What 173.31(d) means in plain language
173.31(d) relates to hazardous materials handling and transport requirements under the Department of Transportation's regulations. This specific section addresses compliance with packaging, labeling, and documentation standards when you're carrying hazmat cargo. The regulation requires that hazmat be transported only when it meets strict packaging specifications and is properly documented throughout the shipment.
If you were cited, it means an inspector found that your load, vehicle placarding, or hazmat documentation didn't align with these federal standards. This could involve improperly secured hazmat containers, missing or illegible hazmat certifications, or packaging that doesn't meet DOT specifications for the material being transported.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Our inspection records show that 173.31(d) is one of the least cited hazmat codes in the FMCSR database. Across 13 million inspections, we've recorded only 4 all-time citations for this violation, with 1 citation in the last 90 days and 4 in the last 12 months. All four of these citations resulted in the vehicle remaining in-service—none triggered an out-of-service order, giving this code a 0.0% OOS rate.
This is significantly lower than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%, which tells you that when this violation is cited, inspectors typically see it as a documentation or labeling issue rather than an immediate safety threat to the vehicle or cargo. By contrast, related hazmat violations carry much harsher enforcement: similar codes in the hazardous materials category show OOS rates ranging from 1.6% to 99.2%, with the most severe loading and unloading violations resulting in out-of-service orders in nearly all cases.
173.31(d) ranks #2480 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, making it exceptionally uncommon at roadside inspections.
Who gets cited most
Our data shows that Texas accounts for all recorded citations of this code—4 citations in the last 180 days, all resulting in in-service status. No other state appears in the enforcement record for this violation in our database.
Among carriers, our inspection records show fleets such as JUAN CARLOS ALVARADO LOPEZ (USDOT 3393620) with 2 citations for this code all-time, and JOSE ORLANDO CARDENAS ALCOCER (USDOT 4114172) and MANTENIMIENTO LIMOSA SA DE CV (USDOT 4182303) each with 1 citation. These numbers reflect the rarity of the violation overall.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
When you compare 173.31(d) to other hazmat-related violations in the same regulatory family, the enforcement severity shifts dramatically. The general loading and unloading hazmat codes—177.834A-HMC and 177.834(a)—each generated thousands of citations (3,954 and 3,839 respectively) and triggered out-of-service orders in 99.2% and 97.9% of cases. Placarding violations under 177.817(a) show 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate.
By contrast, 173.31(d)'s 4 citations with a 0.0% OOS rate suggests that when this code is cited, the violation is typically correctable without immediately removing the vehicle from service. Other comparable codes like 172.602(c)(1) addressing emergency response information also show 0.0% OOS rates despite 1,464 citations, indicating that documentation and informational hazmat violations are treated more leniently than cargo security or placarding failures.
How to avoid it
Based on the pattern of violations occurring alongside 173.31(d) citations in our data, here are concrete steps:
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Pre-trip hazmat documentation check: Before accepting a hazmat load, verify that all shipping papers, hazmat classifications, and emergency response information are legible, complete, and properly secured in the cab. Co-occurring violations show inspectors are looking at overall hazmat compliance, not just one element.
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Inspect vehicle placards and labels: Confirm all hazmat placards are securely attached, not faded or damaged. Our data shows placarding and labeling defects commonly appear in the same inspections; a damaged or missing placard can trigger a broader hazmat review.
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Verify packaging integrity before loading: Walk around the vehicle before departure and confirm that all hazmat containers are undamaged, properly sealed, and correctly labeled. Don't assume the shipper's work is complete—your responsibility includes verifying the load meets packaging standards.
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Focus on vehicle maintenance for older equipment: The vehicles cited most frequently for this code include Volvo (2 citations) and Freightliner (1 citation) units. Ensure your truck's lighting, brake systems, and windows are functional and compliant—we see these mechanical issues appearing alongside hazmat citations, suggesting inspectors conduct thorough reviews when hazmat is involved.
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Keep hazmat certifications current: If you carry hazmat endorsement, ensure your training documentation is current and accessible. Many hazmat citations involve documentation gaps that could have been prevented with organized record-keeping.
The data shows that 173.31(d) violations are rare and not automatically escalated to out-of-service status, but they signal that an inspector conducted a detailed hazmat compliance review. By treating every hazmat shipment with the same rigor an inspector would apply, you'll avoid joining this small group of cited drivers.