Legal

The HMR has the force of law under the Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.). The law requires that a group or class of material is designated as hazardous when it has been determined that the transport of such material in a particular amount and form may pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property. In addition, the law requires that regulations are issued for the safe transportation of hazardous material, which is provided in the HMR.

DOT personnel have the authority to open the outer packaging of any package believed to contain hazardous material. If the package is believed to pose an imminent hazard, it may be removed from transportation. DOT can also require periodic inspections to verify compliance with the HMR.

DOT strictly regulates the transport of hazardous materials. Failure to comply with the HMR risks the lives and safety of everyone who drives, rides, flies, or sails, and anyone involved in the chain of transportation. Violations of the HMR may result in civil and criminal penalties.

To learn more about DOT HAZMAT Awareness visit our DOT HAZMAT General Awareness Online Training web page.