What happens if you're cited for 180.405B cargo tank specs? Direct answers on OOS risk, repair urgency, and how this violation compares to other hazmat violations.
Ranks #2,336 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 28.6% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Cargo tank specifications
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
Not necessarily. Across our 13 million inspection records, 180.405B citations result in an out-of-service order 28.6% of the time. That's lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, meaning this violation is slightly less likely to ground your truck than typical FMCSR violations. However, whether you're placed OOS depends on the severity and nature of the tank specification defect found during inspection.
The citation is rare but serious when it appears. Our records show only 1 citation for 180.405B in the last 12 months across the entire country, suggesting this defect is uncommon—but when inspectors find cargo tank specification issues, they're enforcement-focused. Even though the violation carries a 28.6% OOS rate (below the national average), any cargo tank specification defect should be addressed immediately through a qualified tank repair facility to avoid operational shutdown and future citations.
No—180.405B is significantly less serious than most hazmat-related violations in the same category. Our database shows peer codes like 177.834A (general loading/unloading hazmat) have a 99.2% OOS rate, and 177.817(a) (placarding violation) has 75.1%. The 28.6% OOS rate for 180.405B places it among the lowest-risk hazmat violations. It's still a hazardous materials violation, so don't ignore it, but this one is far less likely to result in immediate shutdown than other tank or placard violations.
In the last 180 days, the only citation for 180.405B was in Texas (1 citation, resulting in OOS). Nationally, this code ranks #2312 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by total citation volume—making it exceptionally rare. With just 7 all-time citations in our 13 million+ inspection records, 180.405B violations are concentrated among a very small number of carriers and regions, reflecting the specialized nature of cargo tank operations.
First, get a written copy of the inspection report and understand exactly which cargo tank specification defect was cited. Second, contact a certified cargo tank inspector or repair facility within 24 hours—do not operate the vehicle if it's been placed out of service. Third, notify your carrier's safety and compliance department immediately so they can track the violation against your record. Finally, document all corrective actions with photos and receipts; these records are essential if you need to contest the citation or demonstrate compliance to future inspectors.
Yes, you can file a Request for Data Review (DataQs) with FMCSA to contest the citation if you believe the inspection finding was inaccurate or unfair. However, the success of a DataQs challenge depends on the type of defect. If the violation is equipment-based (a physical cargo tank specification issue), you'll need technical evidence (repair records, photos, or an independent tank inspection) showing the tank actually meets specifications. If the citation is based on documentation or recordkeeping, supporting paperwork is your best defense. File DataQs through the FMCSA website within 90 days of the citation.
Across our inspection database, ECO TRANSPORTES INTERNACIONALES SA DE CV (USDOT 558117) has the highest count with 3 citations for 180.405B. The remaining citations are scattered: MUMME OIL INC, TRANSPORTES NARI SA DE CV, LUIS BASILIO MENDOZA GOLLAS, and TRANSPORTES 365 SA DE CV each have 1 citation. This violation pattern shows it affects a diverse set of operators, with no single carrier dominating the violation count.
FMCSA violations are recorded against both the driver and the carrier under the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. Your personal violation history follows you to your next employer and affects your Safety Management Cycle scores in hazardous materials and vehicle maintenance categories. However, the citation also goes into your current carrier's record, impacting their DOT safety rating and CSA scores. When you apply for a new job, the citation will appear on your pre-employment screening—so disclose it proactively and explain the corrective actions you took.
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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