What happens when RAM package 2 labels aren't on opposite sides? Direct answers backed by 13M+ inspection records.
Ranks #2,502 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.0% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
RAM package 2 labels on opposite sides
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Across our 13 million inspection records, the out-of-service rate for 172.403F is 0.0%—meaning every citation for RAM package 2 labels on opposite sides has resulted in a warning or fine, but never an immediate roadside removal. This is significantly lower than the 31.4% all-FMCSR average OOS rate, making this a compliance violation that does not trigger operational shutdown.
172.403F requires that RAM (radioactive material) package labels must be placed on opposite sides of a shipment. If your hazmat load includes RAM packages and the warning labels are not correctly positioned on opposing surfaces, you can be cited. This falls under the Hazardous Materials category of FMCSR violations and is enforced during roadside and facility inspections.
Very rare. Our records show only 4 all-time citations for 172.403F across 13 million inspections, making it ranked #2480 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. In the last 90 days, we recorded just 1 citation. This suggests either very few drivers transport RAM packages or labeling compliance is generally strong in this area.
First, verify the label placement on all RAM packages—they must be on opposite sides. Our data shows that when 172.403F is cited, related violations frequently co-occur: 172.203D4 (missing RAM label category), 172.403B, and 172.403G (failed to label RAM properly) appear in the same inspections. Inspect your entire hazmat load for labeling compliance, not just the specific package flagged. Document the corrected placement with photos and notify your carrier's hazmat coordinator.
No—172.403F is relatively minor in the hazmat context. While loading and unloading violations (177.834A-HMC) trigger OOS 99.2% of the time and placarding violations (177.817(a)) result in OOS 75.1% of the time, 172.403F has never resulted in an out-of-service citation. The violation is a documentation and placement issue, not an operational safety shutdown like active hazmat handling violations.
In the last 180 days, our records show 1 citation in Texas. Given the extremely low citation volume nationally (3 citations in the last 12 months), geographic trends are not yet pronounced. Texas represents the only state with a recorded 172.403F violation in recent data.
Yes. The DataQs (Defense Quality System) process allows you to challenge any roadside inspection record uploaded to the FMCSA's Roadside Data Reporting system. For 172.403F, focus your challenge on photographic evidence: if you can document that labels were properly positioned on opposite sides at the time of inspection, or that the inspector's citation photo does not clearly show a violation, you have grounds for contestation. Submit supporting documentation within the DataQs window to formally dispute the record.
Not urgent for fleet safety, but timely for compliance records. Because 172.403F never triggers out-of-service status, you don't face immediate operational consequences. However, correct the label placement before your next shipment to avoid repeat citations. Our data shows sporadic enforcement (1 citation in May 2025, 1 in August 2025, 1 in February 2026), suggesting inspectors are inconsistent but cite when they do encounter the violation.
Where 172.403F is most commonly cited (last 180 days)
TruckCodex aggregates official public-sector datasets. See the Source registry for dataset-level coverage and the Freshness log for last-import timestamps.
Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.
Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
TruckCodex is an independent aggregator; it is not affiliated with FMCSA, NHTSA, EIA, or Transport Canada. Always verify compliance-critical information directly with the originating agency.