Truck Accident Lawyers

Transporting Hazardous Materials: California

While there is a federal network of agencies devoted to regulating the transportation of various types of hazardous materials, each state has unique provisions concerning the transport of these materials. As California is the place of entry for many types of hazardous material into the United States, it only makes sense that they have their own regulations.

In California, all motor carriers and drivers involved in transportation of hazardous materials must comply with all of the requirements published in federal and state regulations. In addition, individuals wishing to transport hazardous materials must obtain a hazardous materials transportation license from the California Highway Patrol. The cost of obtaining a brand new license is $100, while the cost for renewing a license is $75.

When a person is transporting explosives, inhalation hazards, and highway route-controlled quantities of radioactive materials, there must be safe routing and safe stopping places. In addition, a map of the intended route must be located in the vehicle, regardless of whether the hazardous material is going 5 miles or 500 miles.

In addition to the license, a driver is required to obtain a “hazardous materials” endorsement. This is issued by the driver’s country or state of domicile and is required to operate any commercial vehicle that is carrying hazardous materials. The driver is then required to display placards or markings while hauling hazardous waste. There are some drivers who are exempt from the endorsement requirements. A California resident driver is required to procure an endorsement from the California Highway Patrol.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured by a truck carrying hazardous cargos, there may be more health threats than initially meet the eye. For more information and to discuss your case, contact the truck accident lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 1-800-220-9341 today.