---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 231.6"
title: "49"
number: "231.6"
heading: "Flat cars."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/231.6"
---

# §231.6. Flat cars.


(Cars with sides 12 inches or less above the floor may be equipped the same as flat cars.)

- (a) **Hand brakes—**
  - (1) **Number.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231.1(a)(1)](/cfr/49/231.1.md?p=a-1)).
  - (2) **Dimensions.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231(a)(2)](/cfr/49/231.md?p=a-2)).
  - (3) **Location.**
    - (i) Each hand brake shall be so located that it can be safely operated while car is in motion.
    - (ii) The brake shaft shall be located on the end of car to the left of center, or on side of car not more than 36 inches from right-hand end thereof.
    - (iii) Carriers are not required to change the brakes from right to left side on steel or steel-underframe cars with platform end sills, in service July 1, 1911, except when such appliances are renewed, at which time they must be made to comply with the standards prescribed.
    - (iv) Carriers are not required to change the location of brake wheels and brake shafts on cars in service July 1, 1911, where the appliances are within 3 inches of the required location, except that when cars undergo regular repairs they must then be made to comply with the standards prescribed.
  - (4) **Manner of application.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231.1(a)(4)](/cfr/49/231.1.md?p=a-4)).
- (b) **Sill steps.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231.1(d)](/cfr/49/231.1.md?p=d)).
- (c) **Side handholds—**
  - (1) **Number.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231.1(h)(1)](/cfr/49/231.1.md?p=h-1)).
  - (2) **Dimensions.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231.1(h)(2)](/cfr/49/231.1.md?p=h-2)).
  - (3) **Location.**
    - (i) **Horizontal, one on face of each side sill near each end.** Clearance of outer end of handhold shall be not more than 12 inches from end of car.
    - (ii) Carriers are not required to change the location of handholds on cars in service July 1, 1911, except end handholds under end sills, where the appliances are within 3 inches of the required location, except that when cars undergo regular repairs they must then be made to comply with the standards prescribed.
  - (4) **Manner of application.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231.1(h)(4)](/cfr/49/231.1.md?p=h-4)).
- (d) **End handholds—**
  - (1) **Number.** Four.
  - (2) **Dimensions.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231.1(i)(2)](/cfr/49/231.1.md?p=i-2)).
  - (3) **Location.**
    - (i) **Horizontal, one near each side of each end of car on face of end sill.** Clearance of outer end of handhold shall be not more than 16 inches from side of car.
    - (ii) Carriers are not required to change the location of handholds on cars in service July 1, 1911, except end handholds under end sills, where the appliances are within 3 inches of the required location, except that when cars undergo regular repairs they must then be made to comply with the standards prescribed.
  - (4) **Manner of application.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231.1(i)(4)](/cfr/49/231.1.md?p=i-4)).
- (e) **Uncoupling levers.** Same as specified for “Box and other house cars” (see [§ 231.1(k)](/cfr/49/231.1.md?p=k)).

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20102-20103, 20107, 20131, 20301-20303, 21301-21302, 21304; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89.

### Source

Source: 33 FR 19663, Dec. 25, 1968, unless otherwise noted.