DOT Placards Guide
Complete guide to DOT hazardous materials placarding, marking, and labeling requirements per 49 CFR Part 172. Essential for compliant hazmat transportation.
DOT Hazmat Transportation Requirements
This guide covers DOT Chart 15 requirements for hazardous materials markings, labeling, and placarding per 49 CFR Part 172. Essential for safe and compliant transportation of hazardous materials.
Important: This document is for general guidance only and should not be used to determine compliance with 49 CFR, Parts 100-185. Always refer to the current regulations.
Marking Requirements
Proper shipping names, identification numbers, and special markings per Subpart D of 49 CFR Part 172.
Labeling Standards
Hazard class labels and subsidiary risk labels per Subpart E of 49 CFR Part 172.
Placarding Rules
Vehicle and container placarding requirements per Subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172.
DOT Hazard Classes & Placarding Thresholds
Nine hazard classes with specific placarding requirements and weight thresholds for transportation vehicles and containers.
Class 1
Explosives
Divisions:
- • 1.1
- • 1.2
- • 1.3
- • 1.4
- • 1.5
- • 1.6
Placarding Rule:
1.1, 1.2, 1.3: Any quantity | 1.4, 1.5, 1.6: 454 kg (1,001 lbs) or more
Class 2
Gases
Divisions:
- • 2.1 Flammable
- • 2.2 Non-flammable
- • 2.3 Poison Gas
Placarding Rule:
Non-flammable/Oxygen/Flammable: 454 kg+ | Poison Gas: Any quantity
Class 3
Flammable Liquid
Divisions:
- • Flammable
- • Combustible
Placarding Rule:
454 kg (1,001 lbs) or more | Combustible: Bulk only
Class 4
Flammable Solid
Divisions:
- • 4.1 Flammable Solid
- • 4.2 Spontaneously Combustible
- • 4.3 Dangerous When Wet
Placarding Rule:
4.1, 4.2: 454 kg+ | 4.3 Dangerous When Wet: Any quantity
Class 5
Oxidizer & Organic Peroxide
Divisions:
- • 5.1 Oxidizer
- • 5.2 Organic Peroxide
Placarding Rule:
5.1: 454 kg+ | 5.2 Type B temp controlled: Any quantity
Class 6
Poison & Infectious
Divisions:
- • 6.1 Poison
- • 6.2 Infectious Substance
Placarding Rule:
6.1 PG I/II: 454 kg+ | Inhalation Hazard: Any quantity | 6.2: No placard domestic
Class 7
Radioactive
Divisions:
- • Radioactive
Placarding Rule:
Any quantity with Yellow-III labels | Exclusive use LSA materials
Class 8
Corrosive
Divisions:
- • Corrosive
Placarding Rule:
454 kg (1,001 lbs) or more
Class 9
Miscellaneous
Divisions:
- • Miscellaneous
Placarding Rule:
Bulk packaging only with ID number display
Package Marking Requirements
Essential markings required on hazardous materials packages per 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart D.
Proper Shipping Name
§172.301Must be displayed on packages in English
- Unabbreviated proper shipping name
- In durable, English language marking
- Close to other required markings
Identification Number
§172.301UN/NA identification numbers required
- Preceded by 'UN' or 'NA'
- Same size as proper shipping name
- Required on bulk packages and specific non-bulk
Package Orientation
§172.312For liquids in combination packagings
- Two arrows pointing upward
- Red or black arrows
- Opposite sides of package
Marine Pollutant
§172.322For marine pollutants exceeding reportable quantities
- Fish and tree symbol
- Required for vessel transport
- May be combined with proper shipping name
Hazard Warning Labels
Required hazard class labels per 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart E. Minimum size: 100mm (3.9 inches) on all sides.
Primary Hazard Labels
Required for the primary hazard class of the material
- Must match Hazardous Materials Table Column 6
- Minimum 100mm x 100mm size
- Affixed near proper shipping name
Subsidiary Hazard Labels
Required for subsidiary hazards listed in Column 6
- Displayed next to primary label
- Same size requirements as primary
- Shows additional hazards of material
Orientation Arrows
Required for liquid hazardous materials in combination packages
- Two arrows pointing in same direction
- Displayed on opposite sides
- Red or black color only
DOT Placarding Tables
Two placarding tables determine when placards are required based on material type and quantity thresholds per §172.504(e).
Table 1
Any Quantity Materials
Materials requiring placards regardless of quantity
- Explosives 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
- Poison Gas (2.3)
- Dangerous When Wet (4.3)
- Organic Peroxide Type B (temperature controlled)
- Poison Inhalation Hazard (6.1)
- Radioactive (Yellow-III labels only)
Table 2
1,001 lbs (454 kg) Threshold
Materials requiring placards when 454 kg or more aggregate gross weight
- Explosives 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
- Flammable Gas (2.1)
- Non-flammable Gas (2.2)
- Flammable Liquid (3)
- Flammable Solid (4.1)
- Spontaneously Combustible (4.2)
- Oxidizer (5.1)
- Poison (6.1 - other than inhalation hazard)
- Corrosive (8)
Identification Number Display Requirements
UN/NA identification numbers must be displayed on orange panels or appropriate placards for specific packaging and quantity thresholds.
Bulk Packagings
Tank cars, cargo tanks, portable tanks, and other bulk packagings
- Orange panels or placards
- All quantities required
4,000 kg Single Material
Transport vehicles with 4,000 kg+ of single hazardous material
- Same proper shipping name
- Loaded at one facility
1,000 kg Inhalation Hazard
Materials poisonous by inhalation in Hazard Zone A or B
- Zone A or B materials
- Non-bulk packages
DOT Resources & References
Official DOT resources and training materials for hazardous materials transportation compliance.
DOT Chart 15
Official DOT Chart 15: Hazardous Materials Markings, Labeling and Placarding Guide
Download Chart49 CFR Part 172
Complete regulations for hazardous materials markings, labeling, and placarding
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