New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 16 - TRANSPORTATION
Chapter 49 - TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Subchapter 3 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Section 16:49-3.2 - Inspections

1. The Division of State Police, or personnel duly authorized by the Superintendent of the State Police, may break cargo seals on vehicles during the course of an inspection of the carrier's equipment under this chapter. Under no circumstances will U.S. Postal Service or Department of Defense seals or locks be broken for the purpose of inspecting cargo within any vehicle. If cargo is protected with a seal from any other U.S. Government agency, prior permission shall be obtained from such agency before removal of the seal;

2. Self-locking cargo seals inscribed with the appropriate New Jersey State agency designation and sequential number shall be affixed by the enforcement personnel to replace any cargo seal removed for inspection. In the event that the contents of a vehicle having no cargo seal, or a broken cargo seal, are inspected, the inspecting agency's cargo seal shall not be applied upon completion of the inspection;

3. Seals on tank vehicles shall not be broken except in an emergency situation which poses an immediate hazard to the public, as determined by the State Police, or personnel authorized by the Superintendent of State Police;

4. In the event that a cargo seal is to be broken for the purpose of inspecting the vehicle contents, the owner, operator, driver or yardmaster shall be requested to observe the inspection and sign the inspection report. The signature of a witness, preferably a New Jersey State Police Officer, will also be obtained; and

5. Procedures to be used in conducting such inspections shall be as specified by the New Jersey State Police.