FMCSR 172.204: Emergency Response Phone Number Missing

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, code 172.204 has never resulted in an out-of-service placement—the OOS rate is 0.0%. This violation is recordable and carries CSA weight, but it does not trigger immediate roadside removal. However, you still need to correct the shipping papers before your next haul, as the citation stays on your record.

Code 172.204 carries a CSA severity weight of 5 points per citation. The violation falls under the Hazardous Materials Basic category. Your point total depends on how many violations occur within your 30-day rolling window—if you receive multiple citations in one month, points accumulate. Check your FMCSA Safety Management System (SMS) profile to see your current total and trending.

1. Stop using the current shipping papers – do not haul hazmat with documents missing the emergency response number.
2. Get corrected papers – contact your shipper or carrier to reissue with the emergency contact phone number included.
3. Document the correction – keep proof that you obtained compliant papers for your records.
4. File the citation – record the violation in your compliance file for future reference.
5. Review all hazmat docs – before accepting any hazmat load, verify the emergency contact is legible and present.

In the Hazardous Materials category, 172.204 is among the least serious. Our records show that similar violations like general loading/unloading hazmat (177.834A-HMC) carry a 99.2% out-of-service rate with 3,954 citations, while placarding violations (177.817(a)) have a 75.1% OOS rate across 2,274 citations. By contrast, 172.204 has triggered zero out-of-service placements in our database. Documentation-level hazmat violations are typically lower-risk than equipment or operational hazmat infractions.

Yes. The DataQs (Data Quality) system allows you to contest roadside inspection records. Since 172.204 is a documentation violation—the absence of a phone number on a shipping paper—you can submit a challenge if you believe the inspector misread the documents or the number was actually present but illegible. You have the right to request the inspection report, photos, and supporting evidence. However, if the emergency number truly was missing, the citation will likely stand. Consult your carrier's compliance team to decide whether contesting is worthwhile.

No enforcement trend. Across our 13 million inspection records, code 172.204 has never been cited in the last 90 days, the last 12 months, or all-time. Zero citations in any period means this violation is extremely rare in the roadside inspection population. If you received one, it may reflect enhanced hazmat enforcement at your location or a stricter inspector, but the violation is not common nationally.

Both. The violation appears on your carrier's Safety Management System (SMS) profile under the Hazardous Materials Basic category, which affects the company's safety rating and CSA scores. It also impacts your individual driver record within your carrier's internal tracking. The citation is tied to the vehicle and shipment, so your fleet's hazmat compliance profile is the primary focus for regulatory purposes. However, your driving history will reflect that you were cited, which can influence your safety score within the company.

Under FMCSR 172.204, every hazmat shipping paper must include a telephone number for emergency response contact—typically the shipper's emergency hotline or a certified emergency response number. This number allows emergency responders or transport personnel to reach someone who understands the specific hazmat being shipped in case of accident, spill, or fire. If the shipping paper you were handed lacked this contact number, or if the number was illegible or incomplete, the violation applies. Correct it by obtaining reissued papers from the shipper before your next load.