Direct answers on 172.203P citations, out-of-service risk, and what happens next. Based on 13M inspection records.
Ranks #2,427 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.0% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
No Non-odorized entry for LPG
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Across all our inspection records, code 172.203P has never resulted in an out-of-service order—the OOS rate is 0.0%. Of the 2 citations issued all-time, both trucks remained in service. That said, the national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes is 31.4%, so this violation sits well below the enforcement severity threshold for immediate vehicle removal.
172.203P is among the least-cited hazmat violations. Our database shows only 2 all-time citations—making it rank #2651 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes. Compare that to peer violations in the same category: general loading/unloading hazmat (177.834A-HMC) has 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate, and placarding violations (177.817(a)) have 2,274 citations with 75.1% OOS rate. The 0.0% OOS rate for 172.203P indicates inspectors view this as a documentation or labeling issue, not an immediate safety emergency.
In the last 180 days, our records show 1 citation in Texas. That represents the only state with a recorded 172.203P violation in that period. No other states appear in the enforcement data, suggesting this is either a rare infraction or concentrated in specific carrier operations. Texas accounted for 100% of recent enforcement volume.
First, verify the citation details match your actual cargo and odorization status—documentation errors happen. Second, contact your company's hazmat compliance officer or carrier safety team immediately; this is a regulatory documentation issue that affects your company's record. Third, preserve any loading records, tank certification documents, and supplier odorization confirmations from the time of inspection. Fourth, review whether the LPG entry point or supplier records need correction before your next load. Most peer violations in this category (like 172.602(c)(1)) involve document accessibility, so having proof-of-compliance paperwork ready is critical.
This is one of the rarest FMCSR violations. Our 13M inspection database shows only 1 citation in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. The extremely low volume suggests either the violation is uncommon in practice or operators have largely achieved compliance. While the enforcement rate is minimal, non-odorized LPG is a federal hazmat requirement—treat this as a documentation and supply-chain verification issue rather than an emergency equipment repair.
Yes, you can file a DataQs challenge through the FMCSA's Record Dispute Resolution process if you believe the citation is factually incorrect or you have documentation proving compliance. Since 172.203P is about LPG entry odorization status—a supply or documentation issue—your best defense is proof that the LPG was properly odorized per federal standard at the time of inspection. Gather supplier certifications, tank odorization records, and purchase documentation. DataQs requires specific evidence; general disputes without supporting documents rarely succeed.
Our all-time records show 2 carriers with 172.203P citations: Coastal Transport Co Inc (USDOT 36647) and California Gas Transport Inc (USDOT 589266), each with 1 citation. This pattern suggests the violation occurs sporadically across different carrier operations rather than being systemic to any single fleet. If you operate for either of these carriers, confirm your LPG sourcing and odorization verification procedures align with current DOT requirements.
FMCSR 172.203P mandates that non-odorized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) entries meet federal odorization standards—meaning LPG cannot be transported without an approved odorant unless specifically exempted by regulation. Inspectors check whether your LPG shipment has the required odor additive present in the tank or documented in the cargo paperwork. This is a prevention-focused rule designed to detect leaks by smell. The citation typically stems from missing supplier documentation or incorrect cargo entry classification rather than actual absence of odor in the product.
Where 172.203P is most commonly cited (last 180 days)
Other violations commonly found on the same inspection (last 90 days)
TruckCodex aggregates official public-sector datasets. See the Source registry for dataset-level coverage and the Freshness log for last-import timestamps.
Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.
Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
TruckCodex is an independent aggregator; it is not affiliated with FMCSA, NHTSA, EIA, or Transport Canada. Always verify compliance-critical information directly with the originating agency.