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CDL · The Intent of the Regulations

Which federal agency primarily writes the hazardous materials regulations for transportation?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

The Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically PHMSA

  1. A The Department of Homeland Security
  2. B The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  3. C The Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically PHMSA
  4. D The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Why this is the answer

The US Department of Transportation, through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), writes and enforces the Hazardous Materials Regulations found in 49 CFR Parts 100-185. EPA regulates hazardous waste and environmental impacts (separate but overlapping rules), OSHA regulates workplace safety including chemical exposure for employees, and DHS regulates hazmat as a security matter (including the security threat assessment required for the CDL hazmat endorsement). PHMSA's rules govern packaging, labeling, placarding, shipping papers, training, and incident reporting — basically everything about how a hazmat shipment travels from origin to destination.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 9.1.2 Regulatory Authority

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About this topic: The Intent of the Regulations

The hazardous materials regulations exist to contain the product, communicate the risk and ensure safe drivers and equipment. Questions on the intent of the rules ask who is responsible for what — shipper, carrier, driver — and why each requirement exists. This is one of 7 Hazardous Materials questions on the intent of the regulations, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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