1203 Flammable Placard: Meaning, Requirements & Buying Guide

Gasoline may look harmless when sealed in a tanker, but regulators treat it as one of the most hazardous liquids on the road. That’s why every truck, railcar, or cargo container that carries the fuel must show a red UN 1203 Class 3 placard—an unmistakable warning that the load can ignite with a single spark. Safety managers, fleet operators, and compliance officers who skip or misuse this placard risk six-figure DOT fines, stalled shipments, and, far worse, catastrophic fires.

This guide removes the guesswork. You’ll see exactly what the 1203 flammable placard means, when it’s mandatory, and how to mount it correctly. We’ll walk through the federal and international rules, compare materials from tagboard to reflective aluminum, and share a step-by-step checklist for choosing the right option for your budget and operating environment. A side-by-side vendor comparison—including customizable ORAFOL placards from SafetyDecals.com—rounds out the information you need to stay safe and compliant.

What UN 1203 Flammable Placard Means

Before you can pick a material or decide how many placards to order, you need to know what the graphic is saying. Every element—those four black digits, the red field, the white flame—conveys a specific regulatory message that enforcement officers (and emergency responders) read in seconds.

Decoding the UN Number 1203

A UN number is the four-digit identifier assigned by the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. The number 1203 is reserved exclusively for gasoline and closely related motor fuels: petrol, gasohol, motor spirit, and most E-10 or E-15 blends. In the U.S. Hazardous Materials Table, these products normally fall under Packing Group II, indicating a flash point below 23 °C but above –18 °C—highly flammable but not the most volatile.

Common pitfall: slapping a generic “1993 Flammable Liquid n.o.s.” placard on a gasoline load. That might pass a quick glance, yet it is technically wrong and can still trigger a citation during a DOT audit.

Hazard Class 3 Symbol and Color Code

The rest of the placard communicates hazard class information:

Background color: solid red = Class 3 flammable liquid
Symbol: white flame over straight horizontal line
Class numeral: bold “3” centered at the bottom

Per 49 CFR 172.519, the placard must measure 10.8 in × 10.8 in (273 mm × 273 mm) with a 12.7 mm (≈0.5 in) solid outer line. The word “FLAMMABLE” is optional for domestic U.S. shipments but often retained for clarity. Do not resize or crop; enforcement officers rely on that standardized footprint to recognize hazards at highway speed.

Gasoline, Petrol, Gasohol: Products Covered by UN 1203

Everyday fuels shipped under the 1203 flammable placard include:

Product	Correct UN Number
Regular unleaded gasoline	1203
Premium gasoline (all octanes)	1203
E-10, E-15 gasohol blends	1203
Aviation gasoline (Avgas)	1203
Diesel fuel (flash point >60 °C)	1202
Kerosene	1223
Generic flammable liquids n.o.s.	1993

If you haul mixed loads—say, gasoline and diesel—each product still needs its own placard unless the “DANGEROUS” option is allowed. Using the correct UN number is more than paperwork; it guides firefighters on foam choice, evacuation distance, and spill control tactics—decisions measured in seconds when the worst happens.

Regulatory Framework Governing 1203 Placard Use

Buying a stack of placards is the last step. First, you need to know when the law actually compels you to display one, which rules apply to your route, and how steep the penalties are if you miss a detail. The core regulation is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 49 CFR, but several companion standards—both domestic and international—can also trigger specific placard or label requirements. The following overview keeps you on the rails.

Key DOT Placarding Rules in 49 CFR 172 Subpart F

49 CFR 172.500–560 spells out exactly when a carrier must display a Class 3 UN 1203 placard:

Classification: Gasoline is a Table 2 material.
Quantity trigger: Placarding is mandatory when the aggregate gross weight of gasoline in non-bulk packages exceeds 1,001 lb or when any bulk packaging (≥119 gal or ≥1,000 lb net mass) is used—no weight threshold in bulk.
Placement: One placard on each side and each end of the motor vehicle or freight container; cargo tanks and rail tank cars require two per side.
Durability: Must withstand 30-days’ exposure to ∆T cycling per §172.519(e).
Retroreflectivity: Required on highway cargo tanks per §172.519(f).

Civil penalties for improper or missing placards can exceed $89,425 per violation per day—and double if the offense results in injury or environmental damage. DOT inspectors also have authority to place a vehicle out of service on the spot.

