Private Transportation of Hazardous Materials
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration · Jul 5, 2006 · Reference No. 06-0128
Interprets: 49 CFR § 171.1
Reggie’s quick take
Someone asked whether carrying a loaded personal firearm in a vehicle breaks the hazardous materials rules, specifically the "forbidden explosives" clause in § 173.54(f). PHMSA said no. The rules do not apply to a private person moving hazardous materials for non-commercial purposes, under § 171.1(d)(6).
Written by AI (Claude) on Oct 22, 2026. Robots make mistakes and leave things out, so the letter below is what counts. Not legal advice.
This responds to your letter regarding the applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171- 180) to the transportation of a loaded personal firearm lawfully carried by a vehicle operator. Specifically, you ask whether such a firearm is a violation of the HMR under the "forbidden explosives" clause in § 173.54(f).
The answer to your question is no. The transportation of a hazardous material by a private citizen for non-commercial purposes is not subject to the HMR. See § 171.1(d)(6).
A letter of interpretation applies the regulations to the facts the requester described. It isn’t a regulation and isn’t legal advice. The agency’s copy.