Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV
HazMat driving and parking rules
Questions and answers
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With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives on board, how close to the traveled part of the road may you park?
Never within 5 feet
A vehicle with these explosives is never parked within 5 feet of the traveled part of the road.
Section 9 · 9.6.1 – Parking With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives, how far must you normally park from a bridge, tunnel, or building?
At least 300 feet
Except for short stops needed to operate the vehicle, do not park within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or building.
Section 9 · 9.6.1 – Parking With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
Which of these is NOT on the list of places you must stay 300 feet from when parked with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives?
A weigh station scale
The list is a bridge, tunnel, or building, a place where people gather, and an open fire.
Section 9 · 9.6.1 – Parking With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
What kind of stop is the exception to the 300 foot parking rule for explosives?
Short periods needed for vehicle operation necessities, such as fueling
Brief stops for operating needs such as fueling are the only exception.
Section 9 · 9.6.1 – Parking With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
When may you park a vehicle loaded with explosives on private property?
Only if the owner is aware of the danger
Do not park on private property unless the owner knows about the danger.
Section 9 · 9.6.1 – Parking With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
On whose property may you let someone else watch your parked vehicle loaded with explosives?
The shipper’s, the carrier’s, or the consignee’s
Someone must always watch the vehicle. Another person may do it for you only on the shipper’s, carrier’s, or consignee’s property.
Section 9 · 9.6.1 – Parking With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
What is a safe haven?
An approved place for parking unattended vehicles loaded with explosives
A safe haven is an approved place where vehicles loaded with explosives may be left unattended.
Section 9 · 9.6.1 – Parking With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
Who usually designates authorized safe havens?
Local authorities
Safe havens are usually designated by local authorities.
Section 9 · 9.6.1 – Parking With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
Where may a vehicle loaded with explosives be left unattended?
In a safe haven
A safe haven is the place where you are allowed to leave such a vehicle unattended.
Section 9 · 9.6.1 – Parking With Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
Your placarded vehicle carries no explosives. When may you park within 5 feet of the traveled part of the road?
Only if your work requires it, and only briefly
A placarded vehicle not laden with explosives may park that close only when the work requires it, and only briefly.
Section 9 · 9.6.2 – Parking a Placarded Vehicle Not Transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
A placarded vehicle is parked on a public roadway or shoulder. What is required?
Someone must always watch the vehicle
A placarded vehicle parked on a public roadway or shoulder must always be watched.
Section 9 · 9.6.2 – Parking a Placarded Vehicle Not Transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
May you uncouple a trailer loaded with HazMat and leave it on a public street?
No
A trailer with HazMat is never uncoupled and left on a public street.
Section 9 · 9.6.2 – Parking a Placarded Vehicle Not Transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
How far from an open fire must any placarded vehicle be parked?
At least 300 feet
Do not park a placarded vehicle within 300 feet of an open fire.
Section 9 · 9.6.2 – Parking a Placarded Vehicle Not Transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
A person attending a placarded vehicle from outside it must stay within what distance?
100 feet, with the vehicle in clear view
The attendant is either in the vehicle and awake, or within 100 feet with the vehicle in clear view.
Section 9 · 9.6.3 – Attending Placarded Parked Vehicles ↗ -
You are resting in the sleeper berth of your placarded truck. Are you attending the vehicle?
No, the attendant must be awake and not in the sleeper berth
A person in the vehicle counts as attending only when awake and not in the sleeper berth.
Section 9 · 9.6.3 – Attending Placarded Parked Vehicles ↗ -
Which of these is required of a person attending a placarded parked vehicle?
Being able to move the vehicle if needed
The attendant knows the hazards, knows what to do in an emergency, and can move the vehicle if needed.
Section 9 · 9.6.3 – Attending Placarded Parked Vehicles ↗ -
You break down with a HazMat load. Which stopped vehicle signals should you use?
Reflective triangles or red electric lights
Use reflective triangles or red electric lights for a stopped vehicle.
Section 9 · 9.6.4 – No Flares! ↗ -
An empty tank that was used for Class 3 flammable liquids breaks down. May you set out flares?
No, burning signals are never used around such a tank, loaded or empty
Burning signals are never used around a tank used for Class 3 or Division 2.1, whether loaded or empty.
Section 9 · 9.6.4 – No Flares! ↗ -
Besides flammable liquid and flammable gas tanks, around which vehicle must you never use burning signals?
A vehicle loaded with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives
Flares and fuses are never used around a vehicle loaded with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives.
Section 9 · 9.6.4 – No Flares! ↗ -
Whose job is it to find out whether a HazMat trip needs permits or special routes?
The driver’s
It is your job as the driver to find out. Have all needed papers before starting.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
You work for a carrier and are unsure about route restrictions. Whom do you ask?