Additional U.S. Regulations: OSHA, NFPA 704, State Variations

DOT placards travel with the load; OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard and the NFPA 704 diamond apply once that load is parked, stored, or transferred inside a facility. Key distinctions:

OSHA requires GHS-style labels on containers inside the workplace—never a substitute for the DOT placard outside.
NFPA 704 uses a diamond with numeric ratings (e.g., 3-4-0) to alert firefighters.
Several states add fuel-specific twists. Example: California’s Air Resources Board vapor-pressure rules may re-classify certain blended gasolines, affecting whether you placard as combustible or flammable. Always verify state routing and tank-inspection statutes.

Bottom line: the 1203 flammable placard satisfies DOT transport law, but you’ll likely need additional signage once the trailer gate rolls up.

International Equivalents: ADR, IMDG, IATA, TDG

If your gasoline crosses a border or an ocean, your placard strategy has to match the governing modal code:

Mode	Code	Class/Division	Label/Placard Text
European road	ADR	3	UN 1203; red Class 3 placard with “3” bottom numeral
Maritime	IMDG	3	Same design; add marine-pollutant mark if applicable
Air cargo	IATA DGR	3	120 mm × 110 mm Class 3 hazard label on each package, no vehicle placard
Canada road/rail	TDG	3	“Gasoline UN 1203” placard; bilingual English/French optional but common

While the visual design is largely harmonized, subtle differences—metric sizing, language, or extra symbols—can stop a shipment at the port. Verify each leg of a multimodal journey before ordering placards so you don’t pay twice for the same piece of metal or vinyl.

When and Where You Must Display the 1203 Placard

Buying the correct sign is pointless if it never makes it onto the rig—or ends up on the wrong one. DOT inspectors look for the placard first, not the shipping papers, so understanding when the 1203 flammable placard is mandatory and where it must appear is the surest way to avoid an on-the-spot citation.

Quantity Thresholds and Table 2 Exceptions

Gasoline is listed in Table 2 of 49 CFR 172.504. That means:

Non-bulk packages (≤119 gal each) need a placard only when the aggregate gross weight exceeds 1,001 lb.
Bulk packages—anything over 119 gal or 1,000 lb net—must be placarded regardless of total weight.

Two common loopholes do not apply to most gasoline loads:

Limited Quantity: Flash point is too low, so gasoline rarely qualifies.
Combustible Liquid Reclassification (§173.150(f)): Only fuels with a flash point ≥100 °F can be bumped from flammable to combustible; gasoline sits well below that.

Placard Placement on Vehicles and Containers

Once required, the 1203 placard must be visible on all four sides of:

Highway cargo tanks, DOT 406/407
Portable tanks and IBCs >119 gal when loaded on a motor vehicle
Freight containers and highway trailers

Key positioning rules in §172.516:

Mount square-on-point (diamond-shape), not as a square.
Lower edge 3–6 ft above ground on motor vehicles; as high as practicable on railcars.
Keep unobstructed: ladders, hoses, or tire splashguards can’t block a responder’s line of sight.
Never fold over a corner or wrap around a cylinder; the border must stay intact.
Retroreflective material is mandatory on highway cargo tanks, strongly recommended elsewhere for nighttime visibility.

Special Situations: Mixed Loads, Subsidiary Hazards, Empty Residue

Gasoline + Diesel: You may use both UN 1203 and UN 1202 placards, or substitute a single red “DANGEROUS” placard if no individual product exceeds 2,205 lb (1,000 kg) per §172.504(b).
Subsidiary hazards: Gasoline has none, so no additional placard is needed unless you’re also hauling a corrosive additive or oxidizer.
Empty tanks with residue must stay placarded until cleaned and purged or refilled with a non-hazardous product. Markings such as “RESIDUE—LAST CONTAINED GASOLINE” on shipping papers prevent confusion at inspection stops.
Temperature-controlled or elevated-temperature gasoline doesn’t change the UN number, but if the product exceeds 212 °F you must add the yellow “HOT” 2477 placard alongside 1203.

Knowing these scenarios keeps your fleet rolling and your compliance record spotless.

Material and Durability Options for 1203 Placards

Choosing the right substrate is more than a cosmetic decision—it dictates how long the 1203 flammable placard stays legible after road spray, UV, and daily hose downs. Below is a quick rundown of the four materials you’ll see most often and the performance factors that separate a “one-trip wonder” from a multi-year asset.

