What does 49 CFR 177.870 (Regulations for passenger carrying vehicles) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 177.870 requires passenger-carrying vehicles to follow specific regulations when transporting hazardous materials, including quantity limits and securement requirements. The regulation prohibits certain hazardous materials, such as Class 1 explosives and Division 6.1 poisonous materials, from being transported in passenger-carrying vehicles.

The rule says

"No Class 1 (explosive) materials or other hazardous materials on passenger-carrying vehicles, exceptions." (49 CFR 177.870(b))

"Where no other practicable means of transportation is available the following articles in the quantities as shown may be transported in motor vehicles carrying passengers for hire in a space other than that provided for passengers" (49 CFR 177.870(d))

"The gross weight of any given class of hazardous material other than Class 1 (explosive) materials shall not exceed 45 kg (99 pounds), and the aggregate weight of all such other dangerous articles shall not exceed 225 kg (496 pounds)." (49 CFR 177.870(e))

In plain English

It sets strict limits on the types and quantities of hazardous materials that can be transported, and requires that they be properly secured to prevent accidents. The regulation also provides exceptions for certain materials, such as small-arms ammunition and emergency shipments of drugs, but these exceptions are narrowly defined and subject to specific requirements. In practice, this means that passenger-carrying vehicles must be carefully loaded and secured to prevent the shifting or leakage of hazardous materials, and that drivers must be trained to handle these materials safely.

What to do

• Review the types and quantities of hazardous materials being transported in passenger-carrying vehicles to ensure compliance with 49 CFR 177.870.
• Ensure that all hazardous materials are properly secured and separated from passengers and cargo.
• Develop and implement procedures for handling exceptions, such as emergency shipments of drugs or small-arms ammunition.
• Provide training to drivers on the safe handling and transportation of hazardous materials in passenger-carrying vehicles.