---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 238.223"
title: "49"
number: "238.223"
heading: "Locomotive fuel tanks."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/238.223"
---

# §238.223. Locomotive fuel tanks.


Locomotive fuel tanks shall comply with either the following or an industry standard providing at least an equivalent level of safety if approved by FRA under [§ 238.21](/cfr/49/238.21.md):

- (a) **External fuel tanks.** External locomotive fuel tanks shall comply with the requirements contained in Appendix D to this part.
- (b) **Internal fuel tanks.**
  - (1) Internal locomotive fuel tanks shall be positioned in a manner to reduce the likelihood of accidental penetration from roadway debris or collision.
  - (2) Internal fuel tank vent systems shall be designed so they do not become a path of fuel loss in any tank orientation due to a locomotive overturning.
  - (3) Internal fuel tank bulkheads and skin shall, at a minimum, be equivalent to a 5/16-inch thick steel plate with a yield strength of 25,000 pounds per square inch. Material of a higher yield strength may be used to decrease the required thickness of the material provided at least an equivalent level of strength is maintained. Skid plates are not required.

## Notes

### Amendments

[67 FR 19991, Apr. 23, 2002]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20133, 20141, 20302-20303, 20306, 20701-20702, 21301-21302, 21304; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89.

### Source

Source: 64 FR 25660, May 12, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[67 FR 19991, Apr. 23, 2002]