Violation code

180.3

Represent a package as meeting a specification that does not meet a specification

Hazardous Materials Compliance8Non-OOS· SMS Appendix A v3.20

180.3 is a Package Integrity - HM violation under 49 CFR §180.3. It falls in the Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC with a severity weight of 8/10. Nationally it was cited 17 times in the last five years, with an OOS rate of 35.3%.

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National roadside inspection stats

as of 6/20/2026

Inspections

that found this code

Violations

total written

OOS rate

35.3%

6 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: Package Integrity - HM
Regulation §: 180.3
Severity weight: 8
Used in SMS: Yes
Status: Active
Updated: 6/20/2026

Last updated June 2026

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Notes

DSMS: N | Comment: Added in 3.0.8 | Footnote: This violation was applied retroactively in the SMS with the July 28, 2017 run.

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Challenging 180.3 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

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More codes in Hazardous Materials Compliance

Same BASIC category — ranked by national citation volume

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Other Package Integrity - HM codes

Codes under the same FMCSA violation group

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Frequently asked questions about 180.3

What does violation 180.3 mean?

180.3 is the FMCSA roadside-inspection violation code for "Represent a package as meeting a specification that does not meet a specification", part of the Package Integrity - HM group, cited under 49 CFR §180.3.

What BASIC does 180.3 affect?

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

What is the CSA severity weight of 180.3?

180.3 carries a severity weight of 8 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 180.3 an out-of-service (OOS) violation?

No. 180.3 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 180.3 add to a carrier's score?

The point contribution of 180.3 depends on its severity weight (8/10) 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 180.3 be challenged through DataQs?

Yes. If you believe 180.3 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 180.3 Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC Carrier CSA lookup CSA glossary