Definition of "readily visible"
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration · Nov 29, 2007 · Reference No. 07-0198
Interprets: 49 CFR § 177.817
Reggie’s quick take
The letter answers a question about the phrase "readily visible" in § 177.817(e)(2)(i)(B), which covers shipping papers for hazardous materials carried in motor vehicles. The agency says it means the paper must be easy to see by anyone opening the driver's compartment from the driver's side. It also says the best way to meet this, and keep the paper from coming loose in a crash, is a clear sleeve mounted on the driver's door. The letter also restates the rule: the driver must be able to reach the paper while belted in, and the paper must be either visible at the door or in a holder on the inside of the driver's door.
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 is in response to your letter dated October 1, 2007 regarding the shipping paper requirements in § 177.817 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask for a definition of "readily visible" as used in § 177.817(e)(2)(i)(B).
Section 177.817(e) requires a driver of a motor vehicle containing a hazardous material, and each carrier using such a vehicle, to ensure that the shipping paper accompanying the shipment is readily available to, and recognizable by, authorities in the event of accident or inspection. Specifically, when the driver is at the vehicle's controls, the shipping paper must be within his immediate reach while he is restrained by the lap belt, and either readily visible to a person entering the driver's compartment or in a holder mounted to the inside of the door on the driver's side of the vehicle.
As used in § 177.817(e)(2)(i)(B) the term "readily visible" means that the shipping paper must be easily viewed by any person opening the driver's compartment from the driver's side of the vehicle. Based on our experience, the best way to make the shipping paper "readily visible" and ensure that it does not become dislodged during an accident situation is to place it in a clear sleeve mounted on the driver's door.
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.