Section 31303 Of Article 1. Hazardous Materials From California Vehicle Code >> Division 13. >> Chapter 5. >> Article 1.
31303
. (a) The provisions of this section apply to the highway
transportation of hazardous materials and hazardous waste for which
the display of placards or markings is required pursuant to Section
27903. This section does not apply to hazardous materials being
transported on specified routes pursuant to Section 31616 or 33000.
(b) Unless restricted or prohibited pursuant to Section 31304, the
transportation shall be on state or interstate highways which offer
the least overall transit time whenever practicable.
(c) The transporter shall avoid, whenever practicable, congested
thoroughfares, places where crowds are assembled, and residence
districts as defined in Section 515.
(d) Vehicles used for the transportation shall not be left
unattended or parked overnight in a residence district as defined in
Section 515.
(e) When transporting hazardous waste pursuant to Section 25169.3
of the Health and Safety Code, all provisions of the waste hauler
transportation safety plan, as approved by the State Department of
Health Services, shall be complied with.
(f) Transportation which deviates from the routes required by this
section shall not be excused on the basis of operating convenience.
(g) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b) and (c), vehicles engaged in
the transportation may also use any of the following highways:
(1) Highways which provide necessary access to local pickup or
delivery points consistent with safe vehicle operation.
(2) Highways which provide reasonable access to fuel, repairs,
rest, or food facilities that are designed and intended to
accommodate commercial vehicle parking, when that access is
consistent with safe vehicle operation and when the facility is
within one-half road mile of points of entry or exit from the state
or interstate highway being used.
(3) Highways restricted or prohibited pursuant to this section
when no other lawful alternative exists.
(h) This section shall become operative on January 1, 1987.