SERVICE · HAZMAT PLACARDS
HAZMAT Placards
A HAZMAT placard is the DOT diamond — exact size, exact color, exact hazard-class symbol — that federal law requires on a vehicle hauling regulated hazardous materials above the placarding threshold. We cut them to spec at our shop in Rolling Meadows, IL, in magnetic or permanent vinyl, most sets the same day, and ship anywhere in the US.
SHORT ANSWER
Tell us the hazard class or classes you haul and whether you need a permanent or magnetic set. We cut each placard in the standard 10.75 inch square-on-point diamond — comfortably past the 250 mm (9.84 inch) minimum set by 49 CFR 172.519 — in the exact color and symbol combination that class requires, and hand it over ready to mount. Most sets are ready the same day in Rolling Meadows, IL; we ship nationwide if you are not local.
What you get
- The correct diamond for your hazard class — color, symbol and number all matched to the federal spec
- Full 10.75 inch square, mounted point-up — past the 9.84 inch federal floor, in the required orientation
- UN identification number panel where your load requires one
- Choice of permanent vinyl or magnetic placard holders for a load that changes
- Weather-rated material that stays legible in rain, road salt and direct sun
- A full set for a straight truck, tractor and each side of a trailer, sized correctly
- Placard holders if you run mixed loads and swap classes between hauls
- A quick reference on which classes require placarding at what quantity
What the federal spec actually requires
HAZMAT placarding is one of the more exact rules in the federal code — 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F sets specific dimensions and colors, not a general legibility test:
- Size floor. At least 250 mm (9.84 inches) on each side, displayed diamond-fashion (square-on-point), with a solid inner border about 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) inside the edge. That is a minimum, not a fixed figure — the standard 10.75 inch placard we cut clears it.
- Hazard class colors and symbols. Each of the nine hazard classes has a specific background color and symbol assigned by regulation — orange for explosives, red for flammable, green for non-flammable gas, and so on. You cannot substitute a similar color.
- Placement. On each side and each end of the vehicle for most classes, so it is visible from every approach.
- Threshold quantities. Placarding is required above specific quantity thresholds that vary by hazard class — some materials require it at any quantity, others only above 1,001 lbs aggregate gross weight.
- Legible and secured. The placard must stay legible and firmly attached for the length of the trip — a placard that falls off in transit is treated as if it was never displayed.
Because the classes, thresholds and symbol combinations are specific and change with the load, we do not guess: tell us what you haul and we will cut the correct placard, not a close approximation. If you run different hazard classes on different loads, a magnetic placard holder lets you swap the right diamond in for each trip instead of ordering a new permanent set every time.
How ordering works
- 1
Tell us your hazard class
Call, text or use the quote form with the hazard class or classes you haul, whether the load is placarded at any quantity, and whether you need permanent or magnetic.
- 2
We confirm the spec
We match the color, symbol and any UN number panel to the federal requirement for that class before anything is cut.
- 3
Cut to the standard diamond
Cut at the full 10.75 inch size, past the federal minimum, ready to mount square-on-point.
- 4
Pick up or ship
Most sets are ready the same day at the Rolling Meadows shop. Not local? We ship anywhere in the US.
Usually ordered with it
US DOT number decals
The compliant number set for the power unit, ordered on the same visit as your placards.
Trailer lettering
Unit numbers and GVWR lettering alongside the required placards on a hazmat trailer.
Magnetic signs
Placard holders are the magnetic-mount version of this same idea, for loads that change class trip to trip.
Fleet apparel
DOT-compliant looking rig, DOT-compliant looking crew.
HAZMAT placard questions we get every day
At least 250 mm (9.84 inches) on each side under 49 CFR 172.519, mounted diamond-fashion with one point up, with a solid inner border roughly 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) in from the edge. That is a floor, not a fixed figure — the industry-standard placard is 10.75 inches, which is what we cut. Going over the minimum is never the violation; going under it is.
Read up before you order
Same-day HAZMAT placards near you
Get your HAZMAT placards cut today
Call or text your hazard class and whether you need permanent or magnetic — we will quote it in minutes. Mon–Fri 11 AM–5 PM CT in Rolling Meadows, IL, with nationwide shipping.
224.400.0950
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