Fire extinguishers in CMVs

Scope

These requirements apply to CMVs operating in interstate commerce.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 393.95(a) — Fire extinguishers

Key definitions

• Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW), of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), and not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
  • Is transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity which requires placarding.

Summary of requirements

Power units of CMVs must be equipped as follows:

• If transporting hazardous materials, the power unit must be equipped with a fire extinguisher having an Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) rating of 10 B:C or more; or
• If transporting nonhazardous materials, the power unit must be equipped with either:
  • One fire extinguisher with a UL rating of 5 B:C or more; or
  • Two fire extinguishers, each with a UL rating of 4 B:C or more.

The extinguisher must be designed, constructed, and maintained to permit visual determination of whether it is fully charged.

Exceptions. The fire extinguisher requirements do not apply to the driven unit in a driveaway-towaway operation.