Transportation of Hazardous Materials; Driving and Parking Rules

TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER III--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PART 397--TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS; DRIVING AND PARKING RULES
 
Sec. 397.1 Application of the rules in this part.

(a) The rules in this part apply to each motor carrier engaged in
the transportation of hazardous materials by a motor vehicle which must
be marked or placarded in accordance with Sec. 177.823 of this title and
to--

(1) Each officer or employee of the motor carrier who performs
supervisory duties related to the transportation of hazardous materials;
and

(2) Each person who operates or who is in charge of a motor vehicle
containing hazardous materials.

(b) Each person designated in paragraph (a) of this section must
know and obey the rules in this part.

Sec. 397.2 Compliance with Federal motor carrier safety regulations.

A motor carrier or other person to whom this part is applicable must
comply with the rules in parts 390 through 397, inclusive, of this
subchapter when he/she is transporting hazardous materials by a motor
vehicle which must be marked or placarded in accordance with
Sec. 177.823 of this title.

Sec. 397.3 State and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Every motor vehicle containing hazardous materials must be driven
and parked in compliance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations of
the jurisdiction in which it is being operated, unless they are at
variance with specific regulations of the Department of Transportation
which are applicable to the operation of that vehicle and which impose a
more stringent obligation or restraint.

Sec. 397.5 Attendance and surveillance of motor vehicles.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a motor
vehicle which contains a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (explosive) material
must be attended at all times by its driver or a qualified
representative of the motor carrier that operates it.

(b) The rules in paragraph (a) of this section do not apply to a
motor vehicle which contains Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material if all
the following conditions exist--

(1) The vehicle is located on the property of a motor carrier, on
the property of a shipper or consignee of the explosives, in a safe
haven, or, in the case of a vehicle containing 50 pounds or less of a
Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material, on a construction or survey site;
and

(2) The lawful bailee of the explosives is aware of the nature of
the explosives the vehicle contains and has been instructed in the
procedures which must be followed in emergencies; and

(3) The vehicle is within the bailee's unobstructed field of view or
is located in a safe haven.

(c) A motor vehicle which contains hazardous materials other than
Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3, materials, and which is located on a public 
street or highway, or the shoulder of a public highway, must be 
attended by its driver. However, the vehicle need not be attended 
while its driver is performing duties which are incident and necessary 
to the driver's duties as the operator of the vehicle.

(d) For purposes of this section--

(1) 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/her unobstructed
field of view.

(2) A qualified representative of a motor carrier is a person who--

(i) Has been designated by the carrier to attend the vehicle;

(ii) Is aware of the nature of the hazardous materials contained in
the vehicle he/she attends;

(iii) Has been instructed in the procedures he/she must follow in
emergencies; and

(iv) Is authorized to move the vehicle and has the means and ability
to do so.

(3) A safe haven in an area specifically approved in writing by
local, State, or Federal governmental authorities for the parking of
unattended vehicles containing Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials.

(e) The rules in this section do not relieve the driver from any
obligation imposed by law relating to the placing of warning devices
when a motor vehicle is stopped on a public street or highway.

Sec. 397.7 Parking.

(a) A motor vehicle which contains Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3
materials must not be parked under any of the following circumstances--

(1) On or within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a public street
or highway;

(2) On private property (including premises of fueling or eating
facility) without the knowledge and consent of the person who is in
charge of the property and who is aware of the nature of the hazardous
materials the vehicle contains; or

(3) Within 300 feet of a bridge, tunnel, dwelling, or place where
people work, congregate, or assemble, except for brief periods when the
necessities of operation require the vehicle to be parked and make it
impracticable to park the vehicle in any other place.

(b) A motor vehicle which contains hazardous materials other than
Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials must not be parked on or within five
feet of the traveled portion of public street or highway except for
brief periods when the necessities of operation require the vehicle to
be parked and make it impracticable to park the vehicle in any other
place.

Sec. 397.11 Fires.

(a) A motor vehicle containing hazardous materials must not be
operated near an open fire unless its driver has first taken precautions
to ascertain that the vehicle can safely pass the fire without stopping.

(b) A motor vehicle containing hazardous materials must not be
parked within 300 feet of an open fire.

Sec. 397.13 Smoking.

No person may smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe on
or within 25 feet of--

(a) A motor vehicle which contains Class 1 materials, Class 5
materials, or flammable materials classified as Division 2.1, Class 3,
Divisions 4.1 and 4.2; or

(b) An empty tank motor vehicle which has been used to transport
Class 3, flammable materials, or Division 2.1 flammable gases, which
when so used, was required to be marked or placarded in accordance with
the rules in Sec. 177.823 of this title.

Sec. 397.15 Fueling.

When a motor vehicle which contains hazardous materials is being
fueled--

(a) Its engine must not be operating; and

(b) A person must be in control of the fueling process at the point
where the fuel tank is filled.

Sec. 397.17 Tires.

(a) A driver must examine each tire on a motor vehicle at the
beginning of each trip and each time the vehicle is parked

(b) If, as the result of an examination pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this section, or otherwise, a tire if found to be flat, leaking, or
improperly inflated, the driver must cause the tire to be repaired,
replaced, or properly inflated before the vehicle is driven. However,
the vehicle may be driven to the nearest safe place to perform the
required repair, replacement, or inflation.

(c) If, as the result of an examination pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this section, or otherwise, a tire is found to be overheated, the driver
shall immediately cause the overheated tire to be removed and placed at
a safe distance from the vehicle. The driver shall not operate the
vehicle until the cause of the overheating is corrected.

(d) Compliance with the rules in this section does not relieve a
driver from the duty to comply with the rules in Secs. 397.5 and 397.7.

Sec. 397.19 Instructions and documents.

(a) A motor carrier that transports Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3
(explosive) materials must furnish the driver of each motor vehicle in
which the explosives are transported with the following documents:

(1) A copy of the rules in this part;

(2) [Reserved]

(3) A document containing instructions on procedures to be followed
in the event of accident or delay. The documents must include the names
and telephone numbers of persons (including representatives of carriers
or shippers) to be contracted, the nature of the explosives being
transported, and the precautions to be taken in emergencies such as
fires, accidents, or leakages.

