FMCSR 172.300(a) Citations: What Drivers Need to Know

No. Across 13 million inspection records, 172.300(a) citations have never resulted in an out-of-service order. Our database shows a 0.0% OOS rate for this violation—all 37 all-time citations were issued as non-OOS violations. Compare this to the national FMCSR average of 31.4% OOS rate, and you'll see 172.300(a) is handled far more leniently than most hazmat-related codes. You can continue operating after the citation is issued.

172.300(a) is among the least-cited hazmat violations in the FMCSR system. Our inspection records show only 37 all-time citations, ranking it #1717 of 3,036 codes nationwide. By contrast, similar hazmat loading/unloading violations (177.834A-HMC) carry a 99.2% OOS rate and 3,954 citations. Placarding violations (177.817(a)) have a 97.9% OOS rate. The fact that 172.300(a) has zero OOS placements and extremely low citation volume indicates inspectors treat it as a lower-severity infraction within the hazmat category.

First, document the citation details: date, inspection location, and inspector name. Second, review the specific violation narrative on the inspection report—it will explain exactly what requirement was cited. Third, contact your carrier's safety manager or compliance team to file a response. Fourth, consider requesting DataQs (FMCSA's data quality system) if you believe the citation was issued in error or if the evidence doesn't match the violation. Since this is a non-OOS citation, you have time to respond thoroughly rather than making emergency repairs.

This violation is extremely rare. Our database shows zero citations in the last 90 days and zero in the last 12 months, despite the 37 all-time citations on record. This suggests 172.300(a) is either no longer actively enforced, or the underlying compliance issue has largely disappeared from the fleet population. The trend indicates low ongoing enforcement risk for most carriers.

International QtXpress LLC (USDOT 3227015) has the highest citation count at 14 violations. Transportes Arlequin SA de CV (USDOT 1879622) follows with 7 citations. After that, the distribution flattens sharply: Alfredo Zuniga and Easy Carrier LLC each have 3, and eight other carriers have 1 citation each. The concentration in a small number of carriers suggests 172.300(a) may be linked to specific operational practices or hazmat commodities rather than being a universal fleet issue.

Yes. DataQs is the FMCSA's challenge system for roadside inspection records. If you believe the citation was issued incorrectly—such as if the inspector misidentified the violation, misread your documentation, or the finding contradicts the actual regulatory requirement—you can file a DataQs request. Because 172.300(a) citations are documentation or procedural violations rather than equipment failures, your dispute should focus on whether the inspector correctly verified the condition cited. Gather your hazmat shipping papers, training records, and any compliance documentation to support your challenge.

Freightliner and Kenworth are tied for the most citations, with 8 each across the database. Peterbilt follows with 7. Gallegos (6), Carmex (5), and International (5) round out the top six. These are mostly standard heavy-duty tractor models, suggesting the violation is not specific to any particular vehicle design or manufacturer. The spread across common OEM platforms indicates 172.300(a) relates to how cargo is managed rather than vehicle-specific equipment.