FMCSA enforcing new placard requirement
Jan 3, 2002 12:00 PM
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has begun enforcing a requirement prohibiting motor carriers from placing extraneous information on placards and in placard holders. The devices are reserved for hazardous materials information, according to information from the Department of Transportation.
The action enforces a requirement of the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) that prohibits any sign, advertisement, slogan (such as "Drive Safely"), or device that could be confused with any placard containing hazardous materials information.
The prohibition, which became effective October 1, 2001, subjects violators to a civil penalty of at least $250 and not more than $27,500 per violation and possible additional enforcement action by FMCSA.
FMCSA believes that extraneous information displayed on placards, placard type displays and in placard holders detracts from the basic function of the placard and reduces the ability of emergency responders to readily recognize vital hazard alerting information. Placards must be strictly reserved for hazards communication and all other confusing or conflicting displays prohibited.
For more information, access http://hazmat.dot.gov/hm206.pdf or http://hazmat.dot.gov/rules/hm206.htm,.
FMCSA is instructing anyone with questions concerning the enforcement of this rule to contact the nearest FMCSA Service Center Monday through Friday between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm. Contact the Eastern Service Center, (202) 366-6892; Southern, (404)-562-3600; Midwestern, (708) 283-3565; or Western, (415) 744-3088. On weekends, holidays or after hours, contact the 24-hour Department of Transportation Safety Hotline at 1-888-368-7238.
