Answers to common questions about 173.301(h) hazmat violations: OOS risk, severity, next steps, and enforcement trends from 13M+ inspection records.
Ranks #2,113 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.0% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Across our inspection records, 173.301(h) has a 0.0% out-of-service rate—all 14 citations on record resulted in the truck remaining in service. This is far below the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, making this one of the least severe citation types you can receive. While the violation still carries regulatory weight, immediate vehicle impound is not a risk.
173.301(h) is among the least serious hazmat violations. Our database shows peer codes like 177.834A-HMC have a 99.2% OOS rate and 177.834(a) have a 97.9% OOS rate. By contrast, 173.301(h) has seen 0 out-of-service placements across 14 citations. This suggests the violation addresses a documentation or procedural issue rather than an immediate safety hazard that would ground your vehicle.
No, 173.301(h) is relatively uncommon. Our inspection records show only 14 all-time citations, with 0 issued in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. This ranks the code #2083 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. The near-zero recent enforcement suggests either improved compliance industry-wide or inspectors prioritizing higher-frequency violations.
First, review the specific deficiency noted on your citation—173.301(h) is typically documentation-related rather than equipment-based. Second, contact your carrier's compliance officer to understand the corrective action plan. Third, request a copy of the full inspection report to understand exactly what was found. Fourth, if you believe the citation is in error, gather supporting documentation for a potential DataQs challenge within the 90-day window. Finally, ensure any identified gaps are remedied before your next inspection.
Ford trucks lead with 7 of the 14 recorded citations. Kenworth and unpublished makes each account for 2 citations. International, Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo, GMC, Jansteel, and Stainless vehicles each have 1 citation on record. Ford's higher count may reflect fleet prevalence in hazmat operations or specific inspection focus in regions where Ford trucks operate.
Antilles Gas Corporation (USDOT 183555) and Oakmont LLC (USDOT 3880306) each have 2 citations. Eight other carriers—including Suntech Group Inc, Fortis Siteworks LLC, Turner Underground Installations Inc, Quality Well and Pump, Felipe Jorge-Lopez, Gutierrez Gas Inc, VIP Gas Service, and Medina Gas Inc—each have 1 citation. The small numbers reflect the low overall citation volume for this code.
Yes, you can challenge a citation through the FMCSA's DataQs system within 90 days of the inspection. Your chances of success depend on whether the violation involves a factual error (misspelled company name, wrong inspection date) or a judgment call (interpretation of the regulation). Documentation violations are sometimes successfully contested if you can prove compliance or demonstrate the inspector misread a document. Gather all relevant paperwork and submit your challenge promptly.
Under the FMCSA Safety Management Cycle, violations typically appear in both the driver's and carrier's safety profile through Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) BASIC categories. The specific impact depends on how FMCSA classifies the violation—whether it's attributed to the carrier's operational practices or the driver's direct conduct. Contact your company's safety department to clarify how this citation will be recorded and whether it affects your personal safety record or the fleet's rating.
TruckCodex aggregates official public-sector datasets. See the Source registry for dataset-level coverage and the Freshness log for last-import timestamps.
Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.
Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
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