Specifically authorized by state statute prior to July 1, 1998. Not used for the transportation of flammable cryogenics, hazardous substances, hazardous wastes or marine pollutants. Agricultural operations also came in for some regulatory relief under the HMR revisions, in the form of some exceptions to the rules. The exceptions make it easier for them to transport certain agricultural products. An agricultural product is defined as a hazmat whose end use directly supports the production of an agricultural commodity including, but not limited to, fertilizer, pesticide, soil amendment or fuel.
Farmers have to meet some conditions to get their breaks.
First, there is an exception for farmers transporting hazmat on local roads between farms. This does not include Interstate highways. The transportation also must be conducted in accordance with state regulations and must be specifically authorized by that state prior to July 1, 1998. The total amount of agricultural product per vehicle does not exceed 16,094 pounds of ammonium nitrate fertilizer in a bulk packaging or either 502 gallons or 5,070 pounds of any other agricultural product. The packaging conforms to requirements of the state in which it is transported and is specifically authorized on or before July 1, 1998.