NHTSAProposed Rule

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards: No. 304; Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Container Integrity

TransportationEnergyEnvironment

Summary

The federal government is proposing new safety rules for the metal tanks that hold compressed natural gas in vehicles to make sure they don't leak or break down dangerously over time. This matters because more cars are switching to natural gas as fuel, and these tanks need to be reliable and safe for drivers and passengers.

Key Points

  • 1The rule sets new standards for how long natural gas fuel tanks must last and how well they need to hold up under pressure without leaking or cracking
  • 2Car manufacturers will need to test their natural gas tanks more thoroughly to prove they meet the safety requirements before selling vehicles
  • 3The deadline for the public to submit comments about this proposed rule is July 30, 2025
  • 4This affects both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles that run on compressed natural gas
  • 5The goal is to prevent accidents and safety hazards caused by damaged or faulty fuel tanks in natural gas vehicles

Impact Assessment

If you are a vehicle manufacturer, this means you must redesign and test compressed natural gas fuel tanks to meet new safety integrity standards before selling CNG vehicles.

Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope

National

Compliance Cost

Significant

Who is Affected
ManufacturersTransportation CompaniesEnergy CompaniesConsumers

Key Dates

Published

May 30, 2025

Comment Deadline

July 30, 2025

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Regulatory Connections

Amends CFR Sections
49 CFR Part 57149 CFR § 571.304

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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