FMCSR 172.602C1: Emergency Response Information — Citations & Out-of-Service

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 172.602C1 citations have never resulted in an out-of-service placement. The 0.0% OOS rate means this violation will not remove your truck from operation immediately.

However, this does not prevent other violations found during the same inspection from doing so. If emergency response information maintenance issues are documented alongside equipment defects, those separate citations may carry OOS consequences.

172.602C1 is significantly less severe than most hazmat violations. Our inspection database shows it ranks #834 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.

Compare the OOS rates: placarding violations (177.817A) result in out-of-service 75.1% of the time, and general loading/unloading hazmat (177.834A-HMC) hits 99.2%. But a related code—172.602(c)(1) general maintenance—shows 0.0% OOS across 1,464 all-time citations, matching your code's profile.

First: verify the specific emergency response information the inspector documented as missing or inaccessible. Cross-check your shipping papers and placards for completeness.

Second: inspect your truck for co-occurring defects. Our data shows 172.602C1 is frequently cited alongside inoperable lamps (393.9—19 shared inspections in 90 days), missing fire extinguishers (393.95A—13 instances), and deteriorated placards (177.817E—12 instances). Repair or document those items immediately.

Third: file any DataQs challenge within 15 days if the citation misrepresents your compliance status.

Citations are increasing. In the last 12 months, we recorded 326 citations for 172.602C1. January 2026 was the busiest month with 49 citations, followed by September and October 2025 at 34 each.

This suggests intensified enforcement activity around emergency response documentation. Carriers and drivers should expect ongoing scrutiny of placard legibility, emergency contact accessibility, and shipping paper organization, especially if your operation falls under the top-cited states.

Texas dominates the enforcement landscape. Over the last 180 days, Texas accounted for 146 citations (the vast majority across all top states). Iowa follows distantly with 4 citations, North Carolina with 3, and Michigan with 1.

If you operate in Texas, pay particular attention to emergency response information maintenance. The concentration of citations there suggests either higher inspection frequency or more consistent enforcement of this standard.

Our all-time data shows Luis Basilio Mendoza Gollas (USDOT 3220053) with 13 citations for this violation—the highest on record. Petrolificos de Monterrey SA de CV, Gerardo Aguilar Garcia, and Antriavi SA de CV each have 10 citations.

This pattern suggests that hazmat carriers operating primarily in cross-border or high-volume regions face repeated scrutiny. If your carrier is in this group, implement a standardized emergency response document checklist for every pre-trip and post-trip inspection.

Yes, you can challenge this citation through the FMCSA's DataQs (DataQuality System) if you believe it was issued in error or misrepresents your compliance status.

Since 172.602C1 involves document accessibility and maintenance—not solely equipment condition—focus your challenge on proving the information was present and accessible at the time of inspection. Gather photos, driver logs, or witness testimony. Submit your challenge within 15 days of the citation. Success rates vary by the strength of your documentation.

Your hazmat shipment must include accessible emergency response information (typically a Safety Data Sheet, shipping paper, or emergency contact placard) that clearly identifies the hazardous material and provides response procedures.

Inspectors cite 172.602C1 when this information is missing, obscured, deteriorated, or not readily available in the cab during a roadside stop. The violation focuses on maintenance and accessibility—not labeling alone. Keep documents organized, legible, and within arm's reach. Laminate or protect them from weather damage to avoid repeated citations.