't ground your truck, it does appear on your safety record and contributes to your carrier's CSA profile under the Hazardous Materials BASIC category. However, the 0.0% OOS rate and extremely low enforcement volume (2 citations in 12 months) mean it carries minimal compliance weight compared to serious hazmat violations like placarding failures or improper loading, which carry 75–99% OOS rates.
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Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
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