FMCSR 172.203H2: LPG Tank Labeling Citations Explained

No. Across all our inspection records, 172.203H2 citations have never resulted in an out-of-service order—the OOS rate is 0.0%. All 3 citations on record were issued without placing the vehicle out of service. That said, this is much more lenient than the FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, so the enforcement pattern suggests this violation is typically addressed through citation and compliance notice rather than immediate roadside removal.

1. Document everything. Write down the inspector's name, inspection number, and the specific tank(s) cited.
2. Review your LPG tank markings immediately. Verify that all required CORROSIVE/NONCORROSIVE designations and NOT FOR Q and T Tank labels are correct and legible.
3. Contact your carrier's compliance team. They'll determine whether this is a labeling fix (can often be done at your next stop) or requires tank service.
4. Check for other citations. Our data shows this violation sometimes appears with driver fatigue violations, so ensure you're well-rested for future inspections.
5. Keep the citation and all corrective documentation for your records and future audits.

172.203H2 is relatively minor in the hazmat enforcement spectrum. Our inspection database shows that general loading and unloading hazmat violations (177.834A-HMC and 177.834(a)) result in out-of-service orders 99.2% and 97.9% of the time respectively. Placard violations (177.817(a)) are out-of-service 75.1% of the time. By contrast, 172.203H2 has a 0.0% OOS rate, indicating inspectors view labeling documentation issues as correctable compliance gaps rather than immediate safety hazards.

Yes, you can submit a DataQs Request for a Record Review (RDR) if you believe the citation is inaccurate. The DataQs process is designed for exactly this scenario: when inspection findings are incorrectly recorded or don't match what actually occurred. Since 172.203H2 is a documentation and labeling violation (not a vehicle defect), contestation typically hinges on whether the required markings and labels were actually present and legible at the time of inspection. Gather photos, tank certification records, and any evidence that proper labeling existed.

Our inspection records show Texas accounts for the enforcement volume we track for this code—1 citation in the last 180 days with a 0.0% OOS rate. Nationally, 172.203H2 is ranked #2551 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation frequency, meaning it's a rare violation. Only 1 citation has been issued in the last 90 days across the entire database, and all 3 all-time citations were issued to Midstream Transportation Company (USDOT 2497677).

Medium urgency. Since the OOS rate is 0.0%, you won't be pulled off the road, but you must correct the violation before your next inspection. Our 90-day trend data shows only 1 citation issued recently, indicating this isn't being enforced heavily right now—but that can change. The fix itself is usually quick: verify or replace the CORROSIVE/NONCORROSIVE designation and NOT FOR Q and T Tank labels on your LPG tank. Work with your carrier to schedule this correction within 7–10 days.

172.203H2 citations are issued when a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank is missing the required CORROSIVE/NONCORROSIVE marking or the NOT FOR Q and T Tanks label. These markings are part of hazmat placarding and labeling regulations, ensuring emergency responders and other drivers know the contents and restrictions of the cargo tank. An inspector issues this citation when the tank itself lacks these designations—not a placard on the vehicle, but the actual tank marking. It's a documentation compliance issue, not a safety defect.

This violation typically attaches to the carrier and vehicle rather than the driver directly, since it concerns equipment labeling and hazmat documentation compliance. However, FMCSA's CSA program tracks both driver and carrier safety records across multiple categories, so a citation may appear on your motor carrier's record and influence their Insurance, Crash, and Inspection ratings. If you were operating the vehicle at the time of inspection, request your carrier verify that the citation record properly identifies the responsible party and equipment.