Violation code

173.33(a)

Cargo tank general requirements

Hazardous Materials Compliance4Non-OOS· SMS Appendix A v3.20

173.33(a) is a Cargo Protection - HM violation under 49 CFR §173.33(a). It falls in the Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC with a severity weight of 4/10. Nationally it was cited 122 times in the last five years, with an OOS rate of 78.7%.

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National roadside inspection stats

as of 6/20/2026

Inspections

121

that found this code

Violations

122

total written

OOS rate

78.7%

96 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: Cargo Protection - HM
Regulation §: 173.33(a)
Severity weight: 4
Used in SMS: Yes
Status: Active
Updated: 6/20/2026

Last updated June 2026

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Notes

DSMS: Y

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Challenging 173.33(a) 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 173.33(a) →Read the DataQs guide first

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Other Cargo Protection - HM codes

Codes under the same FMCSA violation group

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Frequently asked questions about 173.33(a)

What does violation 173.33(a) mean?

173.33(a) is the FMCSA roadside-inspection violation code for "Cargo tank general requirements", part of the Cargo Protection - HM group, cited under 49 CFR §173.33(a).

What BASIC does 173.33(a) affect?

173.33(a) falls under the Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC in the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS).

What is the CSA severity weight of 173.33(a)?

173.33(a) carries a severity weight of 4 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 173.33(a) an out-of-service (OOS) violation?

No. 173.33(a) 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 173.33(a) add to a carrier's score?

The point contribution of 173.33(a) depends on its severity weight (4/10) 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.

Can 173.33(a) be challenged through DataQs?

Yes. If you believe 173.33(a) 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 173.33(a)Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC Carrier CSA lookup CSA glossary