Hazmat placard checker

The placard requirement depends on which of two tables a hazard class falls under:

Table 1 — Always placarded (no quantity threshold)

These classes require a placard regardless of the quantity on the vehicle. Even a single package triggers the requirement:

• Div 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 — Explosives (mass explosion / projection / fire hazard)
• Div 2.3 — Poison (toxic) gas
• Div 4.3 — Dangerous When Wet
• Div 5.2, Type B — Organic peroxide (highly reactive)
• Div 6.1, Inhalation Hazard Zone A or B — Poison Inhalation Hazard
• Class 7 with Yellow III label — Radioactive

Table 2 — Placarded at ≥ 454 kg (1,001 lb)

All other regulated classes require a placard only when the aggregate gross weight of hazardous materials of the same class on the vehicle reaches 454 kg. Classes covered include:

• Div 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 · Div 2.1, 2.2 · Class 3 · Div 4.1, 4.2 · Div 5.1, 5.2 (non-Type-B) · Div 6.1 (non-PIH) · Div 6.2 · Class 8

Class 9 — Exempt for domestic highway

Per 49 CFR §172.504(f)(9), a MISCELLANEOUS placard is not required for domestic US highway or rail transport of Class 9 materials. Packages still require Class 9 labels and markings. A placard is required for vessel transport or when a Class 9 shipment is exported.

What "aggregate" means

The 454 kg threshold applies to the combined gross weight of all packages of the same hazard class on the vehicle — not just one package. Mixed loads with multiple hazard classes are evaluated per class independently. Some multi-hazard materials may require multiple placards.