What 172.313B-HMMS means in plain language
172.313B-HMMS is a hazardous materials regulation that addresses specific requirements for how hazmat shipments must be documented, labeled, or managed during transport. The rule falls under the broader hazardous materials category and is enforced by roadside inspectors when they find evidence that materials were not handled, marked, or transported according to federal standards.
In practical terms: if you're hauling hazardous materials, the DOT requires certain paperwork, placards, labels, and handling procedures to be in place. A citation for 172.313B-HMMS means an inspector found that one or more of these requirements was not met. The specific violation depends on what the inspector observed—it could involve missing documentation, improper labeling, or failure to follow prescribed hazmat transport procedures.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across 13 million inspections in our database, 172.313B-HMMS is a rare citation. All-time, we have recorded only 1 citation for this code. In the last 12 months, we see 1 citation, and in the last 90 days, we see 0 citations. This code ranks #2796 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
One citation in our records was placed out of service, yielding a 100.0% out-of-service rate for this code. However, context matters: with only 1 citation in our entire dataset, the OOS rate is not statistically meaningful for predicting your own outcome. For comparison, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, which means hazmat violations as a whole tend to result in OOS orders more often than the typical FMCSR code. If you received a citation for 172.313B-HMMS, there is a realistic possibility of an out-of-service order, though the rarity of this citation suggests inspectors encounter it infrequently.
Who gets cited most
Our records show Oklahoma as the only state with a recorded citation for 172.313B-HMMS in the last 180 days: 1 citation with a 100.0% out-of-service rate. The extremely low volume means geographic patterns are not yet meaningful for predicting enforcement risk by region.
At the carrier level, our data shows TRI-STATE ENTERPRISES (USDOT 298624) with 1 citation all-time. This single citation does not indicate a fleet-wide compliance problem; it reflects one documented violation. If you drive for a large carrier, it is unlikely this code appears frequently in your company's violation history.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Hazmat violations vary widely in severity and enforcement intensity. Comparing 172.313B-HMMS to related codes in the hazardous materials category reveals the enforcement landscape:
- 177.834A-HMC (General loading/unloading hazmat) has 3,954 citations all-time with a 99.2% OOS rate. This is one of the most heavily enforced hazmat codes and carries the highest likelihood of immediate out-of-service action.
- 177.834(a) (General loading/unloading hazmat) shows 3,839 citations with a 97.9% OOS rate, similarly severe.
- 172.502(a)(1) (Placarding general requirements) has 1,820 citations with an 18.5% OOS rate, showing that placarding violations span a range of enforcement outcomes.
The rarity of 172.313B-HMMS in our inspection dataset—compared to thousands of citations for related codes—suggests that either the violation is uncommon in practice, or that inspectors address the underlying hazmat issue via one of the more frequently cited codes. Regardless, if you are cited, treat it seriously: hazmat enforcement is not a low-priority area.
How to avoid it
Prevent a 172.313B-HMMS citation with these concrete, pre-trip actions:
- Review your hazmat paperwork before each load. Ensure the shipping papers, placards, and emergency response information are present, legible, and match the cargo. Do not leave the lot with missing or illegible documentation.
- Inspect all placards and labels on your vehicle. Before departure, walk around the truck and verify that every placard is secure, not faded or damaged, and correctly positioned. Damaged placards are a common reason for roadside violations.
- Confirm proper cargo segregation. Hazmat rules restrict which materials can be loaded together. Verify your load plan separates incompatible materials and meets stacking and positioning requirements.
- Double-check emergency response information accessibility. Keep the Emergency Response Guidebook and relevant safety data sheets (SDS) accessible in the cab where an inspector or emergency responder can find them quickly.
- Maintain your vehicle's condition. If you drive a Ford or any commercial vehicle carrying hazmat, ensure your truck is clean and free of obvious defects. Inspectors are more likely to conduct thorough hazmat checks on vehicles that appear poorly maintained.
- Take a hazmat refresher course if needed. If you hold a hazmat endorsement, review the rules before your next load. Many citations stem from outdated understanding of labeling, placarding, or documentation changes.
The key is proactive attention to detail. Hazmat transport is heavily regulated because it protects public safety. Inspectors expect no shortcuts.