FMCSR 173.24a(c): Hazmat Violations Q&A

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 173.24a(c) citations have resulted in a 0.0% out-of-service rate. All 4 citations on record were issued as non-OOS violations. This is significantly lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, which means inspectors are treating this violation as a documentation or procedural issue rather than an immediate safety threat to vehicle operation.

This violation is extremely rare. Our database shows only 4 citations across all-time records, with 0 citations issued in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. It ranks #2480 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, placing it in the bottom tier of enforcement. You're unlikely to encounter this citation unless you operate in specialized hazmat transport segments.

1. Document everything — photograph the citation, gather your paperwork, and note the time and location of the inspection.
2. Contact your carrier's safety manager — report the violation and ensure it's logged in your file.
3. Review hazmat procedures — since this is a hazmat-category violation, audit your hazmat documentation and packaging protocols with your company.
4. Request clarification from the inspector if the citation is unclear.
5. Preserve records — keep copies of all documents cited for potential DataQs contest (if applicable).

Relatively, no. The 0.0% OOS rate for 173.24a(c) contrasts sharply with peer hazmat codes: general loading/unloading violations (177.834a-HMC and 177.834(a)) carry 99.2% and 97.9% OOS rates respectively, and placarding violations (177.817(a)) carry 75.1%. Our data indicates 173.24a(c) is treated as a lower-severity hazmat infraction—likely a documentation or notification deficiency rather than a direct packaging or transport safety failure.

Possibly, through FMCSA's DataQs (Safety Management System) record dispute process. If the citation is based on documentation (inspection reports, placards, or notifications), you have grounds to request correction or clarification. The contestability depends on whether the inspector's finding was factual or procedural. File through your carrier's DataQs account with supporting evidence within 60 days of the citation to maximize review chances.

Our enforcement data is too sparse to identify state-specific patterns—only 4 all-time citations exist in our 13 million record database. This makes state-level ranking unreliable. If you operate in states with high hazmat enforcement (typically California, Texas, and Florida based on overall hazmat volume), stay especially vigilant about documentation and procedures, but 173.24a(c) specifically is so rarely cited that geographic risk is low.

Our records show Chevrolet vehicles accounted for 3 of the 4 citations, with one citation each for a Freightliner and utility vehicle. The small sample size (4 total citations) means no vehicle make is at elevated risk for this violation. This is not a defect pattern—it reflects sporadic enforcement on whatever happened to be on the road during inspections.

Low urgency for compliance action, but document it carefully. With 0 citations in the last 90 days and only 4 all-time, this violation is not an active enforcement priority. However, if cited, correct the underlying issue (likely hazmat documentation or notification) within your carrier's standard corrective action timeline. Since it carries no OOS risk, there's no immediate threat to revenue, but address it before your next inspection to avoid accumulation.