FMCSR 173.312 Citations: What Drivers Need to Know

No. Across our inspection records, 173.312 citations result in an out-of-service placement 0.0% of the time. Of the 1 citation on file for this code in our database, the vehicle was not placed out of service. However, this is significantly lower than the 31.4% national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes, suggesting 173.312 violations are typically treated as documentation or minor compliance issues rather than safety-critical defects.

173.312 is among the least-cited hazmat codes. Across 13 million inspections, we see 1 lifetime citation for 173.312—ranking it #2796 of 3,036 FMCSR codes. By contrast, peer hazmat violations like general loading/unloading (177.834A-HMC) generate 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate. This gap suggests 173.312 addresses a narrow compliance area with minimal enforcement frequency and much lower safety severity than mainstream hazmat violations.

First, document the inspection report and citation details. Second, review the specific regulatory requirement cited on your inspection form—173.312 deals with hazardous materials regulations, so clarify whether it involves packaging, labeling, or documentation. Third, contact your carrier's safety or compliance team; our data shows only 1 citation on record (with MJW Trucking), so your carrier may have guidance on local interpretation. Finally, request a copy of the inspection report to prepare for any follow-up or DataQs challenge.

Yes, you can submit a DataQs (Roadside Inspection Report challenge) if you believe the citation is inaccurate. DataQs allows drivers and carriers to dispute findings within a set timeframe. The process works best for documentation errors or equipment readings that can be verified. Since 173.312 has extremely low citation volume, FMCSA data on successful challenges for this code is minimal, but the DataQs system is open to all roadside violations—consult your carrier's compliance team on likelihood of success for your specific facts.

173.312 enforcement is virtually nonexistent. In the last 12 months, there have been 0 citations. In the last 90 days, 0 citations. Our all-time database contains only 1 citation for this code. This suggests either the violation is extremely rare on roadways, the regulation is narrowly applied, or compliance is near-universal. If you have been cited, you are in an exceptionally small group.

Across our 13 million inspection records, MJW Trucking (USDOT 3603968) is the only carrier with a 173.312 citation on file, accounting for 1 citation all-time. This does not indicate a compliance pattern—with only one citation nationally for this code, no carrier trend is evident. Your citation is best evaluated on its own merits rather than against carrier history.

Yes. FMCSA citations follow the driver record, not the carrier, for CSA scoring and Safety Management Cycle eligibility. A 173.312 citation becomes part of your inspection history and can affect your Hazmat BASIC percentile and safety profile with future carriers. However, given the 0.0% OOS rate on this code, the safety-weighting impact is typically minimal compared to moving violations or critical vehicle defects. Discuss the citation with your new carrier's safety manager.

Possibly, but minimally. Since 173.312 carries a 0.0% out-of-service rate and represents an extremely uncommon violation (1 citation all-time), most carriers and insurers weight it as a low-severity finding. However, any citation increases your inspection frequency percentile and can be reviewed during hiring or renewal. The impact depends on your overall safety profile and your new carrier's thresholds. Request a detailed explanation from your current carrier and disclose the citation transparently to prospective employers.