(A) Vehicle operation.
(1) The operator of a vehicle used to transport hazardous materials shall display the required placards meeting U.S. Department of Transportation specifications and keep accessible required shipping papers for the hazardous materials being shipped, which specify:
(a) Origin of the shipment;
(b) Destination or delivery point of the shipment;
(c) Proper shipping name;
(d) Hazard class;
(e) Proper identification number; and
(f) Total quantity of materials being shipped.
(2) All vehicles used to transport hazardous materials shall conform to all provisions of Title 49 CFR, Parts 390 to 397, inclusive, and as amended.
(3) A carrier or operator of a vehicle transporting a hazardous material commits an offense if such vehicle is not attended by a qualified representative of the carrier or operator at any time such vehicle is on any public street, alley or right-of- way within the corporate limits of the city. For the purposes of this section:
(a) A motor vehicle is attended when the person in charge of the vehicle is on the vehicle, awake, and not in a sleeper berth, or is within 100 feet of the vehicle and has it within his unobstructed view.
(b) A qualified representative of a carrier is a person who:
1. Has been designated by the carrier to attend the vehicle;
2. Is aware of the nature of the hazardous material or substance contained in the vehicle he attends;
3. Has been instructed on the procedures he must follow in emergencies concerning hazardous materials or substances; and
4. Is authorized to move the vehicle and has the means and ability to do so.
(4) Except when overtaking or passing in opposite directions of travel, all vehicles transporting hazardous materials shall maintain a minimum distance of at least 300 feet from other vehicles carrying hazardous materials. This requirement shall apply whether or not such vehicles are moving or parked, except when at a destination or point of origin.
(B) Hazardous materials routes.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly transport hazardous materials or knowingly cause hazardous materials to be transported upon any public street or highway within the corporate limits of the city, except upon the following:
(a) U.S. Highway 190 (Central Texas Expressway).
(b) Business Highway 190 (Veterans Memorial Blvd).
(2) Deviation from the routes designated above is permitted only to the extent reasonably necessary for purposes only of pick up and delivery of hazardous materials in the city. Such deviation from designated hazardous materials routes must be limited to designated truck routes specified in § 76.04.
(C) The operator of a vehicle used to transport hazardous materials shall immediately report any incident involving hazardous materials to the City Police Department.
(D) In the event that any truck, trailer or any other vehicle becomes inoperable while transporting hazardous materials, the operator of the vehicle shall notify the Police Department. Immediate removal of hazardous cargo from an inoperable vehicle may be required by the City Fire Department in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of citizens and the protection of property. The Police Department will provide the operator with road clearance to a repair facility, as appropriate.
(Ord. 97-19, passed 8-12-97) Penalty, see § 76.99