(b) A driver who receives documents in accordance with paragraph (a)
of this section must sign a receipt for them. The motor carrier shall
maintain the receipt for a period of one year from the date of
signature.

(c) A driver of a motor vehicle which contains Division 1.1, 1.2, or
1.3 materials must be in possession of, be familiar with, and be in
compliance with

(1) The documents specified in paragraph (a) of this section;

(2) The documents specified in Sec. 177.817 of this title; and

(3) The written route plan specified in Sec. 397.67.

Sec. 397.61 Purpose and scope.

Source: 59 FR 51830, Oct. 12, 1994, unless otherwise noted.

This subpart contains routing requirements and procedures that
States and Indian tribes are required to follow if they establish,
maintain, or enforce routing designations over which a non-radioactive
hazardous material (NRHM) in a quantity which requires placarding may or
may not be transported by a motor vehicle. It also provides regulations
for motor carriers transporting placarded or marked NRHM and procedures
for dispute resolutions regarding NRHM routing designations.

Sec. 397.63 Applicability.

The provisions of this subpart apply to any State or Indian tribe
that establishes, maintains, or enforces any routing designations over
which NRHM may or may not be transported by motor vehicle. They also
apply to any motor carrier that transports or causes to be transported
placarded or marked NRHM in commerce.

Sec. 397.65 Definitions.

For purposes of this subpart, the following definitions apply:
Administrator. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator, who
is the chief executive of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, an agency within the United States Department of
Transportation, or his/her designate.

Commerce. Any trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States
which:

(1) Is between a place under the jurisdiction of a State or Indian
tribe and any place outside of such jurisdiction; or

(2) Is solely within a place under the jurisdiction of a State or
Indian tribe but which affects trade, traffic, or transportation
described in subparagraph (a).

FMCSA. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency
within the Department of Transportation.

Hazardous material. A substance or material, including a hazardous
substance, which has been determined by the Secretary of Transportation
to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or
property when transported in commerce, and which has been so designated.

Indian tribe. Has the same meaning as contained in Sec. 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Act, 25 U.S.C. 450b.

Motor carrier. A for-hire motor carrier or a private motor carrier
of property. The term includes a motor carrier's agents, officers and
representatives as well as employees responsible for hiring,
supervising, training, assigning, or dispatching of drivers.

Motor vehicle. Any vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or
semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used upon the
highways in the transportation of passengers or property, or any
combination thereof.

NRHM. A non-radioactive hazardous material transported by motor
vehicle in types and quantities which require placarding, pursuant to
Table 1 or 2 of 49 CFR 172.504.

Political subdivision. A municipality, public agency or other
instrumentality of one or more States, or a public corporation, board,
or commission established under the laws of one or more States.
Radioactive material. Any material having a specific activity
greater than 0.002 microcuries per gram (uCi/g), as defined in 49 CFR
173.403.

Routing agency. The State highway agency or other State agency
designated by the Governor of that State, or an agency designated by an
Indian tribe, to supervise, coordinate, and approve the NRHM routing
designations for that State or Indian tribe.

Routing designations. Any regulation, limitation, restriction,
curfew, time of travel restriction, lane restriction, routing ban, port-
of-entry designation, or route weight restriction, applicable to the
highway transportation of NRHM over a specific highway route or portion
of a route.

Secretary. The Secretary of Transportation.

State. A State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa or Guam.

Sec. 397.67 Motor carrier responsibility for routing.

(a) A motor carrier transporting NRHM shall comply with NRHM routing
designations of a State or Indian tribe pursuant to this subpart.

(b) A motor carrier carrying hazardous materials required to be
placarded or marked in accordance with 49 CFR 177.823 and not subject to
a NRHM routing designations pursuant to this subpart, shall operate the
vehicle over routes which do not go through or near heavily populated
areas, places where crowds are assembled, tunnels, narrow streets, or
alleys, except where the motor carrier determines that:

(1) There is no practicable alternative;

(2) A reasonable deviation is necessary to reach terminals, points
of loading and unloading, facilities for food, fuel, repairs, rest, or a
safe haven; or

(3) A reasonable deviation is required by emergency conditions, such
as a detour that has been established by a highway authority, or a
situation exists where a law enforcement official requires the driver to
take an alternative route.

(c) Operating convenience is not a basis for determining whether it
is practicable to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with paragraph
(b) of this section.

(d) Before a motor carrier requires or permits a motor vehicle
containing explosives in Class 1, Divisions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, as defined in
49 CFR 173.50 and 173.53 respectively, to be operated, the carrier or
its agent shall prepare a written route plan that complies with this section 
and shall furnish a copy to the driver. However, the driver may prepare 
the written plan as agent for the motor carrier when the trip begins at a 
location other than the carrier's terminal.

Sec. 397.69 Highway routing designations; preemption.

(a) Any State or Indian tribe that establishes or modifies a highway
routing designation over which NRHM may or may not be transported on or
after November 14, 1994, and maintains or enforces such designation,
shall comply with the highway routing standards set forth in Sec. 397.71
of this subpart. For purposes of this subpart, any highway routing
designation affecting the highway transportation of NRHM, made by a
political subdivision of a State is considered as one made by that
State, and all requirements of this subpart apply.

(b) Except as provided in Secs. 397.75 and 397.219, a NRHM route
designation made in violation of paragraph (a) of this section is
preempted pursuant to section 105(b)(4) of the Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. app. 1804(b)(4)). This provision shall
become effective after November 14, 1996.

(c) A highway routing designation established by a State, political
subdivision, or Indian tribe before November 14, 1994 is subject to
preemption in accordance with the preemption standards in paragraphs
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of Sec. 397.203 of this subpart.

(d) A State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe may petition for
a waiver of preemption in accordance with Sec. 397.213 of this part.

Sec. 397.71 Federal standards.

(a) A State or Indian tribe shall comply with the Federal standards
under paragraph (b) of this section when establishing, maintaining or
enforcing specific NRHM routing designations over which NRHM may or may
not be transported.

