StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

49 CFR §238.223

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
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:
  1. (a)External fuel tanks. External locomotive fuel tanks shall comply with the requirements contained in Appendix D to this part.
  2. (b)Internal fuel tanks.
    1. (1)Internal locomotive fuel tanks shall be positioned in a manner to reduce the likelihood of accidental penetration from roadway debris or collision.
    2. (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. (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.