Driving, Parking, Routing, and Railroad Crossings
Driving rules
Hazardous materials drivers must follow the general commercial driving rules plus additional restrictions. Stops must be made at all railroad crossings, the vehicle must be brought to a complete stop, and the driver must look and listen before proceeding. The vehicle must not be left unattended while carrying hazardous materials, and the parking brake must be set. Smoking and open flames are prohibited near the vehicle and its cargo.
Parking restrictions
Parking is restricted near bridges, tunnels, tunnels, and crowded places. A vehicle carrying hazardous materials should not be parked within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a highway, and should not be parked on or near a bridge, tunnel, or railroad track. When parking is necessary, the driver should choose an open area away from people and structures.
Routing
Carriers must use routes that avoid crowded areas when practicable, and some materials require specific routes or permits. California imposes routing and permit requirements for certain hazardous loads, and drivers must follow posted restrictions and designated routes.
Traps to watch
Questions often test the railroad crossing stop: it applies to hazardous materials vehicles regardless of whether a train is visible. Another trap is the parking distance rule, which is often confused with the distance from a fire hydrant or the distance from a stop sign. A third trap is the assumption that a placarded vehicle may park anywhere a passenger car may park.
Worked example
A driver carrying a placarded load approaches a railroad crossing with no train in sight. The driver must still come to a complete stop, look and listen, and proceed only when safe.
Rule of thumb
Stop at every railroad crossing, keep the vehicle attended, and park away from bridges, tunnels, and crowds.