What 180.415-HMTMC means in plain language
When you're hauling hazardous materials in a cargo tank, federal regulations require that specific test dates be marked on the tank itself. These markings show that your cargo tank has passed required safety inspections and tests—things like pressure tests, visual inspections, and certification of integrity. The marking must be clear, legible, and visible to inspectors.
If you're cited for 180.415-HMTMC, it means an inspector found that your cargo tank was missing one of these required date markings, the marking was illegible, or it wasn't in the right location. This is a documentation and labeling violation, not a mechanical failure—but it matters because regulators use these marks to verify your tank's compliance status at a glance.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 180.415-HMTMC has generated 648 citations all-time, with 355 citations in the last 12 months and 67 in the last 90 days. This code ranks #840 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—a mid-range enforcement issue, not a top priority.
Here's the critical detail for your situation: the out-of-service rate for this code is 0.0%. None of the 648 cited vehicles were placed out of service. Compare that to the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate of 31.4%, and you're looking at a violation that inspectors cite but do not use to remove your vehicle from service. This is a warning-level citation, not a roadside shutdown.
The monthly trend over the past 12 months shows steady enforcement activity. Citations ranged from a low of 13 in April 2025 to a high of 39 in December 2025, with most months landing between 27 and 37 citations. The recent months (January through March 2026) continued around 27–37 citations per month, indicating consistent inspector focus on cargo tank marking compliance.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show the top three states citing this code in the last 180 days are US (28 citations), New York (18 citations), and New Jersey (14 citations). California follows with 12 citations, and Maryland with 10. All of these states show a 0.0% out-of-service rate for this code—consistent with the national pattern.
Among carriers, our data shows fleets such as Quality Tank SA de CV with 7 all-time citations and Gemini Motor Transport LP with 6 citations. These numbers reflect the reality that tank carriers conducting hazmat operations are the operators most frequently exposed to this citation.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the hazardous materials category, 180.415-HMTMC sits on the lenient end of the enforcement spectrum. Compare it to peer codes: 177.834A-HMC (General loading/unloading hazmat) has generated 3,954 citations with a 99.2% out-of-service rate—vehicles regularly pulled from service. 177.817(a) (Placarding violation) has 2,274 citations and a 75.1% OOS rate. Even 172.516(c)(6) (Placard damaged deteriorated or obscured), which is in the same marking/documentation family, has a 1.6% OOS rate.
In contrast, 172.602(c)(1) (Maintenance/accessibility of Emergency Response information), another documentation-level hazmat code, also shows a 0.0% OOS rate with 1,464 citations. Your citation sits in that documentation-enforcement tier—enforceable, but not grounds for removal from service.
How to avoid it
Based on co-occurring violations in our inspection records, drivers cited for 180.415-HMTMC often also receive citations for related hazmat documentation and vehicle condition issues. Here's what to do:
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Walk around your cargo tank before every trip. Look at the tank itself, not just the paperwork. Verify that test date markings are visible, legible, and not obscured by dirt, corrosion, or damage. If a marking is faded or hard to read from five feet away, treat it as a flag.
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Check that all required markings are present. Your cargo tank should bear markings for hydrostatic tests, ultrasonic tests, or other certifications depending on tank type and commodity. Missing even one can trigger the citation. Consult your fleet's tank certification documentation before departure.
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Inspect tank condition overall. Our data shows that citations for 180.415-HMTMC frequently co-occur with lamp and placard violations, suggesting that overall tank presentation matters. Cracks, corrosion, or loose fittings can also obscure markings.
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If markings are damaged or illegitimate, contact your fleet. Do not attempt to repaint or re-mark the tank yourself. The test date must match the actual certification in your maintenance records, and improper marking can escalate the violation.
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For tank carriers and owner-operators: maintain a documented inspection schedule that confirms marking legibility each month. This is particularly important if your tanks operate in harsh weather or corrosive environments.