All Hazmat Placards Chart

If you haul hazardous materials, you need to know which placard goes on which side of the trailer and what it means. This guide gives you the full hazmat placards chart, the rules for placement, and where to get a free reference. No fluff, just what you need to stay legal and safe.

The 9 Hazmat Classes and Their Placards

Placards are diamond-shaped, 10.75 inches on each side, and color-coded by hazard class. Here’s the breakdown:

Class	Name	Placard Color	Placard Number	Example Material
1	Explosives	Orange	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6	Dynamite, fireworks
2	Gases	Red (flammable), Green (non-flammable), White (toxic)	2.1, 2.2, 2.3	Propane, oxygen, chlorine
3	Flammable Liquids	Red	3	Gasoline, diesel fuel
4	Flammable Solids	Red/white stripes	4.1, 4.2, 4.3	Matches, sodium, aluminum powder
5	Oxidizers	Yellow	5.1, 5.2	Hydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate
6	Toxic and Infectious	White	6.1, 6.2	Pesticides, medical waste
7	Radioactive	Yellow/white	7	Uranium, medical isotopes
8	Corrosive	Black/white	8	Sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide
9	Miscellaneous	Black/white stripes	9	Lithium batteries, asbestos

Note: Class 1 placards show the specific division (1.1, 1.2, etc.) because the hazard level varies. Class 2 placards may show 2.1, 2.2, or 2.3 depending on the gas.

Placard Numbers and UN Numbers: What’s the Difference?

Placard numbers (like 3, 8, or 2.1) identify the hazard class. UN numbers (like UN1203 for gasoline) identify the specific material and are shown on the orange panel or the placard itself for some classes. You’ll see UN numbers on shipping papers and sometimes on the container, but the placard itself only shows the class number unless it’s a bulk package.

Placement Rules: Where and How Many

You need placards on all four sides of the vehicle: front, rear, and both sides. The front placard goes on the tractor or the front of the trailer if you’re pulling a trailer. Each placard must be visible, clean, and not obscured by mud, tarps, or other equipment.

Exceptions: If you’re hauling less than 1,001 pounds of a non-bulk hazmat, you may not need placards, but you still need shipping papers and markings. Check 49 CFR 172.504 for the exact exceptions. As of 2026, the rules haven’t changed much, but always verify with the current FMCSA regulations.

When Do You Need a Placard?

You need placards if:

• You’re hauling any amount of a material in a bulk package (capacity over 119 gallons for liquids, 882 pounds for solids).
• You’re hauling 1,001 pounds or more of a non-bulk hazmat.
• The material requires placarding by the hazmat table (49 CFR 172.101).

If you’re hauling less than 1,001 pounds, you might be able to use the exception, but you still need proper shipping papers and markings.

Where to Find a Free Hazmat Placards Chart

You can download a free chart from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) website. Search for “PHMSA hazmat placarding chart” and you’ll find a PDF. Also, many trucking associations and safety councils offer printable charts. Keep one in your cab for quick reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong placard for the material. Double-check the hazmat table.
• Placards not visible because of a dirty trailer or a tarp. Clean them or reposition.
• Forgetting the UN number on the shipping papers. It’s not on the placard, but it’s required.
• Not placarding when you’re over 1,001 pounds. That’s a violation.
• Using a placard that’s torn or faded. Replace it.

FAQ

Can I use one placard for multiple hazmat classes?

No. Each hazmat class requires its own placard. If you have multiple classes, you need a placard for each, unless you qualify for the “Dangerous” placard (for mixed loads) under 49 CFR 172.504. That’s rare and requires specific conditions.

Do I need a hazmat endorsement to haul placarded loads?

Yes. To haul any quantity of hazmat that requires placarding, you need a CDL with a hazmat endorsement (H or X). You also need a TSA background check. If you’re only hauling small quantities under the exception, you might not need the endorsement, but it’s safer to have it.

What happens if I don’t placard correctly?

You can get a citation from DOT, fines up to $15,000 per violation, and you could be put out of service. In serious cases, you could face criminal charges. It’s not worth the risk.

How do I know which placard to use for a specific material?

Look up the material in the hazmat table (49 CFR 172.101). It tells you the hazard class, the placard required, and the UN number. You can also use the shipping papers; they should list the proper shipping name and class.

The bottom line

Knowing your placards is a basic part of hauling hazmat. Use the chart above, download a free copy from PHMSA, and keep it in your cab. Check your placards before every trip, and if you’re ever unsure, look it up. It takes two minutes and could save you thousands in fines and your career. Stay safe out there.