Your dispatcher
Drivers who work for a carrier ask their dispatcher about route restrictions and permits.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
You are an independent trucker planning a new HazMat route. Whom do you check with?
State agencies where you plan to travel
Independent truckers check with the state agencies along the planned route.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
Which places should you avoid whenever your vehicle is placarded?
Heavily populated areas, crowds, tunnels, narrow streets, and alleys
Avoid these places and take other routes, even inconvenient ones, unless there is no other way.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
A route that avoids a crowded downtown area takes longer. What should you do when placarded?
Take the other route, even if it is inconvenient
Use other routes even if inconvenient, unless no other way exists.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
When may you drive a placarded vehicle near an open fire?
Only if you can safely pass without stopping
Never drive a placarded vehicle near open fires unless you can pass safely without stopping.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
What must you have and follow when transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives?
A written route plan
These explosives require a written route plan that you follow and keep with you.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
Who normally prepares the route plan for explosives?
The carrier, in advance, giving the driver a copy
Carriers prepare the route plan in advance and give the driver a copy.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
When may you plan the explosives route yourself?
When you pick up the explosives somewhere other than your employer’s terminal
If the pickup is away from your employer’s terminal, you may write out the plan yourself in advance.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
To whom or where may shipments of explosives be delivered?
Only to authorized persons, or left in locked rooms designed for explosives storage
Explosives go only to authorized persons or into locked rooms designed for storing explosives.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
For placarded radioactive materials, what must the carrier do about the route?
Choose the safest route, then tell the driver about the materials and show the route plan
The carrier picks the safest route, informs the driver about the radioactive materials, and shows the route plan.
Section 9 · 9.6.5 – Route Restrictions ↗ -
In California, a for-hire carrier transports Division 1.1 explosives. What amount triggers the CHP special routes and stopping places?
Any amount
For delivery service or for-hire carriage, any amount of Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, or 1.6 explosives is covered.
Section 9 · Transporting Explosives in California ↗ -
In California, at what amount do the CHP explosives routing requirements apply to private carriage that is not a delivery service?
More than 1,000 pounds
In private carriage the same requirements apply above 1,000 pounds of these explosives.
Section 9 · Transporting Explosives in California ↗ -
Which agency prescribes the special routes, safe stopping places, and inspection locations for explosives in California?
CHP
The California Highway Patrol prescribes the routes, safe stopping and parking places, and mandatory inspection locations.
Section 9 · Transporting Explosives in California ↗ -
In California, when must inhalation hazard shipments use CHP special routes and stopping places?
When transported in bulk packaging
Materials designated as poison, toxic, or plain inhalation hazard follow CHP routes when carried in bulk packaging.
Section 9 · Transporting Inhalation Hazards in California ↗ -
What must a driver carry when transporting materials that have CHP prescribed routes in California?
A copy of the routes that apply to the shipment, supplied by the carrier
Drivers must have with them a copy of the applicable routes supplied by the carrier.
Section 9 · Transporting Radioactive Materials in California ↗ -
For which radioactive shipments does CHP prescribe specific routes?
Highway-Route Controlled Quantity (HRCQ) and Radioactive Materials (RAM) shipments
CHP prescribes routes for HRCQ and RAM shipments.
Section 9 · Transporting Radioactive Materials in California ↗ -
Under California’s general HazMat routing rule, which highways should placarded shipments use whenever possible?
State or interstate highways that offer the least transit time
Unless restricted or prohibited, use state or interstate highways with the least transit time.
Section 9 · California General Hazardous Materials Routing Requirement ↗ -
Under California’s general HazMat routing rule, what should you avoid whenever practical?
Congested highways, places where crowds are assembled, and residence districts
Avoid congestion, crowds, and residence districts whenever practical.
Section 9 · California General Hazardous Materials Routing Requirement ↗ -
The designated route adds an hour to your trip. May you leave it for operating convenience?
No, convenience does not excuse deviating from a designated route
Deviation from designated routes is not excusable on the basis of operating convenience.
Section 9 · California General Hazardous Materials Routing Requirement ↗ -
Under California’s general HazMat rule, where must a loaded vehicle not be left unattended or parked overnight?
In a residence district
A loaded vehicle is not left unattended or parked overnight in a residence district.
Section 9 · California General Hazardous Materials Routing Requirement ↗ -
How far from the designated route may a commercial parking facility for fuel, repairs, rest, or food be, to count as reasonable access?
Within 1/2 mile of the exit or entry points
Access must be safe and the facility must be within half a mile of the points of exit or entry to the designated route.
Section 9 · California General Hazardous Materials Routing Requirement ↗ -
When may restricted or prohibited routes be used?
