FMCSR 172.406(c): Multiple Label Placement — Q&A

No. Our inspection records show a 0.0% out-of-service rate for 172.406(c) citations across all-time data. All 4 citations in our database were issued as violations but did not result in out-of-service orders. For context, the average FMCSR code carries a 31.4% OOS rate—this violation is far less likely to ground your truck. However, the citation itself remains on your record.

This violation ranks much lower in severity than similar hazmat labeling and placarding offenses. Across 13 million inspections, peer violations like general loading/unloading hazmat (177.834A-HMC) carry a 99.2% OOS rate and 3,954 citations, while placarding violations (177.817(a)) reach 97.9% OOS with 2,274 citations. By contrast, 172.406(c) has only 4 all-time citations and 0.0% OOS rate, making it an uncommon and rarely severe finding.

Rarely. Our data shows 0 citations for 172.406(c) in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. All-time, we have logged exactly 4 citations since records began. This ranks 172.406(c) at #2480 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—placing it among the least-enforced violations in the hazardous materials category. If you receive this citation, it is statistically uncommon.

Immediate steps:

1. Document the citation details: date, location, inspector name, vehicle unit number.
2. Photograph the label placement on your vehicle as it was cited.
3. Review FMCSR 172.406(c) requirements for your specific hazmat load to identify what was out of place.
4. Correct the label placement before your next load.
5. Log the citation in your driver file and notify your fleet safety manager.
6. Keep the citation paperwork; you may request a DataQs review if you believe the finding was incorrect.

Yes, you can file a DataQs request to challenge the citation record. DataQs is the FMCSA's online system for drivers and carriers to contest roadside inspection findings. Because 172.406(c) is an equipment/documentation violation, you will need to provide evidence that your label placement actually complied with the regulation at the time of inspection—photos, load documentation, or the inspector's notes if they conflict with the citation. The FMCSA reviews your evidence and decides whether to remove or downgrade the record.

Our inspection records show 172.406(c) citations are extremely rare, with only 4 all-time citations across the nation. SOWEGA CHLORINATOR CO INC (USDOT 924368) received 2 citations; PDC SERVICES INC and VIMAX TRANSPORTATION INC each received 1. Geographic and state-level data is too sparse to identify hotspots. This violation is concentrated in specialized hazmat transportation but is not a common enforcement focus across any major region or carrier segment.

Moderately urgent, but not emergency-level. While this violation carries a 0.0% out-of-service rate—meaning your truck won't be pulled—incorrect label placement exposes you to regulatory non-compliance and increases inspection focus. Given that we see 0 citations in the last 90 days, enforcement pressure is low. That said, hazmat regulations are strict: correct your label placement immediately before hauling another hazmat load. Compliance prevents repeat citations and supports a clean safety record.

Based on 13 million inspections, the very small sample of 172.406(c) citations limits trend identification by vehicle make. Our records show FRHT and GALB each appeared once. This code is so rarely cited that vehicle-specific patterns are not statistically meaningful. Cite trends track toward hazmat transport units (tankers, specialized containers), but this violation is uncommon across all vehicle types, suggesting inspectors rarely identify label placement alone as a primary violation without accompanying hazmat handling violations.