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['Hazmat']
['Classification - Hazmat', 'Combustible liquids - Hazmat', 'Exceptions - Hazmat']
12/01/2023
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InstituteClassification - HazmatInterpretations SpotlightExceptions - HazmatTransportationHazmat SafetyHazmat EdgeHazmatCombustible liquids - HazmatEnglishAnalysisFocus AreaUSA
Generators with diesel fuel tanks
Regulation
Regulation summary
Sections 173.220(a) and 173.220(b) establish the general applicability and requirements for vehicles and machinery containing internal combustion engines.
Question/Dilemma
In this scenario, a private contractor requests clarification of how the hazardous materials regulations (HMR) apply to a trailer with a permanently mounted generator and 350-gallon diesel fuel tank.
In this interpretation, PHMSA addresses the HMR applicability of mobile generators with attached fuel tanks.
Interpretation summary
In interpretation Ref. No. 15-0135, PHMSA advises that fuel tanks meeting the requirements of 49 CFR 393.65 and 393.67 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) for fuel systems and used only for supplying fuel for the operation of the motor vehicle or its auxiliary equipment is not subject to the HMR with respect to its use on the vehicle.
- The fuel tank on the generator is not subject to the HMR if it meets the requirements of 49 CFR 393.65 and 393.67.
- 393.65 establishes the FMCSR application and design of all fuel systems.
- 393.67 establishes the FMCSR application and design of liquid fuel tanks.
- For transportation by highway, the HMR advises that the fuel tank cap must be securely closed using any method that prevents leaks.
- Therefore, a generator with a 350-gallon diesel fuel tank is not subject to the HMR with respect to its use on the vehicle.
hazmat
Hazmat
HAZMAT EDGE
Regulation
Regulation summary
Sections 173.220(a) and 173.220(b) establish the general applicability and requirements for vehicles and machinery containing internal combustion engines.
Question/Dilemma
In this scenario, a private contractor requests clarification of how the hazardous materials regulations (HMR) apply to a trailer with a permanently mounted generator and 350-gallon diesel fuel tank.
In this interpretation, PHMSA addresses the HMR applicability of mobile generators with attached fuel tanks.
Interpretation summary
In interpretation Ref. No. 15-0135, PHMSA advises that fuel tanks meeting the requirements of 49 CFR 393.65 and 393.67 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) for fuel systems and used only for supplying fuel for the operation of the motor vehicle or its auxiliary equipment is not subject to the HMR with respect to its use on the vehicle.
- The fuel tank on the generator is not subject to the HMR if it meets the requirements of 49 CFR 393.65 and 393.67.
- 393.65 establishes the FMCSR application and design of all fuel systems.
- 393.67 establishes the FMCSR application and design of liquid fuel tanks.
- For transportation by highway, the HMR advises that the fuel tank cap must be securely closed using any method that prevents leaks.
- Therefore, a generator with a 350-gallon diesel fuel tank is not subject to the HMR with respect to its use on the vehicle.
Answer
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.