You're driving a cargo tank (bulk packaging) hauling a hazardous material. Under the bulk packaging marking rules, where and how must the identification number appear on the tank?

Anywhere visible on the tank, in any color, at any size, as long as the four-digit number is legible from a distance

Only on the shipping papers, bulk packagings themselves are exempt from displaying identification numbers

On a single placard on the rear of the tank only; side markings are optional for cargo tanks

Placarding & Marking Practice Test

✓

Correct!

Correct. For bulk packagings like cargo tanks and portable tanks, 49 CFR 172.302 requires the identification number on two opposite sides (or on each side and each end if the packaging holds 1,000 gallons/3,785 L or more). Per 172.332, the numerals must be black, at least 100 mm (3.9 in) tall on an orange panel, or at least 88 mm (3.5 in) tall when shown directly on a placard, or sized per 172.336(b) on a white square-on-point background when no placards are required, the two different numeral heights reflect the different display surfaces, not one universal figure.

✗

Not quite.

Wrong. The regulation specifies exact minimums for numeral size (100 mm on an orange panel, 88 mm on a placard), color (black), and approved backgrounds, it isn't an 'anything legible' standard, because responders rely on a consistent, recognizable format to spot the number quickly at a distance or in poor visibility.

The correct answer is A: On two opposite sides of the tank (or on each side and each end if the tank's capacity is 1,000 gallons/3,785 L or more), in black numerals (at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) tall on an orange panel, or at least 88 mm (3.5 inches) tall when shown directly on a placard) or on a white, square-on-point display if no placards are required.

✗

Not quite.

Wrong. Bulk packagings are specifically required to display the identification number on the packaging itself, in addition to the number appearing on the shipping papers, a responder arriving at a tank truck needs to read the number off the vehicle without first finding the driver's paperwork.

The correct answer is A: On two opposite sides of the tank (or on each side and each end if the tank's capacity is 1,000 gallons/3,785 L or more), in black numerals (at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) tall on an orange panel, or at least 88 mm (3.5 inches) tall when shown directly on a placard) or on a white, square-on-point display if no placards are required.

✗

Not quite.

Wrong. A single rear placard doesn't satisfy the rule; the requirement is for the number to appear on two opposite sides of the bulk packaging so it's visible regardless of which side responders approach from, not just from behind.

The correct answer is A: On two opposite sides of the tank (or on each side and each end if the tank's capacity is 1,000 gallons/3,785 L or more), in black numerals (at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) tall on an orange panel, or at least 88 mm (3.5 inches) tall when shown directly on a placard) or on a white, square-on-point display if no placards are required.