Only when no other lawful alternative exists
Restricted or prohibited routes are for cases where there is no other lawful alternative.
Section 9 · California General Hazardous Materials Routing Requirement ↗ -
How far away must you stay when smoking near a placarded cargo tank used for Class 3 or Division 2.1?
At least 25 feet
Do not smoke within 25 feet of a placarded cargo tank used for flammable liquids or gases.
Section 9 · 9.6.6 – No Smoking ↗ -
Within 25 feet of a vehicle containing which of these may you not smoke or carry a lighted cigarette?
Class 4.2 spontaneously combustible materials
The rule covers vehicles with Class 1, Class 3, Class 4.1, Class 4.2, and Class 5 materials.
Section 9 · 9.6.6 – No Smoking ↗ -
You are walking past a truck loaded with oxidizers while holding a lit cigar. How close may you come?
No closer than 25 feet
Carrying a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe within 25 feet of a vehicle with Class 5 materials is not allowed.
Section 9 · 9.6.6 – No Smoking ↗ -
What must you do before fueling a motor vehicle containing HazMat?
Turn off the engine
The engine is turned off before fueling.
Section 9 · 9.6.7 – Refuel With Engine Off ↗ -
While a vehicle containing HazMat is being fueled, where must someone always be?
At the nozzle, controlling fuel flow
Someone must always be at the nozzle to control the flow of fuel.
Section 9 · 9.6.7 – Refuel With Engine Off ↗ -
What fire extinguisher must the power unit of a placarded vehicle have?
One with a UL rating of 10 B:C or more
Placarded vehicles need a fire extinguisher rated 10 B:C or more on the power unit.
Section 9 · 9.6.8 – 10 B:C Fire Extinguisher ↗ -
On which part of a placarded combination must the 10 B:C fire extinguisher be carried?
The power unit
The extinguisher requirement applies to the power unit of placarded vehicles.
Section 9 · 9.6.8 – 10 B:C Fire Extinguisher ↗ -
How often must you examine each tire on a motor vehicle carrying HazMat?
At the beginning of each trip and each time the vehicle is parked
Check every tire at the start of the trip and at every stop where the vehicle is parked.
Section 9 · 9.6.9 – Check Tires ↗ -
What is the only acceptable way to check tire pressure on a HazMat vehicle?
Using a tire pressure gauge
Only a tire pressure gauge is acceptable.
Section 9 · 9.6.9 – Check Tires ↗ -
You find a leaking tire on your placarded vehicle. How far may you drive on it?
Only to the nearest safe place to fix it
A leaking or flat tire may be driven on only as far as the nearest safe place to fix it.
Section 9 · 9.6.9 – Check Tires ↗ -
What do you do with an overheated tire on a HazMat vehicle?
Remove it and place it a safe distance from the vehicle
Remove the overheated tire, put it a safe distance away, and do not drive until the cause is corrected.
Section 9 · 9.6.9 – Check Tires ↗ -
You stop to change a tire on a placarded vehicle. Do the parking and attendance rules still apply?
Yes, they apply even when checking, repairing, or replacing tires
The rules about parking and attending placarded vehicles apply during tire work too.
Section 9 · 9.6.9 – Check Tires ↗ -
A shipper offers you a HazMat load without a properly prepared shipping paper. What do you do?
Do not accept the shipment
A HazMat shipment is not accepted without a properly prepared shipping paper.
Section 9 · 9.6.10 – Where to Keep Shipping Papers and Emergency Response Information ↗ -
How do you make HazMat shipping papers stand out from your other papers?
Tab them or keep them on top of the stack
HazMat papers are tabbed or kept on top so they are clearly distinguished from the others.
Section 9 · 9.6.10 – Where to Keep Shipping Papers and Emergency Response Information ↗ -
While you are behind the wheel, where must the HazMat shipping papers be?
Within your reach with the seat belt on, or in a pouch on the driver’s door
Keep them within reach while belted in, or in the driver’s door pouch, where someone entering the cab can easily see them.
Section 9 · 9.6.10 – Where to Keep Shipping Papers and Emergency Response Information ↗ -
Why must shipping papers be easily seen by someone entering the cab?
Other people must be able to find them quickly after an accident
Papers must be easy to recognize and quick to find after an accident.
Section 9 · 9.6.10 – Where to Keep Shipping Papers and Emergency Response Information ↗ -
Where must the emergency response information be kept?
In the same location as the shipping paper
Emergency response information stays with the shipping paper.
Section 9 · 9.6.10 – Where to Keep Shipping Papers and Emergency Response Information ↗ -
Which regulation must a carrier give a copy of to each driver transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives?
FMCSR, Part 397
The carrier gives the driver a copy of Part 397 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Section 9 · Papers for Division 1.1, 1.2 or, 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
What must the carrier’s written instructions for an explosives driver cover?
