CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Communication RulesMedium
A driver is transporting a bulk quantity of UN1203, Gasoline, Class 3, PG II, in a cargo tank. The cargo tank is equipped with an identification number holder. Which of the following statements regarding the display of the identification number is correct?
- AThe identification number is only required on the shipping papers, not on the cargo tank.
- BThe identification number must be displayed on the placards themselves.
- CThe identification number must be displayed only on the front and rear of the cargo tank.
- DThe identification number must be displayed on orange panels or white square-on-point displays.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The identification number must be displayed on orange panels or white square-on-point displays.
For bulk packaging like cargo tanks, the identification number (UN/NA ID) of the hazardous material must be displayed on orange panels or on a white square-on-point display (similar to a placard, but only showing the ID number). These displays must be on all four sides of the vehicle or tank, not just front and rear (49 CFR 172.332).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The identification number is required on both the shipping papers and, for bulk packaging, displayed externally on the cargo tank.
- B. While some placards (e.g., DANGEROUS) may have the ID number displayed on them for mixed loads, the general rule for single bulk hazmat requires separate orange panels or white square-on-point displays for the ID number, adjacent to the placard.
- C. Identification numbers on bulk packaging must be displayed on all four sides (front, rear, and both sides), not just front and rear.
Bulk Packaging ID Number Display
For bulk packaging (e.g., cargo tanks), the UN/NA identification number must be displayed on orange panels or white square-on-point displays on all four sides of the vehicle, in addition to placards.
- Applies to bulk packaging (e.g., cargo tanks, portable tanks).
- Displayed on orange panels or white square-on-point.
- Must be visible from all four sides of the vehicle.
Memory trick: ID's on display, orange or white, all around the tank, for safety's light.