Section 935 - Liquefied Natural Gas(a) NFPA and SAE Standards. This section incorporates by reference the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 57, "Liquefied Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Systems Code," 1996 edition, NFPA Standard 57, "Liquefied Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Systems Code," 2002 edition, and NFPA Standard 52 "Vehicular Fuel Systems Code," 2006 edition. This section also incorporates by reference the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J2343 Jan 1997. (1) All liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel systems installed after January 1, 2000, shall comply with one of the identified standards noted above, in addition to requirements of subsection (b) of this section.(2) Grandfather Clause. LNG fuel systems installed before January 1, 2000, shall comply with either one of the identified standards noted above, including the additional requirements listed in subsection (b), or with Sections 935.1 and 936 of this title.(b) Additional Requirements. All LNG fuel systems complying with the NFPA Standard 57, 1996 edition, NFPA Standard 57, 2002 edition, NFPA Standard 52, 2006 edition, or the SAE Standard J2343 Jan 1997, shall also comply with the following: (1) Wherever the word "should" appears in either the NFPA Standard 57, 1996 edition, NFPA Standard 57, 2002 edition, NFPA Standard 52, 2006 edition, or the SAE Standard J2343 Jan 1997, it shall be understood to set forth mandatory requirements.(2) Every motor vehicle equipped with an LNG fuel system shall be equipped with a methane gas detection system which shall warn of the presence of methane in the engine compartment, driver's compartment and any passenger compartments. At a minimum, the methane gas detection system shall provide a warning before the methane gas concentration reaches 25% of the Lower Flammability Limit. Such warning shall be plainly audible and visible to the driver before entering the driver's compartment and while seated in the normal driving position. The gas detection system shall function continuously at all times, whether or not the engine is operating, when the vehicle is operated or parked on public roadways or other areas open to the public. At a minimum, the gas detection system shall be tested three times per calendar year at equal intervals. The testing procedure shall simulate the same gaseous fuel and operating environment in which the vehicle is used. Test results, validating the performance of the gas detection system within the parameters established by the component manufacturer(s), shall be maintained as a permanent part of the vehicle service history records.(3) The LNG container shall meet the drop test requirements of SAE J2343 Jan 97 or equivalent.(4) Fuel tanks shall be oriented and mounted in accordance with the tank manufacturer's recommendations and in a location designated by the vehicle manufacturer, in the location normally utilized for liquid (gasoline or diesel) fuel containers for that make and model of vehicle, or as determined by a qualified engineer. Fuel tanks shall not be mounted above any driver or passenger compartment, unless a spill pan is installed between the fuel tanks and the compartment, with a liquid capacity equal to at least the capacity of the largest single fuel tank of a multiple tank installation consisting of three or more fuel tanks, but not less than one-quarter the fuel capacity of the containers located above the compartment and capable of preventing liquid from entering the interior or dripping into any window, door or emergency exit way. Spill pans shall be designed in such a manner that rain water is not retained. The spill pan drain shall not be directed into any confined space, the engine compartment, muffler area, battery box or other hazardous location.(5) Every motor vehicle equipped with an LNG fuel system shall bear a label located at or near the fueling connection that shall include:(A) identification of the vehicle as an LNG-fueled vehicle, and(B) the maximum allowable working pressure of the vehicle fuel container.(6) The NFPA Standard specifies that certain systems and components shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction. The Department of California Highway Patrol has jurisdiction over these regulations but does not approve individual systems or components. Users and installers are responsible for use of proper components and for their proper installation as specified in the NFPA Standard.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 935
1. Editorial correction adding NOTE filed 4-28-83 (Register 83, No. 18).
2. Renumbering of former section 935 to section 935.1 and new section 935 filed 12-29-99; operative 12-29-99 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d) (Register 99, No. 53).
3. Amendment of subsections (a) and (b)-(b)(2) filed 10-7-2008; operative 11-6-2008 (Register 2008, No. 41). Note: Authority cited: Section 2402.6, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 2402.6, Vehicle Code.
1. Editorial correction adding NOTE filed 4-28-83 (Register 83, No. 18).
2. Renumbering of former section 935 to section 935.1 and new section 935 filed 12-29-99; operative 12-29-99 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d) (Register 99, No. 53).
3. Amendment of subsections (a) and (b)-(b)(2) filed 10-7-2008; operative 11-6-2008 (Register 2008, No. 41).