Who regulates hazardous materials transported over roadways?

• A. Department of Transportation (DOT).
• B. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• C. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• D. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Answer: (A)

Regulation of hazardous materials moved on roadways is handled by the Department of Transportation, through its agency that specializes in hazardous materials safety. This body sets the rules for how hazmat must be classified, packaged, labeled, and placarded; it governs the preparation of shipping papers, driver training, vehicle requirements, routing, and emergency response information. These standards are designed to ensure safe handling and transport of dangerous goods on highways and to provide clear guidance for responders in an incident.

The Environmental Protection Agency focuses on environmental protection and cleanup, not the specific highway hazmat transport rules. The Federal Aviation Administration governs air transport of hazardous materials, and the Department of Homeland Security concentrates on security and protection of critical infrastructure, including security aspects of transportation. But for road transport regulation of hazardous materials, DOT is the primary regulator.