Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13 § 1261

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 45, November 8, 2024

Section 1261 - Exhaust Systems

Exhaust systems shall comply with the Vehicle Code and the following:

(a) Every motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine shall be equipped with a system to direct the discharge of combustion exhaust gases.

(b) No part of an exhaust system shall be located where its position would likely result in burning, charring, or damaging the electrical wiring, the fuel supply, or any combustible part of the motor vehicle.

(c) No exhaust system shall discharge to the atmosphere at a location directly below the fuel tank or the fuel tank filler pipe unless a shield is installed in a manner that prevents spilled fuel from contacting the exhaust system.

(d) The exhaust system of a Type 1 bus, other than a school bus, powered by a gasoline engine shall discharge to the atmosphere at or within 6 inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus.

(e) The exhaust system of a Type 1 bus, other than a school bus, using fuels other than gasoline shall discharge to the atmosphere either:

(1) At or within 15 inches forward of the rearmost part of the vehicle, or

(2) To the rear of all doors or windows designed to be opened, except windows designed to be opened solely as emergency exits.

(f) The exhaust system of every truck and truck tractor shall discharge to the atmosphere at a location to the rear of the cab or, if the exhaust projects above the cab, at a location near the rear of the cab. This requirement shall not apply to airport tank trucks used exclusively to fuel aircraft.

(g) Exhaust system repairs shall permit no leakage or discharge of exhaust gases at any location other than the discharge location required or permitted by this section.

(h) The exhaust system shall be securely fastened to the vehicle.

(i) Exhaust systems may use hangers which permit required movement due to expansion and contraction caused by heat of the exhaust and relative motion between engine and chassis of a vehicle.

(j) School Buses. The exhaust pipe of each Type 1 school bus and each Type 2 school bus constructed on or after July 1, 1970, shall project beyond the rear or side of the body of the bus but not beyond the bumper and shall not discharge near an entrance or exit, except that exhaust pipes may discharge near, but not directly under, doors designed to be opened solely as emergency exits. No flexible pipe or tubing shall be used except where necessary to prevent breakage.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1261

1. Amendment of subsection (a), relettering subsection (b) to (j), adding new subsections (b) through (i), amendment of subsection (j) and new NOTE filed 7-22-91; operative 8-21-91 (Register 91, No. 46).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 31401, 34501, 34501.5 and 34508, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 31401, 34501, 34501.5 and 34508, Vehicle Code; and Section 393.83, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.