FMCSR 180.407A: Cargo Tank Inspection — Driver Q&A

No. Across our inspection records, only 0.5% of 180.407A citations result in out-of-service placement—just 1 OOS event out of 222 all-time citations. This is dramatically lower than the 31.4% average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes. Your truck can remain in service in nearly all cases, though the underlying issue (missing or failed cargo tank inspection/test) must still be corrected.

180.407A carries a severity weight of 7 points. Points are counted in your unsafe driving BASIC, which rolls up 30-day violations on a decaying scale—violations age out after 34 days. A single citation accrues 7 points immediately; if you accumulate multiple violations within 30 days, the second adds 7, the third adds 7, and so on. The weight reflects the safety risk of operating a cargo tank without proper periodic inspection or testing.

Immediate steps:

1. Request a copy of the inspection report and citation details from the officer.
2. Verify your cargo tank's inspection/test records—check with your carrier's maintenance department for documentation.
3. Schedule a formal cargo tank inspection and pressure test if one is overdue (required at set intervals per FMCSA regulations).
4. Contact your fleet safety manager or maintenance supervisor to confirm your tank's certification status.
5. Review the inspection data for co-occurring mechanical issues: our records show 180.407A often appears alongside lamp defects (393.9) and tire problems (393.75A3), so have a full Pre-Trip Inspection performed.
6. If documentation exists proving inspection was completed, gather it for a potential DataQs dispute.
7. Request written confirmation from maintenance once the tank is re-inspected and certified.

No, this citation is relatively low-risk for OOS placement. While hazmat violations in the category range widely—general loading/unloading violations (177.834A-HMC) hit 99.2% OOS rate, and placarding violations (177.817(a)) hit 97.9%—180.407A's 0.5% OOS rate places it among the safest hazmat citations in our database. That said, the citation still signals a documentation or maintenance gap that must be closed before operating again, and it does count against your CSA score.

Yes, urgently. Cargo tank inspection and test compliance is a legal requirement before transporting hazardous materials. Our 90-day records show 14 citations for this violation, with a spike in December 2025 (19 citations in a single month). Inspectors will look for proof of current certification on your next roadside stop. If your tank's inspection is past due, you should not operate in hazmat service. Contact your carrier's maintenance team immediately to schedule the inspection—the clock is running on your compliance.

Texas dominates citation volume. In the last 180 days, Texas accounts for 48 citations—far ahead of any other state tracked in our data. New Mexico had 1 citation over the same period. The concentration in Texas reflects the high volume of cross-border hazmat operations and tank-trailer traffic through the state. If you operate in Texas with a cargo tank, familiarize yourself with inspection schedules and ensure documentation is current before any roadside encounter.

Yes. The DataQs system (FMCSA's Roadside Data Review process) allows drivers and carriers to dispute inspection findings. For 180.407A, your dispute argument would typically rest on documentation: if your cargo tank was inspected and tested as required, but the inspector did not note or request proof, you can submit the inspection certificate, test report, or maintenance log as evidence that the violation did not occur. DataQs does not reverse citations based on inspector discretion alone—only on factual errors or missing records. File your dispute within 90 days of the citation for best consideration.

Both. Under CSA rules, safety violations appear on your personal driving record (Safety Management module) and on your carrier's safety profile (FMCSA Inspection & Complaint Summary). A citation for inadequate equipment inspection/testing directly reflects on your carrier's maintenance program and hazmat operations. Your carrier's insurance underwriter and customer safety audits will see this violation. Your individual CSA safety percentile is also affected. Clearing the citation or successfully disputing it through DataQs benefits both your record and your carrier's profile.