FMCSR 172.301(b) — Hazmat Marking Defects: Q&A

No. Across our 46 all-time citations for this code, not a single truck was placed out of service. The 0.0% out-of-service rate means this violation does not trigger an immediate OOS order, even though the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%. You will be cited, but your vehicle will remain in-service.

This violation carries a CSA severity weight of 5 points. Under the FMCSA 30-day point multiplier system, points accrued in a rolling 30-day period stack to calculate your carrier's BASIC score. A single citation adds 5 points immediately; the impact on overall CSA score depends on your carrier's violation history and other concurrent citations during that period.

Immediate steps:

1. Inspect all packages and freight containers for missing, faded, or incorrect hazmat markings
2. Document current condition with photos before any remediation
3. Correct all visible marking defects — reapply or replace markings per 49 CFR 172.300 standards
4. Request an inspection report from the officer to confirm exact findings
5. Report to your fleet/safety manager immediately if you're a driver
6. Retain all documentation of corrective action for DataQs contestation if needed

Since no OOS order is typical, you can usually comply within 24–48 hours before the citation becomes enforceable.

Moderately serious, but far less severe than related codes. Our inspection records show 177.834A (general loading/unloading hazmat) cited 3,954 times with a 99.2% out-of-service rate, and 177.817(a) (placarding violation) cited 2,274 times with 75.1% OOS rate. By contrast, 172.301(b) has only 46 citations and 0.0% OOS rate, ranking #1663 of 3,036 FMCSR codes. This is a marking defect, not a loading or placement violation — lower enforcement priority.

Yes, you can challenge this citation via the DataQs Roadside Inspection Record (RDR) dispute system. Hazmat marking citations are typically contestable on grounds of:

• Factual accuracy — if marking was actually compliant or reapplied before citation
• Documentation error — if the inspection report misidentifies the violation
• Photo/objective evidence — if you have proof markings met 49 CFR standards

File within 90 days of citation through your carrier's DataQs account. FMCSA reviews photographic evidence and operator statements.

This violation is rarely cited in recent months. Our database shows zero citations for 172.301(b) in the last 90 days and zero in the last 12 months. All 46 citations on record are historical. This suggests the code is either very low-frequency or enforcement focus has shifted to related placarding codes (172.502, 172.516, 177.817) which see hundreds of citations annually.

Across our 13 million inspection records, five carriers account for the majority: ALVIN S RUIZ (2 citations), LAWRENCE TRACTOR CO INC (2 citations), BEI CONSTRUCTION INC (2 citations), RANCHO TREE SERVICE (2 citations), and COCHRAN CHEMICAL COMPANY INC (1 citation). No single carrier dominates. The remaining citations are distributed across smaller operators and owner-operators.

Both. The violation appears in your carrier's CSA BASIC scores (Hazardous Materials Compliance), affecting the company's safety rating and potential interventions. It also flags in the driver's record if you were operating the vehicle. However, since the 0.0% OOS rate shows this is not treated as an immediate safety threat, the impact on your personal hiring record is typically minimal compared to moving violations or major equipment failures.