(b) The Federal standards are as follows:

(1) Enhancement of public safety. The State or Indian tribe shall
make a finding, supported by the record to be developed in accordance
with paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (b)(3)(iv) of this section, that any NRHM
routing designation enhances public safety in the areas subject to its
jurisdiction and in other areas which are directly affected by such
highway routing designation. In making such a finding, the State or
Indian tribe shall consider:

(i) The factors listed in paragraph (b)(9) of this section; and

(ii) The DOT ``Guidelines for Applying Criteria to Designate Routes
for Transporting Hazardous Materials,'' DOT/RSPA/OHMT-89-02, July 1989
1 or its most current version; or an equivalent routing
analysis which adequately considers overall risk to the public.
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\1\ This document may be obtained from Office of Enforcement and
Compliance (MC-ECH), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, D.C.
20590-0001.
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(2) Public participation. Prior to the establishment of any NRHM
routing designation, the State or Indian tribe shall undertake the
following actions to ensure participation by the public in the routing
process:

(i) The State or Indian tribe shall provide the public with notice
of any proposed NRHM routing designation and a 30-day period in which to
comment. At any time during this period or following review of the
comments received, the State or Indian tribe shall decide whether to
hold a public hearing on the proposed NRHM route designation. The public
shall be given 30 days prior notice of the public hearing which shall be
conducted as described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section. Notice
for both the comment period and the public hearing, if one is held,
shall be given by publication in at least two newspapers of general
circulation in the affected area or areas and shall contain a complete
description of the proposed routing designation, together with the date,
time, and location of any public hearings. Notice for both the comment
period and any public hearing may also be published in the official
register of the State.

(ii) If it is determined that a public hearing is necessary, the
State or Indian tribe shall hold at least one public hearing on the
record during which the public will be afforded the opportunity
to present their views and any information or data related to the
proposed NRHM routing designation. The State shall make available to the
public, upon payment of prescribed costs, copies of the transcript of
the hearing, which shall include all exhibits and documents presented
during the hearing or submitted for the record.

(3) Consultation with others. Prior to the establishment of any NRHM
routing designation, the State or Indian tribe shall provide notice to,
and consult with, officials of affected political subdivisions, States
and Indian tribes, and any other affected parties. Such actions shall
include the following:

(i) At least 60 days prior to establishing a routing designation,
the State or Indian tribe shall provide notice, in writing, of the
proposed routing designation to officials responsible for highway
routing in all other affected States or Indian tribes. A copy of this
notice may also be sent to all affected political subdivisions. This
notice shall request approval, in writing, by those States or Indian
tribes, of the proposed routing designations. If no response is received
within 60 days from the day of receipt of the notification of the
proposed routing designation, the routing designation shall be
considered approved by the affected State or Indian tribe.

(ii) The manner in which consultation under this paragraph is
conducted is left to the discretion of the State or Indian tribe.

(iii) The State or Indian tribe shall attempt to resolve any concern
or disagreement expressed by any consulted official related to the
proposed routing designation.

(iv) The State or Indian tribe shall keep a record of the names and
addresses of the officials notified pursuant to this section and of any
consultation or meeting conducted with these officials or their
representatives. Such record shall describe any concern or disagreement
expressed by the officials and any action undertaken to resolve such
disagreement or address any concern.

(4) Through routing. In establishing any NRHM routing designation,
the State or Indian tribe shall ensure through highway routing for the
transportation of NRHM between adjacent areas. The term ``through
highway routing'' as used in this paragraph means that the routing
designation must ensure continuity of movement so as to not impede or
unnecessarily delay the transportation of NRHM. The State or Indian
tribe shall utilize the procedures established in paragraphs (b)(2) and
(b)(3) of this section in meeting these requirements. In addition, the
State or Indian tribe shall make a finding, supported by a risk analysis
conducted in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, that the
routing designation enhances public safety. If the risk analysis shows--

(i) That the current routing presents at least 50 percent more risk
to the public than the deviation under the proposed routing designation,
then the proposed routing designation may go into effect.

(ii) That the current routing presents a greater risk but less than
50 percent more risk to the public than the deviation under the proposed
routing restriction, then the proposed routing restriction made by a
State or Indian tribe shall only go into effect if it does not force a
deviation of more than 25 miles or result in an increase of more than 25
percent of that part of a trip affected by the deviation, whichever is
shorter, from the most direct route through a jurisdiction as compared
to the intended deviation.

(iii) That the current route has the same or less risk to the public
than the deviation resulting from the proposed routing designation, then
the routing designation shall not be allowed.

(5) Agreement of other States; burden on commerce. Any NRHM routing
designation which affects another State or Indian tribe shall be
established, maintained, or enforced only if:

(i) It does not unreasonably burden commerce, and

(ii) It is agreed to by the affected State or Indian tribe within 60
days of receipt of the notice sent pursuant to paragraph (b)(3)(i) of
this section, or it is approved by the Administrator pursuant to
Sec. 397.75.

(6) Timeliness. The establishment of a NRHM routing designation by
any State or Indian tribe shall be completed within 18 months of the
notice given in either paragraph (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section, whichever
occurs first.

(7) Reasonable routes to terminals and other facilities. In
establishing or providing for reasonable access to and from designated
routes, the State or Indian tribe shall use the shortest practicable
route considering the factors listed in paragraph (b)(9) of this
section. In establishing any NRHM routing designation, the State or
Indian tribe shall provide reasonable access for motor vehicles
transporting NRHM to reach:

(i) Terminals,

(ii) Points of loading, unloading, pickup and delivery, and

(iii) Facilities for food, fuel, repairs, rest, and safe havens.

(8) Responsibility for local compliance. The States shall be
responsible for ensuring that all of their political subdivisions comply
with the provisions of this subpart. The States shall be responsible for
resolving all disputes between such political subdivisions within their
jurisdictions. If a State or any political subdivision thereof, or an
Indian tribe chooses to establish, maintain, or enforce any NRHM routing
designation, the Governor, or Indian tribe, shall designate a routing
agency for the State or Indian tribe, respectively. The routing agency
shall ensure that all NRHM routing designations within its jurisdiction
comply with the Federal standards in this section. The State or Indian
tribe shall comply with the public information and reporting
requirements contained in Sec. 397.73.

