FMCSR 172.602(c) Q&A: Emergency Response Info Citations

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 172.602(c) has a 0.0% out-of-service rate — none of the 101 all-time citations for this code resulted in an OOS placement. This is dramatically lower than the 31.4% average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes. You will not be placed out of service for this violation.

It's among the least severe hazmat violations. While peer codes like 177.834A (general loading/unloading) have a 99.2% OOS rate and 177.817(a) (placarding violations) have 75.1%, the data in our database shows 172.602(c) sits at 0.0% OOS rate with only 101 citations all-time. Similar documentation-based codes like 172.602(c)(1) (Emergency Response information maintenance) also carry 0.0% OOS rates, suggesting inspectors treat these as correctable administrative issues.

It's relatively rare. Our inspection records show 101 citations total for 172.602(c) across all time, ranking #1,420 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. More telling: zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. This code is not a common focus of roadside enforcement. When it does appear, it's typically an isolated finding rather than part of a pattern.

First: Verify your Emergency Response information documents are physically present, legible, and accessible in your vehicle. Second: Check that the document matches your current load and carrier details. Third: Request a copy of the inspection report (Form MCSA-5381) from the inspector or state DOT. Fourth: If you believe the citation is incorrect (e.g., you had the document but it wasn't located), gather evidence (photos, shipping papers, carrier records) to support a DataQs challenge. Since this code has 0.0% OOS rate, you can continue operating while you resolve it.

Yes. Violations of hazmat documentation requirements like 172.602(c) are contestable through the DataQs (Research and Development [RDR]) system if you have evidence the finding was inaccurate. Common grounds: the document was present but not shown to the inspector, the document was current and accessible, or the citation was issued in error. File your challenge with FMCSA within 90 days of the inspection, attaching supporting documentation from your carrier records. DataQs decisions typically take 30–45 days.

Across our database, Freightliner tractors dominate with 45 citations, followed by Kenworth with 19 and Hyundai trailers with 11. However, these numbers reflect fleet composition and hazmat volume across the industry, not elevated risk for any particular make. The low overall citation count (101) means this is not a systematic issue tied to specific vehicle types.

Our records show six carriers tied at 2 citations each: Saskatchewan Ltd (USDOT 3096777), AAA Cooper Transportation (USDOT 92261), Basin Western Inc (USDOT 167011), Orca Pacific Inc (USDOT 1563937), J B Hunt Transport Inc (USDOT 80806), and Tax Airfreight Inc (USDOT 153935). These are scattered across the industry and represent single incidents rather than persistent compliance problems — even the most-cited carrier has only 2 citations in our full dataset.

Medium priority, but not emergency. The 0.0% OOS rate means you won't be shut down, and the zero citations in the last 90 days indicate this is not a focused enforcement area. However, you must correct the underlying issue — missing, inaccessible, or illegible Emergency Response information — because a second citation could signal a pattern to auditors. Address it within 30 days and document the correction in your carrier's safety file.