Hazmat Placard Tool
Organize hazmat load details, view reference placard and ERG suggestions, and generate a copyable dispatch summary.
Inputs
These switches help the tool decide whether a mixed Table 2 load can use a DANGEROUS placard suggestion.
Results
Hazmat Placard Requirements for Truck Drivers
Federal regulations require commercial vehicles transporting hazardous materials to display placards that identify the type of hazard to emergency responders. Knowing when placards are required and which ones to use is essential for any CDL driver hauling hazmat freight.
In general, placards are required when a vehicle contains 1,001 pounds or more of a hazardous material in a single shipment, or any quantity of certain highly dangerous materials regardless of weight.
The 9 DOT Hazmat Classes
Class 1 — Explosives: Includes ammunition, fireworks, and airbag inflators. Subdivided by risk type from mass explosion to minor blast hazard.
Class 2 — Gases: Covers compressed, liquefied, dissolved, and refrigerated gases including propane, oxygen, and chlorine.
Class 3 — Flammable Liquids: Gasoline, diesel, ethanol, and other liquids with a flash point below 140°F.
Class 4 — Flammable Solids: Materials that ignite easily or contribute to fire through friction, moisture reaction, or spontaneous combustion.
Class 5 — Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides: Materials that provide oxygen to support combustion, including ammonium nitrate fertilizer.
Class 6 — Toxic and Infectious Substances: Poisons and biological materials hazardous to humans.
Class 7 — Radioactive Materials: Any material emitting ionizing radiation above background levels.
Class 8 — Corrosives: Acids and bases that destroy skin or metal on contact, including sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.
Class 9 — Miscellaneous: Hazardous materials that don't fit other categories, including dry ice, lithium batteries, and magnetized materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hazmat endorsement to haul hazmat freight?
Yes. Any CDL driver transporting materials requiring a placard must have a Hazardous Materials endorsement (HME) on their license. Getting an HME requires a TSA background check and a knowledge test.
Where do placards go on a truck?
Placards must be displayed on all four sides of the vehicle — front, rear, and both sides. They must be visible, legible, and securely mounted at least 3 inches from any other markings.
What is the ERG guide number?
The Emergency Response Guide (ERG) number corresponds to a section in the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook carried by first responders. It tells them how to handle a spill or fire involving that specific hazmat material.
What happens if I haul hazmat without a placard?
Failing to display required placards is a serious violation that can result in significant fines, out-of-service orders, and points against your CSA score. Carriers can also face penalties for dispatching an unplacarded driver.