(9) Factors to consider. In establishing any NRHM routing
designation, the State or Indian tribe shall consider the following
factors:

(i) Population density. The population potentially exposed to a NRHM
release shall be estimated from the density of the residents, employees,
motorists, and other persons in the area, using United States census
tract maps or other reasonable means for determining the population
within a potential impact zone along a designated highway route. The
impact zone is the potential range of effects in the event of a release.
Special populations such as schools, hospitals, prisons, and senior
citizen homes shall, among other things, be considered when determining
the potential risk to the populations along a highway routing.
Consideration shall be given to the amount of time during which an area
will experience a heavy population density.

(ii) Type of highway. The characteristics of each alternative NRHM
highway routing designation shall be compared. Vehicle weight and size
limits, underpass and bridge clearances, roadway geometrics, number of
lanes, degree of access control, and median and shoulder structures are
examples of characteristics which a State or Indian tribe shall
consider.

(iii) Types and quantities of NRHM. An examination shall be made of
the type and quantity of NRHM normally transported along highway routes
which are included in a proposed NRHM routing designation, and
consideration shall be given to the relative impact zone and risks of
each type and quantity.

(iv) Emergency response capabilities. In consultation with the
proper fire, law enforcement, and highway safety agencies, consideration
shall be given to the emergency response capabilities which may be
needed as a result of a NRHM routing designation. The analysis of the
emergency response capabilities shall be based upon the proximity of the
emergency response facilities and their capabilities to contain and
suppress NRHM releases within the impact zones.

(v) Results of consultation with affected persons. Consideration
shall be given to the comments and concerns of all affected persons and
entities provided during public hearings and consultations conducted in
accordance with this section.

(vi) Exposure and other risk factors. States and Indian tribes shall
define the exposure and risk factors associated with any NRHM routing
designations. The distance to sensitive areas shall be considered.
Sensitive areas include, but are not limited to, homes and commercial
buildings; special populations in hospitals, schools, handicapped
facilities, prisons and stadiums; water sources such as streams and
lakes; and natural areas such as parks, wetlands, and wildlife reserves.

(vii) Terrain considerations. Topography along and adjacent to the
proposed NRHM routing designation that may affect the potential severity
of an accident, the dispersion of the NRHM upon release and the control 
and clean up of NRHM if released shall be considered.

(viii) Continuity of routes. Adjacent jurisdictions shall be
consulted to ensure routing continuity for NRHM across common borders.
Deviations from the most direct route shall be minimized.

(ix) Alternative routes. Consideration shall be given to the
alternative routes to, or resulting from, any NRHM route designation.
Alternative routes shall be examined, reviewed, or evaluated to the
extent necessary to demonstrate that the most probable alternative
routing resulting from a routing designation is safer than the current
routing.

(x) Effects on commerce. Any NRHM routing designation made in
accordance with this subpart shall not create an unreasonable burden
upon interstate or intrastate commerce.

(xi) Delays in transportation. No NRHM routing designations may
create unnecessary delays in the transportation of NRHM.

(xii) Climatic conditions. Weather conditions unique to a highway
route such as snow, wind, ice, fog, or other climatic conditions that
could affect the safety of a route, the dispersion of the NRHM upon
release, or increase the difficulty of controlling it and cleaning it up
shall be given appropriate consideration.

(xiii) Congestion and accident history. Traffic conditions unique to
a highway routing such as: traffic congestion; accident experience with
motor vehicles, traffic considerations that could affect the potential
for an accident, exposure of the public to any release, ability to
perform emergency response operations, or the temporary closing of a
highway for cleaning up any release shall be given appropriate
consideration.

Sec. 397.73 Public information and reporting requirements.

(a) Public information. Information on NRHM routing designations
must be made available by the States and Indian tribes to the public in
the form of maps, lists, road signs or some combination thereof. If road
signs are used, those signs and their placements must comply with the
provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,2
published by the FMCSA, particularly the Hazardous Cargo signs
identified as R14-2 and R14-3 shown in Section 2B-43 of that Manual.
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\2\ This publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, D.C. 20402
and has Stock No. 050-001-81001-8. It is available for inspection and
copying as prescribed in 49 CFR part 7, appendix D. See 23 CFR part 655,
subpart F.
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(b) Reporting and publishing requirements. Each State or Indian
tribe, through its routing agency, shall provide information identifying
all NRHM routing designations which exist within their jurisdictions on
November 14, 1994 to the FMCSA, Office of Enforcement and Compliance
(MC-ECH), 400 7th St., SW., Washington, D.C. 20590-0001 by March 13,
1995. The State or Indian tribe shall include descriptions of these
routing designations, along with the dates they were established. This
information may also be published in each State's official register of
State regulations. Information on any subsequent changes or new NRHM
routing designations shall be furnished within 60 days after
establishment to the FMCSA. This information will be available from the
FMCSA, consolidated by the FMCSA, and published annually in whole or as
updates in the Federal Register. Each State may also publish this
information in its official register of State regulations.

Sec. 397.75 Dispute resolution.

(a) Petition. One or more States or Indian tribes may petition the
Administrator to resolve a dispute relating to an agreement on a
proposed NRHM routing designation. In resolving a dispute under these
provisions, the Administrator will provide the greatest level of safety
possible without unreasonably burdening commerce, and ensure compliance
with the Federal standards established at Sec. 397.71 of this subpart.

(b) Filing. Each petition for dispute resolution filed under this
section must:

(1) Be submitted to the Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Attention: Office of the Chief Counsel (MC-
CC).

(2) Identify the State or Indian tribe filing the petition and any
other State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe whose NRHM routing
designation is the subject of the dispute.

(3) Contain a certification that the petitioner has complied with
the notification requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, and
include a list of the names and addresses of each State, political
subdivision, or Indian tribe official who was notified of the filing of
the petition.

(4) Clearly set forth the dispute for which resolution is sought,
including a complete description of any disputed NRHM routing
designation and an explanation of how the disputed routing designation
affects the petitioner or how it impedes through highway routing. If the
routing designation being disputed results in alternative routing, then
a comparative risk analysis for the designated route and the resulting
alternative routing shall be provided.

(5) Describe any actions taken by the State or Indian tribe to
resolve the dispute.

(6) Explain the reasons why the petitioner believes that the
Administrator should intervene in resolving the dispute.