Tagboard vs Polycoated vs Vinyl vs Aluminum

Material	Typical Lifespan	Cost per Placard	Best For	Watch-Outs
Tagboard (paper)	1–3 trips	<$1	Flip-style holders, short-haul fuel swaps	Softens if wet; non-reflective
Polycoated tagboard	1–6 months	$1–$2	Regional tank wagon fleets	Edges can delaminate under UV
Flexible vinyl (self-adhesive)	12–24 mo	$2–$4	Smooth cargo tanks, ISO tanks	One-time placement; residue on removal
.040 in aluminum	3–7 yr	$7–$10	Permanent placard stations, railcars	Higher upfront cost; minor edge dents

Quick tip: SafetyDecals.com stocks ORAFOL-laminated vinyl and powder-coated aluminum, both rated to exceed DOT’s 30-day environmental test by years.

Reflective vs Non-reflective Finishes

49 CFR 172.519(f) makes retroreflective backgrounds mandatory on highway cargo tanks; most operators extend the requirement to trailers and portable tanks for night visibility. Two common grades:

Engineer-grade (ASTM D4956 Type I): economical, visible to ≈500 ft.
High-intensity (Type III or IV): prismatic film, pops at 1,000 ft+, ideal for rural routes.

Non-reflective placards remain legal on non-bulk packages and railcars, but the safety trade-off is obvious when a trooper’s spotlight hits the trailer.

Environmental and Service Temperature Considerations

Temperature: Adhesive vinyls need a minimum application temp of +40 °F; most stay flexible down to -40 °F and up to +200 °F.
UV Exposure: Aluminum with baked enamel or ORAFOL over-laminate outlasts tagboard by 5–1 in desert routes.
Chemical Splash: Fuel trucks see ethanol-rich gasohol; choose solvent-resistant inks.
Salt & Road Brine: Powder-coated aluminum resists corrosion far better than raw steel brackets.

Match the substrate to your worst-case operating conditions, not the mild ones, and you’ll replace placards on your schedule—not DOT’s.

How to Choose the Right 1203 Placard for Your Operation

Picking a compliant UN 1203 sign is not a one-size-fits-all exercise. Whether you run a two-bay service station delivery truck or a coast-to-coast tanker fleet, the ideal 1203 flammable placard balances legal must-haves with real-world wear, replacement cycles, and—yes—your budget. Use the framework below to lock in a decision that satisfies auditors and the accounting department alike.

Compliance Checklist for Buyers

Correct UN number: 1203 printed in 65 mm-high digits.
Hazard class: red background, white flame, bold “3” numeral.
Size: 10.8 × 10.8 in diamond with 0.5-in border.
Language: no extra text that obscures required elements.
Material meets §172.519 durability test.
Retroreflective film for highway cargo tanks.
Operating temperature range matches climate.
Chemical resistance to ethanol blends if hauling gasohol.
Mounting method (adhesive, slide-in, rivet) fits equipment.
Vendor provides spec sheet or lot certificate for audit trail.

Tick all ten boxes before you hand over a purchase order.

Balancing Durability and Budget

A quick math example: a $1 tagboard card that lasts three trips costs roughly $0.33 per run. A $9 aluminum placard that survives 600 trips drops to $0.015 per run—plus you avoid $89k fines for a faded sign. Calculate cost-per-service-day instead of sticker price to see why higher-grade substrates often win.

Customization Dos and Don’ts

DO specify material, pre-drilled holes, or rounded corners for faster installation.
DO request bilingual “Gasoline/Gasolina” versions if you operate near the border (still legal as long as required graphics stay intact).
DON’T alter the Pantone red, shrink the flame icon, or add your company logo inside the diamond.
DON’T print phone numbers or QR codes that could be mistaken for UN digits.

Keep creative tweaks outside the diamond and your 1203 placards will pass inspection and promote your brand without tripping the regulators.

Buying Guide: Trusted Sources for UN 1203 Flammable Placards

Once you know the size, material, and reflectivity you need, the final step is choosing a vendor that won’t leave you guessing about compliance. A placard is a regulated product, not a novelty sticker—so traceable specs, consistent color, and on-time delivery matter as much as price.

