Violation code

385.403-HMAMC

HM (Administrative) - Motor Carrier failing to obtain an HM safety permit as required.

Hazardous Materials Compliance3Non-OOS· SMS Appendix A v3.20

385.403-HMAMC is a Documentation - HM violation under 49 CFR §385.403-HMAMC. It falls in the Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC with a severity weight of 3/10. Nationally it was cited 62 times in the last five years, with an OOS rate of 0.0%.

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National roadside inspection stats

as of 8/20/2026

Inspections

that found this code

Violations

total written

OOS rate

0.0%

0 OOS

Source: FMCSA roadside inspection data (last 5 years). The OOS rate is the share of these violations that led the officer to mark the driver or vehicle out of service.

Violation group: Documentation - HM
Regulation §: 385.403-HMAMC
Severity weight: 3
Used in SMS: Yes
Status: Active
Updated: 8/20/2026

Last updated August 2026

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Notes

DSMS: N | Comment: Added in 3.15 | Footnote: As of February 1, 2023, the violations in this table are included in SMS. Only violations cited on or after February 1 are included in SMS calculations. This update aligns SMS with how violations are being cited in a new software used for roadside inspections.

What 385.403-HMAMC means — and how to avoid it

In plain English

In plain terms, 385.403-HMAMC is cited for hM (Administrative) - Motor Carrier failing to obtain an HM safety permit as required.

What the inspector checks

•Correct placarding for the material and quantity
•Shipping papers accessible and accurate
•Package marking, labeling, and securement

How to prevent it

✓Verify placards match the shipping papers before leaving
✓Keep shipping papers within reach and in order
✓Confirm proper packaging and emergency info

How it affects your CSA

up to 9 pts (fresh)

Severity 3/10. A fresh citation counts at the 3× time weight — up to 9 points toward the Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC — then tapers to 2× after 6 months and 1× after a year, dropping off the score at 24 months.

General guidance from the violation’s FMCSA classification — not legal advice, and not a substitute for the inspector’s findings or 49 CFR.

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Challenging 385.403-HMAMC through FMCSA DataQs

If this violation was written incorrectly, here are the angles trucking-safety managers use to contest it. Playbook: Hazardous Materials.

Common ways to challenge this code

Shipment was not placardable
The materials transported did not exceed the threshold quantities requiring placards under 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart F.
Evidence that wins
- ✓Shipping papers showing UN number, hazard class, and quantity
- ✓Manufacturer's product specification sheet
Administrative HazMat code (not in SMS)
This administrative code is on the inspection report but does not contribute to CSA BASIC scoring per FMCSA SMS Methodology Appendix A.
Evidence that wins
- ✓FMCSA SMS Methodology Appendix A reference

Common pitfalls — avoid these

⚠Administrative HazMat codes still appear on the PSP record even when not scored in SMS

⚡ Draft a challenge for 385.403-HMAMC →Read the DataQs guide first

More codes in Hazardous Materials Compliance

Same BASIC category — ranked by national citation volume

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Frequently asked questions about 385.403-HMAMC

What does violation 385.403-HMAMC mean?

385.403-HMAMC is the FMCSA roadside-inspection violation code for "HM (Administrative) - Motor Carrier failing to obtain an HM safety permit as required.", part of the Documentation - HM group, cited under 49 CFR §385.403-HMAMC.

What BASIC does 385.403-HMAMC affect?

385.403-HMAMC falls under the Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC in the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS).

What is the CSA severity weight of 385.403-HMAMC?

385.403-HMAMC carries a severity weight of 3 out of 10. Higher weights indicate violations more closely tied to crash risk, and they count more toward a carrier's Hazardous Materials Compliance score.

Is 385.403-HMAMC an out-of-service (OOS) violation?

No. 385.403-HMAMC is not an out-of-service violation, so on its own it does not trigger an out-of-service order at the roadside.

How many CSA points does 385.403-HMAMC add to a carrier's score?

The point contribution of 385.403-HMAMC depends on its severity weight (3/10) multiplied by a time weight of 3, 2, or 1 based on how recent the inspection is. You can calculate the exact contribution with the CSA points calculator.

How can a driver prevent 385.403-HMAMC?

Verify placards match the shipping papers before leaving; Keep shipping papers within reach and in order; Confirm proper packaging and emergency info.

Can 385.403-HMAMC be challenged through DataQs?

Yes. If you believe 385.403-HMAMC was recorded in error, you can file a Request for Data Review (RDR) through the FMCSA DataQs system with supporting evidence. A successful challenge can remove or correct the violation on your record.

Keep going

CSA points calculator How to challenge a violation Draft a DataQs letter for 385.403-HMAMC Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC Carrier CSA lookup CSA glossary

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