(7) Describe any proposed actions that the Administrator should take
to resolve the dispute and how these actions would provide the greatest
level of highway safety without unreasonably burdening commerce and
would ensure compliance with the Federal standards established in this
subpart.

(c) Notice. (1) Any State or Indian tribe that files a petition for
dispute resolution under this subpart shall mail a copy of the petition
to any affected State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe,
accompanied by a statement that the State, political subdivision, or
Indian tribe may submit comments regarding the petition to the
Administrator within 45 days.

(2) By serving notice on any other State, political subdivision, or
Indian tribe determined by the Administrator to be possibly affected by
the issues in dispute or the resolution sought, or by publication in the
Federal Register, the Administrator may afford those persons an
opportunity to file written comments on the petition.

(3) Any affected State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe
submitting written comments to the Administrator with respect to a
petition filed under this section shall send a copy of the comments to
the petitioner and certify to the Administrator as to having complied
with this requirement. The Administrator may notify other persons
participating in the proceeding of the comments and provide an
opportunity for those other persons to respond.

(d) Court actions. After a petition for dispute resolution is filed
in accordance with this section, no court action may be brought with
respect to the subject matter of such dispute until a final decision has
been issued by the Administrator or until the last day of the one-year
period beginning on the day the Administrator receives the petition,
whichever occurs first.

(e) Hearings; alternative dispute resolution. Upon receipt of a
petition filed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the
Administrator may schedule a hearing to attempt to resolve the dispute
and, if a hearing is scheduled, will notify all parties to the dispute
of the date, time, and place of the hearing. During the hearing the
parties may offer any information pertinent to the resolution of the
dispute. If an agreement is reached, it may be stipulated by the
parties, in writing, and, if the Administrator agrees, made part of the
decision in paragraph (f) of this section. If no agreement is reached,
the Administrator may take the matter under consideration and announce
his or her decision in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the parties
from settling the dispute or seeking other methods of alternative
dispute resolution prior to the final decision by the Administrator.

(f) Decision. The Administrator will issue a decision based on the
petition, the written comments submitted by the parties, the record of
the hearing, and any other information in the record. The decision will
include a written statement setting forth the relevant facts and the
legal basis for the decision.

(g) Record. The Administrator will serve a copy of the decision upon
the petitioner and any other party who participated in the proceedings.
A copy of each decision will be placed on file in the public docket. The
Administrator may publish the decision or notice of the decision in the
Federal Register.

Sec. 397.77 Judicial review of dispute decision.

Any State or Indian tribe adversely affected by the Administrator's
decision under Sec. 397.75 of this subpart may seek review by the
appropriate district court of the United States under such proceeding
only by filing a petition with such court within 90 days after such
decision becomes final.

Sec. 397.101 Requirements for motor carriers and drivers.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section or in
circumstances when there is only one practicable highway route
available, considering operating necessity and safety, a carrier or any
person operating a motor vehicle that contains a Class 7 (radioactive)
material, as defined in 49 CFR 172.403, for which placarding is required
under 49 CFR part 172 shall:

(1) Ensure that the motor vehicle is operated on routes that
minimize radiological risk;

(2) Consider available information on accident rates, transit time,
population density and activities, and the time of day and the day of
week during which transportation will occur to determine the level of
radiological risk; and

(3) Tell the driver which route to take and that the motor vehicle
contains Class 7 (radioactive) materials.

(b) Except as otherwise permitted in this paragraph and in paragraph
(f) of this section, a carrier or any person operating a motor vehicle
containing a highway route controlled quantity of Class 7 (radioactive)
materials, as defined in 49 CFR 173.403(l), shall operate the motor
vehicle only over preferred routes.

(1) For purposes of this subpart, a preferred route is an Interstate
System highway for which an alternative route is not designated by a
State routing agency; a State-designated route selected by a State
routing agency pursuant to Sec. 397.103; or both of the above.

(2) The motor carrier or the person operating a motor vehicle
containing a highway route controlled quantity of Class 7 (radioactive)
materials, as defined in 49 CFR 173.403(l) and (y), shall select routes
to reduce time in transit over the preferred route segment of the trip.
An Interstate System bypass or Interstate System beltway around a city,
when available, shall be used in place of a preferred route through a
city, unless a State routing agency has designated an alternative route.

(c) A motor vehicle may be operated over a route, other than a
preferred route, only under the following conditions:

(1) The deviation from the preferred route is necessary to pick up
or deliver a highway route controlled quantity of Class 7 (radioactive)
materials, to make necessary rest, fuel or motor vehicle repair stops,
or because emergency conditions make continued use of the preferred
route unsafe or impossible;

(2) For pickup and delivery not over preferred routes, the route
selected must be the shortest-distance route from the pickup location to
the nearest preferred route entry location, and the shortest-distance
route to the delivery location from the nearest preferred route exit
location. Deviation from the shortest-distance pickup or delivery route
is authorized if such deviation:

(i) Is based upon the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section to
minimize the radiological risk; and

(ii) Does not exceed the shortest-distance pickup or delivery route
by more than 25 miles and does not exceed 5 times the length of the
shortest-distance pickup or delivery route.

(iii) Deviations from preferred routes, or pickup or delivery routes
other than preferred routes, which are necessary for rest, fuel, or
motor vehicle repair stops or because of emergency conditions, shall be
made in accordance with the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section to
minimize radiological risk, unless due to emergency conditions, time
does not permit use of those criteria.

(d) A carrier (or a designated agent) who operates a motor vehicle
which contains a package of highway route controlled quantity of Class 7
(radioactive) materials, as defined in 49 CFR 173.403(l), shall prepared
a written route plan and supply a copy before departure to the motor
vehicle driver and a copy to the shipper (before departure for exclusive
use shipments, as defined in 49 CFR 173.403(i), or within fifteen
working days following departure for all other shipments). Any variation
between the route plan and routes actually used, and the reason for it,
shall be reported in an amendment to the route plan delivered to the
shipper as soon as practicable but within 30 days following the
deviation. The route plan shall contain:

(1) A statement of the origin and destination points, a route
selected in compliance with this section, all planned stops, and
estimated departure and arrival times; and

(2) Telephone numbers which will access emergency assistance in each
State to be entered.

