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Jan 1, 2002 12:00 PM

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that it is enforcing a requirement prohibiting motor carriers from placing extraneous information on placards and in placard holders. These devices are reserved for hazardous materials information.

This action enforces a requirement of the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) that prohibits in the placard holder any sign, advertisement, slogan (such as “Drive Safely”), or device that could be confused with any placard containing hazmat information.

The prohibition, which took effect Oct 1, 2001, subjects violators to a civil penalty of at least $250 and not more than $27,500 per violation and possible additional action by FMCSA.

The agency 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 recognize vital hazard alerting information readily. Placards must be strictly reserved for hazards communication and all other confusing or conflicting displays prohibited.

Additional information is in the final rule, which is posted on the Internet at http://hazmat.dot.gov/hm206.pdf and also at http://hazmat.dot.gov/rules/hm206.htm.

Anyone with questions on enforcement of this rule can contact the nearest FMCSA Service Center Monday through Friday between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm. Phone the Eastern Service Center at 202-366-6892, Southern Center at 404-562-3600, Midwestern at 708-283-3565, or Western at 415-744-3088.