(a) In addition to NFPA 52 §9.12.1.2, vehicle fuel containers on school buses, mass transit vehicles, and other public transportation vehicles shall be installed on the underside of the vehicle, except as specified in subsection (c) of this section. Fuel containers on special transit vehicles shall be installed in a location which will not interfere with vehicle operation.
(b) Fuel supply containers shall be connected or mounted to comply with the following specifications:
  (1) Container brackets shall be secured to the vehicle body, bed, or frame with bolts, lock washers and nuts, or self-locking nuts of a size and strength capable of withstanding a static force in any direction of eight times the weight of a full container for vehicles with gross vehicle weights of 19,500 pounds or less, and four times the weight of a full container for vehicles with gross vehicle weights of 19,501 pounds or more. Mounting brackets shall be marked with the manufacturer's name or logo. If self-locking nuts are installed, they shall not be reused once they are removed.
  (2) Containers shall be secured to a school bus, mass transit, or special transit vehicle frame excluding the floor by container fastenings or mounting brackets described in paragraph (1) of this subsection. The fastenings or brackets shall be secured to the frame, backing plates, or other supporting structure without compromising the strength of that structure.
(c) Roof-mounted containers are allowed if the vehicle was originally designed and manufactured to have roof-mounted containers or if the original manufacturer approves the design of the structure mounting. Vehicles shall not be modified to have roof-mounted containers.
(d) If necessary, a plumbing chamber door shall be provided in the sidewall of the school bus, mass transit, or special transit vehicle to allow for easy access for filling or securing the service valve in the event of an emergency. The plumbing chamber door shall be hinged and latched, but not locked.

Source Note: The provisions of this §14.2610 adopted to be effective May 26, 2003, 28 TexReg 4100; amended to be effective February 15, 2021, 46 TexReg 1044