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Vehicles transporting hazardous materials must follow more strict regulations when it comes to the rules of the road. Many driving and parking regulations limit the areas certain vehicles transporting hazmat can travel or park.
The driving and parking rules of Part 397 apply to each motor carrier who transports hazardous materials in a motor vehicle that is required to be marked or placarded.
Marked or placarded vehicles containing hazardous materials should not be parked on or within five feet of the traveled portion of any roadway. If the vehicle does not contain Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials, it may be stopped for brief periods when operational necessity requires parking the vehicle, and it would be impractical to stop elsewhere. (397.7)
A motor vehicle hauling Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (explosive) materials must not be parked:
See Carrier Information Contact for information on parking (dropping) a trailer of hazardous materials.
See Attendance Requirements for information on attending a vehicle transporting hazardous materials.
When a marked or placarded vehicle that contains hazardous materials is being fueled its engine must be off and a person must be in control of the fueling process at the point where the fuel tank is being filled. (397.15)
A marked or placarded vehicle containing hazardous materials should not be driven near an open fire, unless careful precautions have been taken to be sure the vehicle can completely pass the fire without stopping. In addition, a marked or placarded vehicle containing hazardous materials should not be parked within 300 feet of any open fire. (397.11)
See Smoking for information on smoking and hazardous materials.
The driver of any vehicle which must be marked or placarded because it contains hazardous materials, must examine each tire on their vehicle at the beginning of each trip and each time the vehicle is parked.
If any defect is found in a tire, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. The vehicle may, however, be driven a short distance to the nearest safe place for repair.
If a hot tire is found, it must be removed from the vehicle immediately and taken to a safe distance. Such a vehicle may not be operated until the cause of the overheating is corrected. (397.17)
See Routing for information on routing requirements for hazardous materials.
Motor carriers transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials must furnish drivers with the following required documents: