FMCSR 180.605K: Test Date Marking — Q&A

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, the 180.605K citation has never resulted in an out-of-service order — the OOS rate is 0.0%. This contrasts sharply with the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. Test date marking violations are treated as documentation issues rather than immediate safety threats, so you'll receive a citation but your vehicle will remain legal to operate.

The specific CSA point weight for 180.605K is not publicly disclosed in enforcement data. However, you can verify your exact point assignment in your carrier's CSA profile at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov or through the FMCSA's DataQs system. Your safety manager or compliance team should also have access to your detailed inspection report, which will show any points assessed.

First, request a complete copy of the inspection report from the DOT officer. Second, review the specific hazmat shipment or container in question — test date markings on hazmat packaging are regulated under Department of Transportation rules. Third, notify your carrier's hazmat compliance officer right away. If you're cited alongside other hazmat violations (our data shows co-occurring placarding and damaged package citations), address those simultaneously. Finally, photograph the corrected marking and retain documentation for your records or a DataQs challenge.

No, 180.605K is significantly less severe than most hazmat regulations. Our inspection data shows peer violations carry much higher out-of-service rates: general loading/unloading hazmat violations run 97.9–99.2% OOS rate, placarding violations average 75.1%, and damaged package movement sits at 51.8% OOS. At 0.0% OOS, 180.605K ranks as a documentation or marking deficiency rather than a safety-critical violation. Nationally, this code ranks #2083 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by enforcement volume — it's uncommon.

Yes. All FMCSA inspection findings, including 180.605K, are contestable through the DataQs process. Log into your SAFER profile, select the specific inspection, and submit a formal challenge with supporting evidence (photos of corrected markings, maintenance records, hazmat compliance documentation). Focus on factual errors — for example, if the date was marked correctly and the inspector misread it. DataQs reviews driver and carrier submissions within 30 days; decisions are posted to your permanent record.

Over the last 180 days, our data shows 3 citations in Texas (TX), with a 0.0% out-of-service rate. Enforcement volume for this code is very low nationwide — only 5 citations in the last 12 months and 1 in the last 90 days — so geographic hotspots are minimal. If you operate hazmat loads in Texas, ensure your test date markings are current and legible before each shipment.

Not urgent from a safety suspension standpoint, but correct immediately for your next inspection. The 0.0% out-of-service rate means FMCSA won't order your truck off the road, but the citation still counts against your record. Over the last 90 days, we've recorded just 1 citation for this code, so enforcement is sparse — but that's no reason to delay. Verify all hazmat test date markings before every trip. Repeated citations could signal a systemic compliance gap in your hazmat procedures.

This violation typically follows the carrier in CSA safety records, not the individual driver. The citation reflects hazmat packaging compliance, which is a carrier responsibility under DOT regulations. However, as the driver, you have a duty to refuse to transport any hazmat load with improper markings or test dates. Ensure your carrier's dispatch team reviews all hazmat documentation before you accept the load; if markings are defective, report it and request corrected shipments.