U.S. DOT enforcing prohibited-placard restrictions on trucks

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 3, 2002) — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) yesterday announced that it is now enforcing a requirement prohibiting motor carriers from placing “extraneous information” on placards and in placard holders.

This action enforces an Oct. 1, 2001, requirement of the DOT’s Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) barring signs, advertisements, or slogans (such as “Drive Safely”) that could be confused with any placard containing hazardous materials information.

Violators face civil penalties ranging from $250 to $27,500 US, and possible additional enforcement action by FMCSA.

In a statement yesterday, FMCSA said messages not associated with hazardous goods “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, contact the FMCSA at 202/366-6892 (East region); 404/562-3600 (South); 708/283-3565 (U.S. Midwest); or 415/744-3088 (West).