FMCSR 172.308A: Citations, OOS Rate & What Happens Next

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 172.308A has never resulted in an out-of-service order. The code is not eligible for OOS placement. Of the 1 citation issued all-time in our database, 100% resulted in a non-OOS citation. However, understand that other hazmat-related codes in the same category carry much higher OOS rates—177.834A averages 99.2% OOS, so similar violations can be severe.

172.308A is significantly less severe than peer codes in the hazmat category. Our inspection data shows 177.834A (general loading/unloading hazmat) carries a 99.2% OOS rate, while 172.308A has a 0.0% OOS rate. The national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes is 31.4%. This code ranks #2796 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, indicating it is rarely cited and when it is, it does not trigger out-of-service enforcement.

Our records show minimal recent enforcement activity. In the last 12 months, there were 0 citations for 172.308A. In the last 90 days, there were 0 citations. All-time in our 13 million-inspection database, only 1 citation has been issued for this code. This suggests enforcement is either extremely rare or the violation category is not a priority focus for roadside inspectors.

Yes, you can submit a DataQS RDR (Roadside Data Review) challenge to FMCSA if you believe the citation was issued in error. DataQS allows drivers and carriers to dispute inspection findings within a specific window. For equipment-related violations, gather photos and maintenance records. For documentation issues, provide evidence that the required paperwork was present and correct at the time of inspection. Success rates depend on the strength of your evidence and whether the inspector's observation can be objectively rebutted.

Take these steps: (1) Document the violation with photos and notes on what the officer cited; (2) Photograph any hazmat placarding, labeling, and packaging condition; (3) Collect all shipping papers, bills of lading, and hazmat documentation from that load; (4) Contact your carrier's safety manager or dispatcher immediately; (5) Review the specific violation description on your citation to understand exactly what the officer flagged; (6) Keep all records for DataQS appeal if you believe it was improper.

FMCSA hazmat violations typically fall into CSA violation categories that can affect both driver and carrier records, depending on the specific nature of the finding. Hazmat compliance is part of the broader Hazmat BASIC category, which tracks at both the driver level (if the driver is responsible for hazmat duties) and the carrier level (for fleet-wide hazmat practices). Review your citation detail and speak with your carrier to clarify whether this is logged as a driver violation, carrier violation, or both.

Across our 13 million inspection records, Central Transport LLC (USDOT 661173) is the only carrier with a recorded citation for 172.308A, with 1 citation all-time. This extremely limited enforcement history means the code represents an outlier violation rather than a systemic issue in the trucking industry. Most hazmat carriers have not been flagged for this particular code.

While 172.308A does not trigger out-of-service placement, hazmat compliance is critical for safety and legal standing. The code exists within a hazmat category where peer violations like 177.834A carry 99.2% OOS rates. Address the specific issue noted in your citation promptly—whether it involves labeling, placarding, packaging, or documentation—to avoid escalation and to demonstrate good-faith compliance effort if you pursue a DataQS challenge.