There can be no mechanical or electronic timing device to stop the chemical reaction. The car may be disassembled to meet this requirement. If the judges are uncertain whether the car will fit inside the box when dissembled they may request that the team demonstrate they can do this. At the competition, only the water will be supplied, thus each car must already have its own container. Safe transportation protocol must be followed.
Students are also responsible for arranging for the disposal of their chemicals and wastes.
Hazardous chemical protocols must be followed and reported on the poster. If obvious safety violations have occurred the judges have the discretion to disqualify the entry. All cars must safely operate inside a building. If a car is deemed unsafe, then the judges may disqualify it. Academic staff and graduate students can only act as sounding boards to the student queries.