TORONTO, Ont. – Truckers are being reminded to lock their trailers or containers by California Highway safety officials. The reminder comes from Ontario Trucking Association officials, who say the CHP asked them to remind carriers (and drivers) that hazmat shipments moving in California must have a lock on the trailer or intermodal container to prevent unauthorized entry, under section 32001 (5) (A) of the California Vehicle Code.

Section 32001 reads as follows:

“The enclosed cargo body, when the display of placards is required pursuant to Section 27903, shall be locked and remain locked during transit of the hazardous materials so as to prevent any unauthorized entry and shall be opened only during loading, unloading, or at the direction of a peace officer, an authorized employee of the department, or a person authorized pursuant to Section 25185 of the Health and Safety Code.”

Drivers should also remember that they are required to make a notation in their daily logbook that they have inspected the lock after having left the vehicle unattended for any length of time. Section 32001 (5) (B) of the code reads as follows: “…Each driver shall make a notation in his or her logbook of the time and date that the verification occurred.”