A driver is transporting a bulk quantity of UN1203, Gasoline (Class 3, PG II). The driver has parked the vehicle at a truck stop. Which of the following parking situations is generally permissible?
- AParking the vehicle within 50 feet of an open flame or fire source.
- BParking the vehicle in a designated truck stop parking area, away from buildings and sources of ignition.
- CParking the vehicle within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a public street or highway for a meal break.
- DParking the vehicle within 300 feet of a bridge or tunnel.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Parking the vehicle in a designated truck stop parking area, away from buildings and sources of ignition.
Federal regulations (49 CFR 397.7) prohibit parking a placarded vehicle within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a public street or highway, within 300 feet of a bridge or tunnel (for certain materials), and near open flames or fires. Parking in a designated truck stop parking area, away from buildings and ignition sources, aligns with safe parking practices for placarded vehicles.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Parking near an open flame or fire source is strictly prohibited for flammable materials like gasoline.
- C. Parking within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a public street or highway is generally prohibited for placarded vehicles.
- D. Parking within 300 feet of a bridge or tunnel is generally prohibited for placarded vehicles, especially those carrying flammable materials.
General HazMat Parking Rules
Placarded vehicles must adhere to specific parking rules, including prohibitions against parking near traveled roadways, bridges, tunnels, open flames, and occupied buildings, while designated, safe parking areas are permissible.
- No parking within 5 feet of traveled portion of public street/highway.
- No parking within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or dwelling (for certain materials/quantities).
- No parking near open flames or fires.
- Designated truck stop parking, away from hazards, is generally acceptable.
Memory trick: No roads, no fires, no tunnels, no homes – keep hazmat alone.