When should placards be placed on a vehicle?

Answer: C — Before you drive it

Placards should be placed on a vehicle before you drive it to ensure that the vehicle is properly identified as carrying hazardous materials. This is essential for safety reasons, as it communicates to other drivers, emergency responders, and the general public that the vehicle contains potentially dangerous substances. Proper placarding helps in effective emergency response in case of an accident or spill. Placing placards before driving allows for the vehicle to be compliant with regulations that require visible identification of hazardous materials during transit. This timing also gives a chance to verify that the correct placards are in place, matching the substances being transported. Ensuring proper identification before operation can help prevent accidents related to miscommunication about the vehicle's load and provides critical information in emergency situations.