Direct answers about 172.404(b) citations: OOS risk, CSA impact, next steps, and how this violation compares to similar hazmat codes.
Ranks #2,664 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. Across our 13 million inspection records, 172.404(b) has never resulted in an out-of-service order—the OOS rate is 0.0%. This stands in sharp contrast to the 31.4% all-FMCSR average OOS rate. Of the 2 all-time citations in our database, neither placed a vehicle out of service. This means you can typically continue operations while resolving the violation, though you should address the underlying issue promptly.
172.404(b) is among the least severe hazmat violations on record. Our inspection data shows peer codes in the same category carry dramatically higher OOS rates: loading/unloading violations reach 99.2% and 97.9% OOS rates, while placard violations hit 75.1%. By contrast, 172.404(b)'s 0.0% OOS rate reflects minimal enforcement risk. However, any hazmat citation warrants immediate attention to stay compliant.
The specific CSA point weight for 172.404(b) is not part of our inspection database. However, CSA points depend on the severity and type of violation as assigned by FMCSA's Safety Management System. You should review your motor carrier safety record on the FMCSA's SafetyNet portal or contact your carrier to see the exact point allocation. All violations carry some CSA weight; your focus should be correction and prevention.
Yes, you may be able to contest through FMCSA's DataQs system if the citation contains a factual error—such as an incorrect vehicle identifier, date, or misreported finding. You have 90 days from the inspection to file. DataQs works best for documentation disputes (wrong VIN, invalid carrier ID) rather than operational judgment calls. Review your citation carefully and, if you believe an error occurred, submit your challenge with supporting documentation through FMCSA's official DataQs portal.
Rarely. Our inspection records show only 2 all-time citations for 172.404(b), with 0 citations in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. This ranks 172.404(b) at #2,651 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—among the lowest-enforced regulations in hazmat compliance. While enforcement is minimal, the regulation remains binding; non-compliance could still result in a citation if detected.
Our database records 2 all-time citations for 172.404(b). Roofline Inc (USDOT 739235) received 1 citation, and Christian Brothers Lining Co (USDOT 2204166) received 1 citation. The extremely low citation count reflects the rarity of this violation in practice. These carriers' records show that enforcement is sporadic; compliance depends on consistent adherence to hazmat marking and labeling rules, not on carrier size or industry.
172.404(b) is a hazardous materials regulation under 49 CFR Part 172 governing marking requirements for hazmat shipments. While we cannot quote the full regulatory text, the rule addresses how hazardous materials must be marked and identified on packages and containers during transport. Violations typically involve missing, illegible, or incorrectly applied markings. Correcting a citation requires reviewing the exact marking standard, ensuring labels meet sizing and placement requirements, and training personnel on proper hazmat identification before shipment.
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.