What 180.213 means in plain language
FMCSR 180.213 governs specific requirements for hazardous materials transportation. The regulation establishes standards that carriers and drivers must follow when handling, transporting, or managing certain hazardous cargo. While the exact scope of 180.213 focuses on compliance within the hazmat regulatory framework, the rule is enforced as part of the broader hazardous materials safety system overseen by FMCSA and the Department of Transportation.
If you received a citation for this code, an inspector determined during a roadside inspection that something in your hazmat operation, documentation, or vehicle configuration did not meet the requirement. This could involve cargo handling, vehicle marking, or operational procedures specific to the hazmat transport you were conducting.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our database of 13 million+ roadside inspection records, 180.213 has been cited only 10 times in our entire history. In the last 12 months, we recorded zero citations for this code, and in the last 90 days, zero citations as well. This makes 180.213 one of the rarest cited FMCSR violations—it ranks #2191 out of 3,036 codes by enforcement volume.
Of those 10 all-time citations, zero drivers or carriers were placed out of service, giving this code a 0.0% out-of-service rate. By comparison, the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate is 31.4%, meaning 180.213 inspectors are not treating this violation with the severity they apply to codes like brake defects or major safety equipment failures. The fact that no citation resulted in an out-of-service order suggests inspectors view 180.213 violations as correctable issues rather than immediate safety threats.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection data is too sparse to identify a reliable state-by-state breakdown—only 10 citations exist across the entire dataset. However, at the carrier level, our records show fleets such as DEL GAS CORP with 3 citations and MEDINA GAS INC with 2 citations have encountered this violation. No trend of repeated violations by a single carrier is evident, and the distribution across seven different carriers suggests the citation is scattered rather than concentrated in any one fleet's operations.
The vehicles most frequently cited for 180.213 were Ford trucks (7 of 10), followed by Dodge (2) and a single citation each for Freightliner, Great Dane, Heil Co., Hyundai Tr., and one other make. If you drive a Ford or Dodge in hazmat service, additional attention to your pre-trip inspection checklist may help you avoid this citation.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Hazardous materials violations span a wide enforcement spectrum. Within the same category, peer codes show dramatically different patterns:
- 177.834A-HMC (general loading/unloading of hazmat) has been cited 3,954 times with a 99.2% out-of-service rate—meaning nearly every citation results in immediate removal from service.
- 177.817(a) (placarding violation) has 2,274 citations with a 75.1% out-of-service rate.
- 172.602(c)(1) (maintenance and accessibility of emergency response information) has 1,464 citations but a 0.0% out-of-service rate, matching 180.213's severity tier.
The fact that 180.213 shares a 0.0% out-of-service rate with emergency response information maintenance suggests regulators view it as a documentation or procedural gap rather than a cargo safety defect. In contrast, loading and placarding violations—which directly affect hazmat containment and identification—trigger out-of-service orders far more often.
How to avoid it
Because 180.213 citations are so rare in our dataset, we cannot reliably identify a common co-occurring violation pattern. However, based on the vehicle makes involved and the hazmat category, we recommend:
- Verify your hazmat endorsement and current knowledge. Hazmat rules evolve. Review the DOT Hazmat Regulations (49 CFR Parts 172–180) relevant to the cargo you carry, even if you think you know them well.
- Pre-trip inspection for hazmat-specific details. Before every load, confirm placarding, labeling, packaging, and vehicle markings match your shipping papers and DOT requirements. This is especially important if you operate a Ford or Dodge, which appeared in our cited fleet.
- Double-check documentation. Ensure your hazmat manifest, shipping papers, and emergency response information are complete, legible, and physically present in the cab. Incomplete paperwork is a common citation trigger.
- Confirm cargo security and segregation. If carrying multiple hazmat items, verify they are properly segregated and secured in accordance with DOT rules—improper loading or unloading is a major hazmat enforcement focus.
- Know your route and any placarding changes. If your cargo classification or quantity changes, your placarding obligation may change. Review before departure.
- Stay current on hazmat refresher training. Your hazmat endorsement requires periodic training; ensure it is current and reflects the latest DOT guidance.
Given how rarely this code appears in enforcement, the inspector's citation is a signal to review your specific operation closely. Consult your carrier's hazmat compliance officer or contact FMCSA's hazmat division if you want clarity on what triggered the citation before your hearing or corrective action.