What are the driving regulations for hazardous materials vehicles?
2 Answers
Driving regulations for hazardous materials vehicles are as follows: 1. Driving route and time: Choose a reasonable driving route with good traffic conditions, stay away from towns and residential areas, and do not enter areas where hazardous goods transport vehicles are prohibited. Vehicles transporting highly toxic chemicals must follow the time and route approved by public security authorities and must not be changed arbitrarily. 2. Driving speed: Maintain a safe driving speed. Under no circumstances should the speed exceed 80 kilometers per hour. Reduce speed during low visibility conditions such as night, rain, fog, ice, or snow. 3. Driving distance: Maintain a reasonable distance from the vehicle ahead. Increase the distance in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, ice, or snow. 4. Stay alert: Do not change lanes arbitrarily during driving. On highways, drive in the designated lane. The driver must stay alert, take a break every 2 hours of driving, and promptly check the vehicle's technical condition to ensure the emergency shut-off valve is in the closed position.
I've been driving hazardous chemical tankers for over a decade, and there are indeed many regulations to follow. Routes must be pre-approved, taking designated highways or provincial roads while avoiding crowded areas due to the flammability and explosiveness of chemicals. Speed limits are strict—never exceed 80 km/h on highways, and even slower in urban areas. The vehicle must display prominent hazardous material signs with all warning triangles in place to keep other vehicles at a safe distance. Drivers need special licenses with regular training, and fatigue driving is absolutely prohibited—mandatory 20-minute breaks every 4 hours. Frequent vehicle checks are essential, especially for reliable brake systems; otherwise, leaks or accidents could harm everyone. I learned this the hard way when my brakes once failed—thankfully, I followed protocol and replaced the parts, preventing a major disaster. Safety comes first, as violations lead to dire consequences.
