---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 174.85"
title: "49"
number: "174.85"
heading: "Position in train of placarded cars, transport vehicles, freight containers, and bulk packagings."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/174.85"
---

# §174.85. Position in train of placarded cars, transport vehicles, freight containers, and bulk packagings.

- (a) Except as provided in paragraphs [(b)](#b) and [(c)](#c) of this section, the position in a train of each loaded placarded car, transport vehicle, freight container, and bulk packaging must conform to the provisions of this section.
- (b) A car placarded “RADIOACTIVE” must comply with train positioning requirements of [paragraph (d)](#d) of this section and must be separated from a locomotive, occupied caboose, or carload of undeveloped film by at least one non-placarded car.
- (c) A tank car containing the residue of a hazardous material must be separated from a locomotive or occupied caboose by at least one rail car other than a placarded tank car.
- (d) **Position of rail cars in a train.** In the following table:
  - (1) Where an “X” appears at the intersection of a Placard Group column and a Restriction row, the corresponding restriction applies.
  - (2) “Rail Car” means a car other than a tank car.
  - (3) For purposes of this subpart, each unit of an articulated intermodal rail car shall be considered as one car.

## Notes

### Amendments

[Amdt. 174-68, 55 FR 52680, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 57 FR 45464, Oct. 1, 1992; Amdt. 174-83, 61 FR 28678, June 5, 1996; Amdt.174-83, 61 FR 50255, Sept. 25, 1996; Amdt. 174-83, 61 FR 51339, Oct. 1, 1996; 64 FR 51919, Sept. 27, 1999; 66 FR 45383, Aug. 28, 2001]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 33 U.S.C. 1321; 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.97.

### Amendments

[Amdt. 174-68, 55 FR 52680, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 57 FR 45464, Oct. 1, 1992; Amdt. 174-83, 61 FR 28678, June 5, 1996; Amdt.174-83, 61 FR 50255, Sept. 25, 1996; Amdt. 174-83, 61 FR 51339, Oct. 1, 1996; 64 FR 51919, Sept. 27, 1999; 66 FR 45383, Aug. 28, 2001]