What to do if delayed or in an accident
The instructions tell the driver what to do if delayed or in an accident.
Section 9 · Papers for Division 1.1, 1.2 or, 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
Which of these must be in the written instructions given to an explosives driver?
Names and telephone numbers of people to contact
The instructions include contact names and numbers, the nature of the explosives, and precautions for emergencies such as fires, accidents, or leaks.
Section 9 · Papers for Division 1.1, 1.2 or, 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
What must a driver do on receiving the carrier’s documents for an explosives load?
Sign a receipt for them
Drivers must sign a receipt for these documents.
Section 9 · Papers for Division 1.1, 1.2 or, 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
Which set of documents must you have with you while driving with Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives?
Shipping papers, written emergency instructions, a written route plan, and a copy of FMCSR Part 397
All four must be in your possession, and you must be familiar with them.
Section 9 · Papers for Division 1.1, 1.2 or, 1.3 Explosives ↗ -
What must a driver transporting chlorine in cargo tanks have in the vehicle?
An approved gas mask
Chlorine cargo tank drivers carry an approved gas mask.
Section 9 · 9.6.11 – Equipment for Chlorine ↗ -
What is the emergency kit carried on a chlorine cargo tank for?
Controlling leaks in dome cover plate fittings on the cargo tank
The kit is for controlling leaks in the dome cover plate fittings.
Section 9 · 9.6.11 – Equipment for Chlorine ↗ -
Which vehicle must stop before a railroad crossing?
One that carries any amount of chlorine
Stop if the vehicle is placarded, carries any amount of chlorine, or has cargo tanks used for HazMat.
Section 9 · 9.6.12 – Stop Before Railroad Crossings ↗ -
Your cargo tank is used for HazMat but is empty today. Must you stop before a railroad crossing?
Yes, loaded or empty
Vehicles with cargo tanks used for HazMat stop at railroad crossings whether the tanks are loaded or empty.
Section 9 · 9.6.12 – Stop Before Railroad Crossings ↗ -
How far from the nearest rail must a HazMat vehicle stop at a railroad crossing?
15 to 50 feet
The stop is made 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail.
Section 9 · 9.6.12 – Stop Before Railroad Crossings ↗ -
After stopping at a railroad crossing with HazMat, when do you proceed?
Only when you are sure no train is coming and you can clear the tracks without stopping
Go only when sure no train is coming and that you can clear the tracks without stopping.
Section 9 · 9.6.12 – Stop Before Railroad Crossings ↗ -
What must you not do while crossing railroad tracks with a HazMat vehicle?
Shift gears
Do not shift gears while crossing the tracks.
Section 9 · 9.6.12 – Stop Before Railroad Crossings ↗ -
You haul 100 pounds of Division 4.3 (dangerous when wet) material. Must you stop before railroad crossings?
Yes, Division 4.3 is placarded in any amount, and placarded vehicles must stop
Division 4.3 is a Table 1 material, so the vehicle is placarded, and every placarded vehicle stops before railroad crossings.
Section 9 · 9.6.12 – Stop Before Railroad Crossings ↗
Questions and answers by topic
- Licenses, endorsements and tests105
- Disqualifications and state rules110
- Vehicle inspection80
- Basic control and shifting gears47
- Seeing and communicating46
- Controlling your speed62
- Managing space40
- Seeing hazards49
- Distracted and Aggressive Driving71
- Night, Fog, Winter and Hot Weather124
- Railroad Crossings and Mountain Driving65
- Emergencies, ABS and Skids102
- Accident Procedures and Fires49
- Alcohol, Drugs and Illness41
- Hazardous Materials Rules for All Drivers42
- Transporting Cargo Safely79
- Bus Inspection, Loading and Hazardous Materials74
- Driving a Bus: Stops, Crossings and Prohibited Practices56
- Air Brake Parts: Compressor, Tanks and Foundation Brakes52
- Warnings, Spring Brakes, ABS and Dual Systems59
- Inspecting Air Brake Systems61
- Using Air Brakes51
- Driving Combination Vehicles Safely50
- Combination Vehicle Air Brakes and ABS59
- Coupling and Uncoupling63
- Inspecting a Combination Vehicle24
- Pulling Double and Triple Trailers16
- Coupling, Inspecting and Brake Checks for Doubles34
- Tank Vehicles62
- HazMat basics and who does what48
- Hazard classes, labels and lists64
- Shipping papers and package markings49
- Placards and placard tables40
- Loading and unloading HazMat58
- Bulk packaging and tanks30
- HazMat emergencies and reporting60
- Danger zones and mirrors34
- Loading and unloading students47
- Emergency exit and evacuation34
- Railroad-highway crossings40
- Student management, ABS and special situations47