(e) No person may transport a package of highway route controlled
quantity of Class 7 (radioactive) materials on a public highway unless:

(1) The driver has received within the two preceding years, written
training on:

(i) Requirements in 49 CFR parts 172, 173, and 177 pertaining to the
Class 7 (radioactive) materials transported;

(ii) The properties and hazards of the Class 7 (radioactive)
materials being transported; and

(iii) Procedures to be followed in case of an accident or other
emergency.

(2) The driver has in his or her immediate possession a certificate
of training as evidence of training required by this section, and a copy
is placed in his or her qualification file (see Sec. 391.51 of this
subchapter), showing:

(i) The driver's name and operator's license number;

(ii) The dates training was provided;

(iii) The name and address of the person providing the training;

(iv) That the driver has been trained in the hazards and
characteristics of highway route controlled quantity of Class 7
(radioactive) materials; and

(v) A statement by the person providing the training that
information on the certificate is accurate.

(3) The driver has in his or her immediate possession the route plan
required by paragraph (d) of this section and operates the motor vehicle
in accordance with the route plan.

(f) A person may transport irradiated reactor fuel only in
compliance with a plan if required under 49 CFR 173.22(c) that will
ensure the physical security of the material. Variation for security
purposes from the requirements of this section is permitted so far as
necessary to meet the requirements imposed under such a plan, or
otherwise imposed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 10 CFR
part 73.

(g) Except for packages shipped in compliance with the physical
security requirements of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 10
CFR part 73, each carrier who accepts for transportation a highway route
controlled quantity of Class 7 (radioactive) material (see 49 CFR
173.401(l)), must, within 90 days following the acceptance of the
package, file the following information concerning the transportation of
each such package with the Office of Enforcement and Compliance (MC-
ECH), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001:

(1) The route plan required under paragraph (d) of this section,
including all required amendments reflecting the routes actually used;

(2) A statement identifying the names and addresses of the shipper,
carrier and consignee; and

(3) A copy of the shipping paper or the description of the Class 7
(radioactive) material in the shipment required by 49 CFR 172.202 and
172.203.

Sec. 397.103 Requirements for State routing designations.

(a) The State routing agency, as defined in Sec. 397.201(c), shall
select routes to minimize radiological risk using ``Guidelines for
Selecting Preferred Highway Routes for Highway Route Controlled Quantity
Shipments of Radioactive Materials,'' or an equivalent routing analysis
which adequately considers overall risk to the public. Designations must
be preceded by substantive consultation with affected local
jurisdictions and with any other affected States to ensure consideration
of all impacts and continuity of designated routes.

(b) State routing agencies may designate preferred routes as an
alternative to, or in addition to, one or more Interstate System
highways, including interstate system bypasses, or Interstate System
beltways.

(c) A State-designated route is effective when--

(1) The State gives written notice by certified mail, return receipt
requested, to the Office of Enforcement and Compliance (MC-ECH), Attn:
National Hazardous Materials Route Registry, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20590.

(2) Receipt thereof is acknowledged in writing by the FMCSA.

(d) A list of State-designated preferred routes and a copy of the
``Guidelines for Selecting Preferred Highway Routes for Highway Route
Controlled Quantity Shipments of Radioactive Materials'' are available
upon request to Office of Enforcement and Compliance (MC-ECH), 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.

Sec. 397.201 Purpose and scope of the procedures.

Source: 57 FR 44132, Sept. 24, 1992, unless otherwise noted.

(a) This subpart prescribes procedures by which:

(1) Any person, including a State, political subdivision thereof, or
Indian tribe, directly affected by any highway routing designation for
hazardous materials may apply to the Administrator for a determination
as to whether that highway routing designation is preempted under 49
U.S.C. 5125, or Sec. 397.69 or Sec. 397.203 of this part; and

(2) A State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe may
apply to the Administrator for a waiver of preemption with respect to
any highway routing designation that the State, political subdivision
thereof, or Indian tribe acknowledges to be preempted by 49 U.S.C. 5125,
or Sec. 397.69 or Sec. 397.203 of this part, or that has been determined
by a court of competent jurisdiction to be so preempted.

(b) Unless otherwise ordered by the Administrator, an application
for a preemption determination which includes an application for a
waiver of preemption will be treated and processed solely as an
application for a preemption determination.

(c) For purposes of this part:

Act means 49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq., formerly known as the Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act.

Administrator means the Federal Highway Administrator, who is the
chief executive of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an
agency of the United States Department of Transportation, or his/her
designate.

Hazardous material means a substance or material, including a
hazardous substance, which has been determined by the Secretary of
Transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health,
safety, or property, when transported in commerce, and which has been so
designated.

Indian tribe has the same meaning as contained in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Act, 25 U.S.C. 450b.

Person means an individual, firm, copartnership, corporation,
company, association, joint-stock association, including any trustee,
receiver, assignee, or similar representative thereof, or government,
Indian tribe, or agency or instrumentality of any government or Indian
tribe when it offers hazardous materials for transportation in commerce
or transports hazardous materials in furtherance of a commercial
enterprise, but such term does not include the United States Postal
Service.

Political subdivision includes a municipality; a public agency or
other instrumentality of one or more States, or a public corporation,
board, or commission established under the laws of one or more States.

Routing agency means the State highway agency or other State agency
designated by the Governor of a State, or an agency designated by an
Indian tribe, to supervise, coordinate, and approve the highway routing
designations for that State or Indian tribe. Any highway routing
designation made by a political subdivision of a State shall be
considered a designation made by that State.

Routing designation includes any regulation, limitation,
restriction, curfew, time of travel restriction, lane restriction,
routing ban, port-of-entry designation, or route weight restriction
applicable to the highway transportation of hazardous materials over a
specific highway route or portion of a route.

State means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia,
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, or any other
territory or possession of the United States designated by the
Secretary.

Sec. 397.203 Standards for determining preemption.

(a) Any highway routing designation established, maintained, or
enforced by a State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe is
preempted if--

(1) Compliance with both the highway routing designation and any
requirement under the Act or of a regulation issued under the Act is not
possible;

(2) The highway routing designation as applied or enforced creates
an obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of the Act or the
regulations issued under the Act; or

(3) The highway routing designation is preempted pursuant to
Sec. 397.69(b) of this part.

