FMCSR 180.407(a): Cargo Tank Inspection — Driver Q&A

Unlikely, but possible. Across our 13 million inspection records, 180.407(a) citations resulted in an out-of-service placement only 1.9% of the time (6 trucks out of 318 cited). This is substantially lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, meaning inspectors rarely ground trucks for this violation alone. However, if combined with other hazmat violations during the same inspection, OOS becomes more probable.

This violation carries a CSA severity weight of 7, which is moderate. Your actual CSA points depend on when the citation was issued and how FMCSA applies its 30-day multiplier in your Safety Management Cycle. A single citation on a bad day may generate 7 points; if you or your carrier have multiple violations within 30 days, the multiplier increases the total. Check your FMCSA online CSA profile for your exact point calculation.

First: Photograph the truck and cargo tank as it sits. Second: Request the inspection report from the roadside inspector—document the exact deficiency cited. Third: Have your maintenance team or carrier conduct a full cargo tank inspection and test per DOT specifications. Fourth: Gather all inspection/test documentation and repair records. Fifth: If you believe the citation is inaccurate, you have 90 days to challenge it through the DataQs program via FMCSA's website. Do not ignore the citation; it stays on your record.

No—it's one of the less-serious hazmat violations. Across our database, similar loading/unloading and placarding violations trigger OOS at rates of 99.2%, 97.9%, and 75.1%. By contrast, 180.407(a) has a 1.9% OOS rate, ranking #1065 of 3,036 FMCSR codes overall. While it still carries a CSA weight of 7, inspectors treat it as a documentation or equipment issue, not an imminent hazard. That said, ignoring the maintenance requirement invites repeat citations.

Yes. You or your carrier can file a DataQs (Crash and Inspection Clearinghouse) challenge with FMCSA within 90 days of the citation. Log into SaferWeb, select the inspection record, and follow the dispute process. DataQs works best when you have documentation (test certificates, maintenance logs, inspection photos) proving the cargo tank was tested or inspected, or when the inspector's notes are factually incorrect. Burden of proof is on you; generic denials rarely succeed.

Our records show 324 all-time citations for 180.407(a). The top carriers cited—A W YANDELL TRUCKING LLC (6 citations), LOMBARDO ENVIRONMENTAL INC (4 citations), and H2 ENERGY INC (4 citations)—operate across multiple states. However, our data does not break down citations by state in the inspection records available, so we cannot identify which states have the highest frequency. Check your own state DOT or FMCSA's SaferWeb for regional trends.

Fix it immediately, but without panic. Our records show zero citations in the last 90 days and zero in the last 12 months, indicating this violation is very rare in current enforcement. However, if your cargo tank inspection or test is genuinely overdue, you are operating in violation of hazmat regulations and expose yourself to fines, liability, and repeat citations. Do not assume the violation will go away; treat the citation as a signal to catch up on maintenance and then move forward.

Both. The citation is recorded against your carrier's USDOT number and Safety Management Cycle. It also appears in your personal driving record if you were the driver at the time of inspection. If you drive for another carrier later, the citation stays on the original carrier's history. However, CSA points and severity metrics are aggregated at the carrier level for regulatory action. If you suspect the citation belongs to your carrier's maintenance failure, discuss it with your safety manager to determine liability and whether the carrier should challenge it.