Scalemaster's linked references:

§ 172.336 Identification numbers; special provisions.

(a) When not required or prohibited by this subpart, identification numbers may be displayed on a transport vehicle or a freight container in the manner prescribed by this subpart.


(b) Identification numbers, when required, must be displayed on either orange panels (see §172.332(b)) or on a plain white square-on-point display configuration having the same outside dimensions as a placard. In addition, for materials in hazard classes for which placards are specified and identification number displays are required, but for which identification numbers may not be displayed on the placards authorized for the material (see §172.334(a)), identification numbers must be displayed on orange panels or on the plain white square-on-point display configuration in association with the required placards. An identification number displayed on a white square-on-point display configuration is not considered to be a placard.


(1) The 100 mm (3.9 inch) by 215 mm (8.5 inches) area containing the identification number shall be located as prescribed by §172.332 (c)(1) and (c)(2) and may be outlined with a solid or dotted line border.

§ 172.332 Identification number markings.

(c) Placards. Display of an identification number on a hazard warning placard shall be in conformance with the following:

(1) The identification number shall be displayed across the center area of the placard in 88 mm (3.5 inches) black Alpine Gothic or Alternate Gothic No. 3 numerals on a white background 100 mm (3.9 inches) high and approximately 215 mm (8.5 inches) wide and may be outlined with a solid or dotted line border.


(2) The top of the 100 mm (3.9 inches) high white background shall be approximately 40 mm (1.6 inches) above the placard horizontal center line.

Originally Posted by Autocar

As Scalemaster said, it must comply with 172.332(C), that means that most people cannot handwrite it, as most people cannot reproduce the characters specified, by hand.
Your white, square on point placard, with the number would be displayed beside the Class 8 flip placard. You would not put the "8" on the white placard.

That the characters had to be a specific font is also what I first thought reading 172.332 (post 38 ), but 172.336 b1 specifically states that the UN number written on a white placard shape is not legally considered a placard:

(b) Identification numbers, when required, must be displayed on either orange panels (see ? 172.332(b)) or on a plain white square-on-point display configuration having the same outside dimensions as a placard. In addition, for materials in hazard classes for which placards are specified and identification number displays are required, but for which identification numbers may not be displayed on the placards authorized for the material (see ? 172.334(a)), identification numbers must be displayed on orange panels or on the plain white square-on-point display configuration in association with the required placards. An identification number displayed on a white square-on-point display configuration is not considered to be a placard.

That also means it wouldn't be subject to the printing durability requirements laid out in 172.521-.560

another question.....With the new rules in place, If this is a load of liquid corrosive then you must have a tanker endorsement to haul it.....btw....I think the placard will be okay, it meets bulk placarding requirements.

Originally Posted by fireba11

another question.....With the new rules in place, If this is a load of liquid corrosive then you must have a tanker endorsement to haul it.....btw....I think the placard will be okay, it meets bulk placarding requirements.

That all depends upon the size of the containers. If the containers are 119 gallons or larger AND the aggregate load is more than 1000 gallons, then yes...a tank endorsement would be required. However, in post #3 he indicated that the shipment is in 50L containers. 50L is slightly less than 13.25 gallons, so I don't think the new rule applies....no tanker endorsement necessary.

That is my understanding too. BTW, its also if more than 500 gallons aggregate of flammable liquid, youre limited to 10hours drive time & automatically get a $500 ticket for speeding even 1mph over (at least in CA).