(b) [Reserved]

Sec. 397.205 Preemption application.

(a) Any person, including a State, political subdivision thereof, or
Indian tribe directly affected by any highway routing designation of
another State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe, may apply to the
Administrator for a determination of whether that highway routing
designation is preempted by the Act or Sec. 397.203 of this subpart. The
Administrator shall publish notice of the application in the Federal
Register.

(b) Each application filed under this section for a determination
must:

(1) Be submitted to the Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590-
0001. Attention: Office of the chief Counsel (MC-CC), Hazardous
Materials Preemption;

(2) Set forth a detailed description of the highway routing
designation of the State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe
for which the determination is sought;

(3) If applicable, specify the provisions of the Act or the
regulations issued under the Act under which the applicant seeks
preemption of the highway routing designation of the State, political
subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe;

(4) Explain why the applicant believes the highway routing
designation of the State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe
should or should not be preempted under the standards of Sec. 397.203;
and

(5) State how the applicant is affected by the highway routing
designation of the State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian
tribe.

(c) The filing of an application for a determination under this
section does not constitute grounds for noncompliance with any
requirement of the Act or any regulation issued under the Act.

(d) Once the Administrator has published notice in the Federal
Register of an application received under paragraph (a) of this section,
no applicant for such determination may seek relief
with respect to the same or substantially the same issue in any court
until final action has been taken on the application or until 180 days
after filing of the application, whichever occurs first. Nothing in this
section shall be construed as prohibiting any person, including a State,
political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe, directly affected by any
highway routing designation from seeking a determination of preemption
in any court of competent jurisdiction in lieu of applying to the
Administrator under paragraph (a) of this section.

Sec. 397.207 Preemption notice.

(a) If the applicant is other than a State, political subdivision
thereof, or Indian tribe, the applicant shall mail a copy of the
application to the State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe
concerned, accompanied by a statement that comments may be submitted
regarding the application to the Administrator within 45 days. The
application filed with the Administrator must include a certification
that the applicant has complied with this paragraph and must include the
names and addresses of each official to whom a copy of the application
was sent.

(b) The Administrator may afford interested persons an opportunity
to file written comments on the application by serving notice on any
persons readily identifiable by the Administrator as persons who will be
affected by the ruling sought or by publication in the Federal Register.

(c) Each person submitting written comments to the Administrator
with respect to an application filed under this section shall send a
copy of the comments to the applicant and certify to the Administrator
that he or she has complied with this requirement. The Administrator may
notify other persons participating in the proceeding of the comments and
provide an opportunity for those other persons to respond.

Sec. 397.209 Preemption processing.

(a) The Administrator may initiate an investigation of any statement
in an application and utilize in his or her evaluation any relevant
facts obtained by that investigation. The Administrator may solicit and
accept submissions from third persons relevant to an application and
will provide the applicant an opportunity to respond to all third person
submissions. In evaluating an application, the Administrator may
consider any other source of information. The Administrator may convene
a hearing or conference, if a hearing or conference will advance the
evaluation of the application.

(b) The Administrator may dismiss the application without prejudice
if:

(1) he or she determines that there is insufficient information upon
which to base a determination; or

(2) he or she requests additional information from the applicant and
it is not submitted.

Sec. 397.211 Preemption determination.

(a) Upon consideration of the application and other relevant
information received, the Administrator issues a determination.

(b) Notwithstanding that an application for a determination has not
been filed under Sec. 397.205, the Administrator, on his or her own
initiative, may issue a determination as to whether a particular highway
routing designation of a State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian
tribe is preempted under the Act or the regulations issued under the
Act.

(c) The determination includes a written statement setting forth the
relevant facts and the legal basis for the determination, and provides
that any person aggrieved thereby may file a petition for
reconsideration within 20 days in accordance with Sec. 397.223.

(d) Unless the determination is issued pursuant to paragraph (b) of
this section, the Administrator serves a copy of the determination upon
the applicant. In all preemption determinations, the Administrator
serves a copy of the determination upon any other person who
participated in the proceeding or who is readily identifiable by the
Administrator as affected by the determination. A copy of each
determination is placed on file in the public docket. The Administrator
may publish the determination or notice of the determination in the
Federal Register.

(e) If no petition for reconsideration is filed within 20 days in
accordance with Sec. 397.223, a determination issued under this section
constitutes the final agency decision as to whether a particular highway
routing designation of a State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian
tribe is preempted under the Act or regulations issued thereunder. The
fact that a determination has not been issued under this section with
respect to a particular highway routing designation of a State,
political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe carries no implication as
to whether the requirement is preempted under the Act or regulations
issued thereunder.

Sec. 397.213 Waiver of preemption application.

(a) Any State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe may
apply to the Administrator for a waiver of preemption with respect to
any highway routing designation that the State, political subdivision
thereof, or Indian tribe acknowledges to be preempted by the Act,
Sec. 397.203 of this subpart, or a court of competent jurisdiction. The
Administrator may waive preemption with respect to such requirement upon
a determination that such requirement--

(1) Affords an equal or greater level of protection to the public
than is afforded by the requirements of the Act or regulations issued
under the Act, and

(2) Does not unreasonably burden commerce.

(b) Each application filed under this section for a waiver of
preemption determination must:

(1) Be submitted to the Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590-
0001. Attention: Office of the Chief Counsel (MC-CC), Hazardous
Materials Preemption Docket;

(2) Set forth a detailed description of the highway routing
designation of the State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe
for which the determination is being sought;

(3) Include a copy of any relevant court order or determination
issued pursuant to Sec. 397.211;

(4) Contain an express acknowledgment by the applicant that the
highway routing designation of the State, political subdivision thereof,
our Indian tribe is preempted under the Act or the regulations issued
under the Act, unless it has been so determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction or in a determination issued under this subpart;

(5) Specify each provision of the Act or the regulations issued
under the Act that preempts the highway routing designation of the
State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe;

(6) State why the applicant believes that the highway routing
designation of the State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe
affords an equal or greater level of protection to the public than is
afforded by the requirements of the Act or the regulations issued under
the Act;

(7) State why the applicant believes that the highway routing
designation of the State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe
does not unreasonably burden commerce; and

(8) Specify what steps the State, political subdivision thereof, or
Indian tribe is taking to administer and enforce effectively the
preempted requirement.

