FMCSR 178.255-7 Citation: What Drivers Need to Know

No. Across our inspection records, 178.255-7 has never resulted in an out-of-service placement. Out of 1 all-time citation in our database, 0 resulted in an OOS order, giving this violation a 0.0% OOS rate. For context, the average FMCSR code carries a 31.4% OOS rate, so 178.255-7 is significantly less likely to ground your vehicle than typical violations. However, you should still address the underlying issue promptly to avoid escalation.

First, document the violation details—date, location, inspector name, and exact citation language. Review the specific requirement cited on your ticket and correct it before your next load. Since this is a hazmat-related code, verify your placarding, packaging, and documentation match DOT rules. Take photos of the correction. Keep your citation and resolution records for at least 3 years. If you believe the citation is inaccurate, you can contest it through the FMCSA DataQs portal, which allows drivers and carriers to challenge inspection findings within 90 days of the roadside report date.

178.255-7 is significantly less serious than most peer hazmat codes. Among similar violations, 177.834A-HMC and 177.834(a) have 99.2% and 97.9% OOS rates respectively—meaning they almost always ground the vehicle. By contrast, 178.255-7 has a 0.0% OOS rate. Even placarding violations like 177.817(a) carry a 75.1% OOS rate. Our inspection data shows 178.255-7 is ranked #2796 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation frequency, placing it among the rarest violations in the hazmat category.

No. The FMCSR 178.255-7 code is not OOS-eligible, meaning an inspector cannot use it as grounds to take your truck out of service. This does not mean the violation is harmless—it still appears on your inspection record and may factor into carrier and shipper decisions—but it cannot directly prevent you from operating. Our data confirms this: the 1 citation on record was not placed out of service.

Our inspection database shows only 1 all-time citation for 178.255-7, making it extremely rare. This single citation was issued to a carrier operating a RAM vehicle. Because enforcement volume is so low—0 citations in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days—there is insufficient data to identify geographic hotspots. This rarity suggests the violation addresses a narrow compliance issue that most carriers successfully navigate.

Yes. If you believe the citation is incorrect, inaccurate, or based on a misinterpretation of the regulation, you can file a DataQs challenge through the FMCSA website within 90 days of the roadside inspection report date. Document your evidence—photos, records, witness statements—that contradict the finding. DataQs is designed for both documentation disputes (the violation didn't actually occur) and regulatory interpretation questions. Submit your challenge with clear, organized supporting materials. FMCSA will review and either sustain or remove the violation from your record.

Address it before your next hazmat load. Although 178.255-7 does not trigger an immediate out-of-service order, hazmat compliance is non-negotiable for safety and legal reasons. The citation will remain on your safety record and may be reviewed by insurers, brokers, or shippers evaluating your carrier. Since 0 citations have been recorded in the last 90 days, there is no current enforcement trend, but that does not lower the priority—hazmat violations can result in fines and CSA points regardless of OOS status. Correct the issue, document the fix, and move forward.

Hazmat violations, including 178.255-7, are recorded against the carrier's safety profile and contribute to the Hazardous Materials Safety BASIC in the Carrier Safety Axiom (CSA) system. The citation will appear on your company's inspection history and may affect CSA percentile ranking, which influences audit frequency and insurance premiums. Some carriers also flag individual driver records for internal safety programs. The violation does not stay with you as a personal safety score if you change employers, but it does stay with the carrier and the vehicle unit for years. Discuss the citation with your fleet safety manager to understand your company's follow-up requirements.