(a) The State routing agency, as defined in § 397.201(c), shall select routes to minimize radiological risk using “Guidelines for Selecting Preferred Highway Routes for Highway Route Controlled Quantity Shipments of Radioactive Materials,” or an equivalent routing analysis which adequately considers overall risk to the public. Designations must be preceded by substantive consultation with affected local jurisdictions and with any other affected States to ensure consideration of all impacts and continuity of designated routes.

(b) State routing agencies may designate preferred routes as an alternative to, or in addition to, one or more Interstate System highways, including interstate system bypasses, or Interstate System beltways.

(c) A State-designated route is effective when—

(1) The State gives written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Office of Enforcement and Compliance (MC-ECH), Attn: National Hazardous Materials Route Registry, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.

(2) Receipt thereof is acknowledged in writing by the FMCSA.

(d) A list of State-designated preferred routes and a copy of the “Guidelines for Selecting Preferred Highway Routes for Highway Route Controlled Quantity Shipments of Radioactive Materials” are available upon request to Office of Enforcement and Compliance (MC-ECH), 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.