---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 172.303"
title: "49"
number: "172.303"
heading: "Prohibited marking."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/172.303"
---

# §172.303. Prohibited marking.

- (a) No person may offer for transportation or transport a package which is marked with the proper shipping name, the identification number of a hazardous material or any other markings indicating that the material is hazardous (e.g., RQ, INHALATION HAZARD) unless the package contains the identified hazardous material or its residue.
- (b) **This section does not apply to—**
  - (1) Transportation of a package in a transport vehicle or freight container if the package is not visible during transportation and is loaded by the shipper and unloaded by the shipper or consignee.
  - (2) **Markings on a package which are securely covered in transportation.**
  - (3) The marking of a shipping name on a package when the name describes a material not regulated under this subchapter.
  - (4) Identification number markings on a cargo tank motor vehicle containing a petroleum distillate fuel in accordance with [§ 172.336(c)](/cfr/49/172.336.md?p=c).

## Notes

### Amendments

[Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52591, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66254, Dec. 20, 1991; 72 FR 55692, Oct. 1, 2007; 91 FR 1446, Jan. 14, 2026]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, 44701; 49 CFR 1.81, 1.96 and 1.97.

### Source

Source: Amdt. 172-29, 41 FR 15996, Apr. 15, 1976, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52591, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66254, Dec. 20, 1991; 72 FR 55692, Oct. 1, 2007; 91 FR 1446, Jan. 14, 2026]