---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 38.4"
title: "49"
number: "38.4"
heading: "Miscellaneous instructions."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/38.4"
---

# §38.4. Miscellaneous instructions.

- (a) **Dimensional conventions.** Dimensions that are not noted as minimum or maximum are absolute.
- (b) **Dimensional tolerances.** All dimensions are subject to conventional engineering tolerances for material properties and field conditions, including normal anticipated wear not exceeding accepted industry-wide standards and practices.
- (c) **Notes.** The text of these guidelines does not contain notes or footnotes. Additional information, explanations, and advisory materials are located in the Appendix.
- (d) **General terminology.**
  - (1) Comply with means meet one or more specification of these guidelines.
  - (2) **If—** or if * * * then denotes a specification that applies only when the conditions described are present.
  - (3) **May—** denotes an option or alternative.
  - (4) **Shall—** denotes a mandatory specification or requirement.
  - (5) **Should—** denotes an advisory specification or recommendation.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 12101-12213; 49 U.S.C. 322.

### Source

Source: 56 FR 45756, Sept. 6, 1991, unless otherwise noted.