Violation code

173.60

General packaging requirements explosives

Hazardous Materials Compliance2Non-OOS· SMS Appendix A v3.20

173.60 is a HM Other violation under 49 CFR §173.60. It falls in the Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC with a severity weight of 2/10. Nationally it was cited 5 times in the last five years, with an OOS rate of 40.0%.

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National roadside inspection stats

as of 9/20/2026

Inspections

that found this code

Violations

total written

OOS rate

40.0%

2 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: HM Other
Regulation §: 173.60
Severity weight: 2
Used in SMS: Yes
Status: Active
Updated: 9/20/2026

Last updated September 2026

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Notes

DSMS: N

What 173.60 means — and how to avoid it

In plain English

In plain terms, 173.60 is cited for general packaging requirements explosives.

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 6 pts (fresh)

Severity 2/10. A fresh citation counts at the 3× time weight — up to 6 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 173.60 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 173.60 →Read the DataQs guide first

More codes in Hazardous Materials Compliance

Same BASIC category — ranked by national citation volume

View all Hazardous Materials Compliance codes →

Other HM Other codes

Codes under the same FMCSA violation group

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Frequently asked questions about 173.60

What does violation 173.60 mean?

173.60 is the FMCSA roadside-inspection violation code for "General packaging requirements explosives", part of the HM Other group, cited under 49 CFR §173.60.

What BASIC does 173.60 affect?

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

What is the CSA severity weight of 173.60?

173.60 carries a severity weight of 2 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 173.60 an out-of-service (OOS) violation?

No. 173.60 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 173.60 add to a carrier's score?

The point contribution of 173.60 depends on its severity weight (2/10) 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 173.60?

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

Can 173.60 be challenged through DataQs?

Yes. If you believe 173.60 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 173.60 Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC Carrier CSA lookup CSA glossary

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