FMCSR 172.310(b) Citation: What Drivers Need to Know

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, the 0.0% out-of-service rate for 172.310(b) means this citation will not result in an immediate OOS placement. For context, the national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes is 31.4%, so this violation sits well below typical enforcement severity. However, you should still address the underlying compliance issue promptly to avoid compounding violations.

172.310(b) is one of the least severe hazmat violations in our data. Peer codes in the same hazardous materials category show dramatically higher enforcement: general loading/unloading violations (177.834A-HMC) carry a 99.2% OOS rate and 3,954 citations, while placard violations (177.817(a)) reach 75.1% OOS with 2,274 citations. By comparison, 172.310(b) ranks #2551 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, with only 3 all-time citations in our database.

This violation is exceptionally rare. Our records show only 3 all-time citations for 172.310(b), with 0 citations in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. This low frequency makes it difficult to identify patterns, but the absence of recent enforcement suggests either strong industry compliance or limited inspection focus on this specific requirement.

1. Document the citation: obtain a copy of the inspection report with the exact violation description.
2. Review the requirement: understand what aspect of your hazmat shipping documentation or procedures triggered the citation.
3. Correct the issue: address the compliance gap (typically documentation-related based on the code category).
4. Verify carrier notification: confirm your company's safety department is aware and has updated training or processes.
5. Consider DataQs: if you believe the citation was inaccurate or the finding was unsupported, you may contest it through the FMCSA's DataQs system within 30 days.

Yes, you can contest through DataQs if you have evidence the citation was factually incorrect or the inspection report is incomplete. DataQs is the FMCSA's formal challenge process for roadside inspection records. You must file within 30 days of the inspection. Since 172.310(b) is typically a documentation or administrative compliance issue, contestation is most effective if the inspector misidentified the violation or failed to document supporting evidence. Contact your carrier's safety or compliance department for help filing.

Our all-time data shows three carriers cited once each: Terracon Consultants Inc, Nextier Completion Solutions Inc, and Step Energy Services USA Ltd. Vehicle makes were split across Ford, Kenworth, and others. The extremely small citation volume (3 total) means these carriers represent the full enforcement history in our 13 million-record database, making broad pattern analysis difficult.

Hazmat violations typically impact both driver and carrier records. The citation will appear in your carrier's CSA profile under the hazmat violations category and may also be associated with your individual FMCSA record depending on whether you were the operating driver. Work with your safety manager to understand how it was assigned and whether retraining is required.

While the 0.0% OOS rate suggests low immediate enforcement urgency, you should treat this as medium priority. The absence of recent citations (0 in the last 90 days) does not mean the requirement is inactive—it may indicate low inspection focus or strong compliance. Resolve the underlying issue within 30 days to avoid repeat citations and demonstrate good-faith compliance to regulators.