DOT enforcing prohibited placard restrictions on trucks.

M2 PRESSWIRE-3 January 2002-US DOT: DOT enforcing prohibited placard restrictions on trucks (C)1994-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:02012002

In an effort to protect the traveling public, the U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today 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 Departments 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 hazardous materials information.

The prohibition, which became effective Oct. 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.

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

CONTACT: Dave Longo Tel: +1 202 366 0456

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