Comparison of Popular Suppliers

Vendor	Compliance Guarantee	Material Options	Custom Sizing	Minimum Order	Typical Lead Time	Price Range*
Safety Decals (ORAFOL media, U.S.-made)	Written certificate citing 49 CFR 172.519	Tagboard, vinyl, engineer-grade & high-intensity aluminum	Yes, down to 4″ mini-placards	1	Stock: 24 h Custom: 3-5 days	$2–$11
Labelmaster	Statement of conformity	Tagboard, vinyl, aluminum	Limited (stock sizes only)	25	2-4 days	$2.50–$12
JJ Keller	DOT reference on packaging	Tagboard, removable vinyl	No	25	3-7 days	$2–$8
Accuform	Meets DOT spec note	Polycoated, reflective vinyl, aluminum	Yes (MOQ applies)	1	5-7 days	$3–$10
Amazon Marketplace	Varies by seller	Mostly tagboard or generic vinyl	Rare	10–25	2-5 days Prime; longer otherwise	$1–$7

*Pricing gathered July 2025 for 10.75″ (273 mm) placards; subject to change.

Evaluating Vendor Claims of Compliance

Marketing blurbs like “DOT-approved” mean little unless the supplier backs them up. Before you hit “Add to Cart,” ask for:

A spec sheet that lists citation 49 CFR 172.519 or equivalent ADR/IMDG clause.
Lot or batch numbers for traceability in a recall.
Material data showing retroreflective performance (ASTM D4956 Type I or better).
Proof that inks and laminates passed a 30-day weatherometer or salt-spray test.

If a seller can’t provide this paperwork within a day, keep shopping.

Ordering Tips: Quantity, Lead Time, Storage Best Practices

Forecast usage: Divide annual trips by placard life to estimate consumption; bulk orders cut unit cost but only if you can store them flat, dry, and out of UV light.
Mind lead times: Custom reflective aluminum can take a week; build a 10-day buffer so a surprise inspection doesn’t find you placard-less.
Store smart: Keep tagboard in a sealed carton, ≤75 °F, ≤60 % RH to avoid curling. Vinyl and aluminum should lie flat—never lean against a wall—so the corners stay sharp enough to meet the 0.5-inch border rule.
Rotate stock: Use oldest placards first; even premium inks fade after years on a shelf.

Follow these pointers and you’ll have compliant 1203 flammable placards precisely when and where you need them—no expedited freight, no inspection drama.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1203 Placarding

Still have doubts? The questions below come straight from DOT inspections and the “People Also Ask” box. Bookmark this page so you can settle an argument—or an audit—without digging through the entire code book.

UN 1203 vs 1993: Which Placard to Use When?

Use UN 1203 for gasoline, petrol, gasohol, motor spirit, and most E-10/E-15 blends. Reserve UN 1993 “Flammable Liquid n.o.s.” for mixtures that don’t have an assigned entry—think paint thinners or waste solvent. Putting 1993 on a gasoline load is a citation waiting to happen because emergency guides differ.

Is Diesel Ever Classified Under 1203?

No. Diesel fuel typically flashes above 60 °C, so it falls under UN 1202 (combustible or Class 3 depending on temperature). Mixing diesel and gasoline in the same truck requires both placards or the red “DANGEROUS” option if each product is below 1,000 kg (2,205 lb).

Do Placards Expire or Need Replacement?

DOT placards have no shelf-life sticker, but §172.516(a) demands they be “maintained in a good condition.” Replace any placard that’s faded, torn, coated with grime, or illegible from 50 ft. Inspect during every pre-trip walk-around.

Can I Use Flip-Style Placard Holders?

Absolutely—provided the device locks securely so only one legend shows at a time and the displayed panel meets the 10.8-inch size, reflectivity, and durability rules. Lubricate hinges quarterly and verify that the 1203 plate hasn’t warped or faded.

How Do I Dispose of Damaged Placards?

Once a placard is unserviceable, treat it as non-hazardous solid waste. Before tossing, scratch out or cut off the UN number and flame symbol to prevent scavengers from reusing a non-compliant sign. Aluminum versions can go to metal recycling streams.

Staying Safe and Compliant on the Road

A crisp, legible 1203 flammable placard does more than check a regulatory box—it tells first responders exactly what they’re up against and gives inspectors instant confidence in your operation. When the right placard is mounted on all four sides, you slash the odds of a roadside shutdown, protect your crew from flash-fire hazards, and keep costly fuel loads moving toward the customer.

The smartest way to stay ahead of audits is to spec durable, regulation-ready placards and replace them the moment they fade or peel. If you need a supplier that ships fast, certifies compliance, and offers real customization, tap the experts at Safety Decals—and hit the highway with total peace of mind.