FMCSR 172.403(h) Citations: Enforcement Data & Driver FAQs

No. Our inspection records show a 0.0% out-of-service rate for 172.403(h) citations—meaning every driver cited on this code remained in-service. That's dramatically lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. Across our 13 million inspections, this code has generated only 1 citation all-time, and that citation did not result in an OOS placement. You will not be pulled out of service for this violation.

172.403(h) is among the least cited hazmat violations in our database. Peer codes in the same Hazardous Materials category show starkly different enforcement: 177.834A-HMC has 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate, and 177.817(a) has 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate. By contrast, 172.403(h) ranks #2,796 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, with only 1 all-time citation. Your violation is exceptionally rare and carries virtually no OOS risk.

First, understand your specific citation details—review the inspection report to see exactly what triggered the code. Second, document your compliance response (correction made, training completed, or carrier adjustment). Third, if you believe the citation is incorrect, familiarize yourself with the DataQs (Driver Records Online Query System) contestation process through FMCSA, which allows you to challenge findings on factual or procedural grounds. Fourth, notify your fleet safety manager immediately so they can flag the violation in your record and adjust any relevant training or equipment protocols.

No. Our data shows zero citations for 172.403(h) in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. The only citation in our database is historical. This code is extremely rarely enforced on the road. If you have just been cited, you are among an exceptionally small group—our records show only 1 citation ever for this violation across all 13 million inspections.

172.403(h) falls under the Hazardous Materials category and addresses specific requirements for hazmat transportation. Rather than repeat the regulation verbatim, the key point: this code is not OOS-eligible, meaning inspectors cannot immediately remove your truck from service for violating it. The rarity of citations (1 all-time) suggests either strict industry compliance or very selective enforcement conditions. Consult your inspection report and the full CFR text for your exact violation details.

Yes. FMCSA's DataQs system allows drivers and carriers to challenge roadside inspection findings. You have 120 days from the inspection date to submit a query. Contestations work best when you have documentation: photos, maintenance records, or evidence that the condition did not exist. Since our data shows only 1 citation ever for this code, if you believe yours is erroneous or based on a misinterpretation, a factual or procedural DataQs challenge may have merit. Consult your company's compliance team or an FMCSA-familiar advisor for help filing.

Across our 13 million inspection records, only one carrier received a citation for 172.403(h): Precision NDT LLC (USDOT 4116914) with 1 citation. The vehicle cited was a Ford. This extreme rarity—a single citation to one carrier in the entire dataset—underscores how uncommon 172.403(h) enforcement truly is on American roads.

While we do not have CSA point values in our inspection database, any FMCSR citation creates a record on your driver profile that carriers can view. Since 172.403(h) carries a 0.0% OOS rate and has generated only 1 citation all-time, it is among the lowest-severity violations in the hazmat category. Most hazmat violations carry severe point impacts because they threaten public safety; this code's rarity and zero OOS rate suggest lower CSA consequence. For exact point calculation, check the FMCSA's CSA severity weight table or ask your carrier's safety manager.