Sec. 397.215 Waiver notice.

(a) The applicant State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian
tribe shall mail a copy of the application and any subsequent amendments
or other documents relating to the application to each person whom the
applicant reasonably ascertains will be affected by the determination
sought. The copy of the application must be accompanied by a statement
that the person may submit comments regarding the application to the
Administrator within 45 days. The application filed with the
Administrator must include a certification with the application has
complied with this paragraph and must include the names and addresses of
each person to whom the application was sent.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section,
if the State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe determines
that compliance with paragraph (a) of this section would be impracticable, 
the applicant shall:

(1) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section
with regard to those persons whom it is reasonable and practicable to
notify; and

(2) Include with the application filed with the Administrator a
description of the persons or class or classes of persons to whom notice
was not sent.

(c) The Administrator may require the applicant to provide notice in
addition to that required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, or
may determine that the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section
is not impracticable, or that notice should be published in the Federal
Register.

(d) The Administrator may serve notice on any other persons readily
identifiable by the Administrator as persons who will be affected by the
determination sought and may afford those persons an opportunity to file
written comments on the application.

(e) Any person submitting written comments to the Administrator with
respect to an application filed under this section shall send a copy of
the comments to the applicant. The person shall certify to the
Administrator that he or she has complied with the requirements of this
paragraph. The Administrator may notify other persons participating in
the proceeding of the comments and provide an opportunity for those
other persons to respond.

Sec. 397.217 Waiver processing.

(a) The Administrator may initiate an investigation of any statement
in an application and utilize any relevant facts obtained by that
investigation. The Administrator may solicit and accept submissions from
third persons relevant to an application and will provide the applicant
an opportunity to respond to all third person submissions. In evaluating
an application, the Administrator may convene a hearing or conference,
if a hearing or conference will advance the evaluation of the
application.

(b) The Administrator may dismiss the application without prejudice
if:

(1) he or she determines that there is insufficient information upon
which to base a determination;

(2) Upon his or her request, additional information is not submitted
by the applicant; or

(3) The applicant fails to provide the notice required by this
subpart.

(c) Except as provided in this subpart, the Administrator will only
consider an application for a waiver of preemption determination if:

(1) The applicant expressly acknowledges in its application that the
highway routing designation of the State, political subdivision thereof,
or Indian tribe for which the determination is sought is preempted by
the Act or the regulations thereunder; or

(2) The highway routing designation of the State, political
subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe has been determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction or in a determination issued pursuant to
Sec. 397.211 to be preempted by the Act or the regulations issued
thereunder.

(d) When the Administrator has received all substantive information
necessary to process an application for a waiver of preemption
determination, notice of that fact will be served upon the applicant.
Additional notice to all other persons who received notice of the
proceeding may be served by publishing a notice in the Federal Register.

Sec. 397.219 Waiver determination and order.

(a) Upon consideration of the application and other relevant
information received or obtained during the proceeding, the
Administrator issues an order setting forth his or her determination.

(b) The Administrator may issue a waiver of preemption order only if
he or she finds that the requirement of the State, political subdivision
thereof, or Indian tribe affords the public a level of safety at least
equal to that afforded by the requirements of the Act and the
regulations issued under the Act and does not unreasonably burden
commerce. In determining whether the requirement of the State, political
subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe unreasonably burdens commerce, the
Administrator may consider the following factors:

(1) The extent to which increased costs and impairment of efficiency
result from the highway routing designation of the State, political
subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe;

(2) Whether the highway routing designation of the State, political
subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe has a rational basis;

(3) Whether the highway routing designation of the State, political
subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe achieves its stated purpose; and

(4) Whether there is need for uniformity with regard to the subject
concerned and if so, whether the highway routing designation of the
State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe competes or
conflicts with those of other States, political subdivisions thereof, or
Indian tribes.

(c) The order includes a written statement setting forth the
relevant facts and the legal basis for the determination, and provides
that any person aggrieved by the order may file a petition for
reconsideration in accordance with Sec. 397.223.

(d) The Administrator serves a copy of the order upon the applicant,
any other person who participated in the proceeding and upon any other
person readily identifiable by the Administrator as one who may be
affected by the order. A copy of each order is placed on file in the
public docket. The Administrator may publish the order or notice of the
order in the Federal Register.

(e) If no petition for reconsideration is filed within 20 days in
accordance with Sec. 397.223, an order issued under this section
constitutes the final agency decision regarding whether a particular
requirement of a State, political subdivision thereof, or Indian tribe
is preempted under the Act or any regulations issued thereunder, or
whether preemption is waived.

Sec. 397.221 Timeliness.

If the Administrator fails to take action on the application within
90 days of serving the notice required by Sec. 397.217(d), the applicant
may treat the application as having been denied in all respects.

Sec. 397.223 Petition for reconsideration.

(a) Any person aggrieved by an order issued under Sec. 397.211 or
Sec. 397.219 may file a petition for reconsideration with the
Administrator. The petition must be filed within 20 days of service of
the determination or order issued under the above sections.

(b) The petition must contain a concise statement of the basis for
seeking reconsideration, including any specific factual or legal errors,
or material information not previously available.

(c) The petitioner shall mail a copy of the petition to each person
who participated, either as an applicant or routing, in the waiver of
preemption proceeding, accompanied by a statement that the person may
submit comments concerning the petition to the Administrator within 20
days. The petition filed with the Administrator must contain a
certification that the petitioner has complied with this paragraph and
include the names and addresses of all persons to whom a copy of the
petition was sent.

(d) The Administrator's decision under this section constitutes the
final agency decision. If no petition for reconsideration is filed under
this section, then the determination issued under Sec. 397.211 or
Sec. 397.219 becomes the final agency decision at the end of the 20 day
period.

Sec. 397.225 Judicial review.

A party to a proceeding under Sec. 397.205(a), Sec. 397.213(a), or
Sec. 397.223(a) may seek review by the appropriate district court of the
United States of the decision of the Administrator under such proceeding
only by filing a petition with such court within 60 days after the final
agency decision.

-- END --

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