FMCSR 180.415B: Cargo Tank Markings — Driver Q&A

No. Across our inspection records, 180.415B has never resulted in an out-of-service placement. All 142 all-time citations and all 77 citations in the last 12 months resulted in the truck remaining in service. The 0.0% OOS rate for this code is significantly lower than the 31.4% average across all FMCSR violations, making it one of the least severe citation types inspectors can issue.

180.415B addresses test or inspection markings on cargo tanks used to transport hazmat. These are the stamps, dates, and certification labels that must be visible and legible to show the tank has passed required pressure, structural, and safety tests. If markings are missing, faded, or illegible during inspection, you can be cited—but the citation alone won't shut you down.

First, photograph and document the current condition of all markings on your cargo tank. Second, verify which specific markings are deficient (pressure test date, structural inspection date, or certification label). Third, contact your carrier's compliance team or tank maintenance provider to schedule recertification if the markings reflect an expired test. Finally, request a copy of the inspection report from the officer. Our data shows 180.415B often co-occurs with lamp defects and equipment issues, so do a full pre-trip walk-around to catch other problems before the next inspection.

180.415B is among the least severe hazmat citations. Peer codes in the same category show vastly higher out-of-service rates: general loading/unloading hazmat violations reach 97.9–99.2% OOS rates, and placarding violations hit 75.1%. By contrast, 180.415B's 0.0% OOS rate puts it at the low end of hazmat enforcement. It is a documentation and marking issue, not an active safety failure.

Yes, you can file a DataQs record dispute if you believe the citation was incorrect. 180.415B is a marking and documentation violation, not a real-time equipment defect, so disputes often focus on whether markings were actually illegible, whether the inspector had clear sight lines, or whether the tank had been properly recertified before the stop. Gather photos taken on or near the inspection date and any maintenance records showing recent test completion. File within 30 days of the citation through the FMCSA portal.

Our data for the last 180 days shows 180.415B is heavily concentrated in Texas, which accounts for 39 citations—far exceeding Iowa (2 citations) and Illinois (1 citation). If your operation runs through Texas, this code is more likely to be flagged during a roadside inspection. Texas represents the overwhelming majority of 180.415B enforcement activity in our database.

Citations have remained steady at a low volume. In the last 12 months, we recorded 77 total citations nationally, averaging about 6–7 per month. December 2025 saw a spike to 14 citations, but the typical month runs 3–6. This code ranks 1,323rd out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation frequency, placing it well outside the top enforcement priorities. It is not a high-volume problem.

Under FMCSA's CSA system, violations are attributed to both the driver's record and the carrier's record in separate BASIC categories. This citation will appear on your carrier's Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC and your driver profile in the FMCSA database. However, since 180.415B is a tank inspection marking issue—not a driver conduct violation—the weight on your personal driving record is minimal. The larger compliance burden falls on your carrier to ensure tanks are properly maintained and marked.