Direct answers about 172.331(b) hazmat violations, OOS risk, severity, and next steps based on 13M+ inspection records.
Ranks #2,427 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.0% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Our inspection records show a 0.0% out-of-service rate for 172.331(b) across all 5 citations in our database. This code is not OOS-eligible, meaning even if cited, your truck stays in operation. For perspective, the national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes is 31.4%, so this violation carries significantly lower enforcement severity than most hazmat-related citations.
172.331(b) is among the least cited and least severe hazmat codes. Across 13 million inspections, we found only 5 all-time citations, ranking #2406 of 3,036 FMCSR codes. Compare that to peer hazmat placarding codes: 177.834A-HMC has 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate, and 177.817(a) has 2,274 citations with 75.1% OOS rate. The 0.0% OOS rate for 172.331(b) indicates inspectors treat it as a documentation or procedural issue rather than an immediate safety hazard.
Take these steps: (1) Document the citation details—date, location, inspector name, and specific violation notes. (2) Review your hazmat shipping papers and documentation against the regulation requirements. (3) Contact your carrier's safety or compliance manager to flag the citation. (4) Preserve all paperwork and records related to the shipment for potential DataQs contestation. (5) Request a copy of the inspection report if you don't have one. (6) Do not ignore the citation, but you have time—since this code is not OOS-eligible, focus on documentation accuracy rather than emergency repair.
Yes, you can submit a DataQs (Safetysight Data Quality and Improvement System) challenge through FMCSA's online portal. The contestability depends on the specific finding: if the citation is based on missing, incomplete, or incorrect documentation, you have grounds to contest if you can prove the required documents were present or accurate at the time of inspection. Gather all shipping papers, manifests, certifications, and delivery records. DataQs requests are typically reviewed within 30 days, and successful challenges remove the citation from your safety record.
Across our 13 million inspection records, 172.331(b) is extremely rare—only 5 citations all-time. Our database does not show state-level concentration for this code, meaning it is cited sporadically across the country rather than in specific states. The carriers cited include Berner Trucking, JRP Waste Oil Service, Graf Bros Leasing, Shawn McKee Enterprises, and Apollos Waters, each with one citation. If you received a citation, it is likely a unique enforcement action rather than a regional trend.
Our inspection records do not include CSA point weightings by code, so we cannot tell you the exact CSA points assigned to 172.331(b). CSA point allocation is determined by FMCSA based on violation severity and safety category. Since 172.331(b) falls under Hazardous Materials and carries a 0.0% OOS rate, it is likely weighted as a lower-severity violation. Contact your carrier's safety department or FMCSA directly to confirm the CSA impact on your specific citation—they can access your full driver safety profile.
Only 5 citations for 172.331(b) exist across 13 million roadside inspections, making it one of the rarest FMCSR codes enforced. This rarity suggests either: (1) the violation is difficult to observe during a standard roadside inspection, (2) it addresses a narrow, specific scenario in hazmat shipping, or (3) it is primarily enforced through carrier audits rather than roadside stops. Compare this to common hazmat codes like 177.834A-HMC with 3,954 citations—the 788x difference indicates 172.331(b) targets a very specific compliance gap.
Unlike out-of-service violations, 172.331(b) citations do not require immediate equipment repairs. Your focus should be on compliance documentation and procedures. Review your hazmat labeling, shipping paper completeness, carrier authorization, and any driver training records related to hazmat transport. The 0.0% OOS rate means inspectors are citing a procedural or documentation issue. Within 30 days, consult with your carrier's compliance team to understand the specific deficiency and implement corrective measures to prevent future citations on similar shipments.
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