---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 299.421"
title: "49"
number: "299.421"
heading: "Emergency roof access."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/299.421"
---

# §299.421. Emergency roof access.

- (a) **Number and dimensions.** Each passenger car shall have a minimum of two emergency roof access locations, each providing a minimum opening of 660 mm (26 inches) longitudinally (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car) by 610 mm (24 inches) laterally.
- (b) **Means of access.** Emergency roof access shall be provided by means of a conspicuously marked structural weak point in the roof for access by properly equipped emergency response personnel.
- (c) **Location.** Emergency roof access locations shall be situated so that when a car is on its side—
  - (1) One emergency access location is situated as close as practicable within each half of the roof as divided top from bottom; and
  - (2) One emergency access location is situated as close as practicable within each half of the roof as divided left from right. (See Figure 1 to this paragraph.)
- (d) **Obstructions.** The ceiling space below each emergency roof access location shall be free from wire, cabling, conduit, and piping. This space shall also be free of any rigid secondary structure (e.g., a diffuser or diffuser support, lighting back fixture, mounted PA equipment, or luggage rack) where practicable. It shall be permissible to cut through interior panels, liners, or other non-rigid secondary structures after making the cutout hole in the roof, provided any such additional cutting necessary to access the interior of the vehicle permits a minimum opening of the dimensions specified in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section to be maintained.
- (e) **Marking instructions.** Each emergency roof access location shall be conspicuously marked with retroreflective material of contrasting color meeting the minimum requirements specified in [§ 299.423](/cfr/49/299.423.md). Legible and understandable instructions shall be posted at or near each such location.

## Notes

### 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: 85 FR 69731, Nov. 3, 2020, unless otherwise noted.