What does 49 CFR 397.7 (Parking) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 397.7 requires that a motor vehicle containing certain hazardous materials not be parked under specific circumstances, including on or within 5 feet of a public street or highway, or within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, or place where people work or congregate.

The rule says

"A motor vehicle which contains Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials must not be parked under any of the following circumstances (1) On or within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a public street or highway; (2) On private property (including premises of fueling or eating facility) without the knowledge and consent of the person who is in charge of the property and who is aware of the nature of the hazardous materials the vehicle contains; or (3) Within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, or place where people work, congregate, or assemble, except for brief periods when the necessities of operation require the vehicle to be parked and make it impracticable to park the vehicle in any other place." (49 CFR 397.7)

In plain English

It requires drivers to be mindful of where they park and to avoid areas that are close to populated areas, bridges, or tunnels. The rule also requires drivers to obtain permission from property owners before parking on private property. In practice, this means that drivers need to plan their routes and parking stops carefully to ensure compliance with the rule.

What to do

• Review the route and parking plan to ensure compliance with the rule
• Obtain permission from property owners before parking on private property
• Avoid parking in areas that are close to populated areas, bridges, or tunnels
• Plan for brief periods of parking when necessary for operational purposes