FMCSR 172.407(a) Citations: What Drivers Need to Know

No. Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 172.407(a) has never resulted in an out-of-service order—the OOS rate is 0.0%. All 9 citations in our database were issued as violations, not OOS orders.

This stands in stark contrast to the national average of 31.4% across all FMCSR codes. Even similar hazmat violations like 177.834A show OOS rates above 99%, so 172.407(a) is among the least severe findings inspectors issue in the hazardous materials category.

172.407(a) is significantly less severe than comparable hazmat placarding and loading violations. Our data shows peer codes in the hazmat category carry dramatically higher OOS rates:

• 177.834A (loading/unloading): 99.2% OOS rate, 3,954 citations
• 177.817(a) (placarding): 75.1% OOS rate, 2,274 citations
• 172.516(c)(6) (damaged placard): 1.6% OOS rate, 1,796 citations

With zero OOS placements despite 9 citations all-time, 172.407(a) enforcement appears to focus on documentation or procedural issues rather than vehicle safety defects.

Immediate steps:

1. Request the inspection report — get a copy of the citation and photos/notes from the inspector.
2. Verify the hazmat classification — confirm your commodity declaration and placarding match DOT requirements.
3. Contact your dispatcher or compliance manager — brief them on the violation immediately.
4. Document your corrective action — if it's a paperwork or labeling issue, photograph and timestamp the fix.
5. Report to your insurance carrier — some require notice of any DOT citation within 48 hours.
6. Keep records — save all documentation for potential DataQs disputes or CSA reviews.

Since 172.407(a) has never triggered an OOS order in our database, you can typically remain in operation while resolving it.

Yes. All FMCSA inspection findings can be challenged through the DataQs (Safety Management System Record) process within 90 days of citation. You'll submit evidence to prove the violation didn't occur or was incorrectly documented.

Success depends on the violation type. If 172.407(a) cited a paperwork error or labeling issue, gather shipping documents, manifests, or placards to challenge it. If it's a more substantive compliance gap, supporting documentation becomes critical.

FMCSA reviews your submission and either upholds, removes, or modifies the finding. Request the formal citation packet from the inspecting agency to understand exactly what was cited.

Our inspection database contains only 9 total citations for 172.407(a) across all time, making state-level breakdown impractical. This code ranks #2230 out of 3,036 FMCSR violations by citation volume—it's rarely cited nationally.

The top carriers cited include NYC ONE BBQ INC (2 citations) and single citations across regional and specialized carriers. With near-zero enforcement activity in the last 12 months (0 citations) and last 90 days (0 citations), this violation is among the least common hazmat findings inspectors write.

Low urgency for immediate repair or vehicle impoundment, but address it promptly for compliance. Our data shows zero OOS placements from 172.407(a) citations, and no citations in the last 90 days, indicating inspectors treat this as a correctable violation rather than a critical safety defect.

However, hazmat compliance must be resolved before your next trip with the same cargo type. Most corrections are administrative—updating labels, verifying documentation, or clarifying hazard class declarations. Contact your compliance department to confirm the specific issue and your deadline for remediation.

Our records show 172.407(a) citations across diverse vehicle makes, though volume is low. ISUZU appears most frequently (3 citations), followed by FORD (2 citations), with single citations on FREIGHTLINER, PETERBILT, HEATEC, DODGE, CHEVROLET, and DIAMOND C trailers.

This spread suggests 172.407(a) applies broadly across hazmat-carrying vehicles regardless of chassis type—the violation appears tied to cargo handling or documentation procedures rather than specific truck configurations.

Both. FMCSA hazmat violations typically appear on both the individual driver's record and the carrier's safety profile through the CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) system. The violation feeds into BASIC categories that affect your carrier's insurance rates and audit risk.

Since 172.407(a) is never placed out of service, it carries lower severity weight than critical hazmat violations. Still, accumulating any hazmat violations can eventually trigger audits or increased scrutiny. Your carrier's safety manager should monitor your citation history and work with you on corrective training or procedures to prevent repeat findings.