Question: I work for a street department and we had a question come up on the safety committee about how far away an exhaust pipe has to be from a window. We have some trucks that have a hot box on the back that we use in the winter to keep the asphalt warm and we are trying to clarify how far away the exhaust port needs to be from the window or from the entrance to the driver’s window. If you have any resources or any explanations we’d appreciate it.
Answer: Here is information from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR.) 304 Stainless Steel Motorcycle Exhaust Muffler304
Every motor vehicle having a device (other than as part of its cargo) capable of expelling harmful combustion fumes shall have a system to direct the discharge of such fumes. No part shall be located where its location would likely result in burning, charring, or damaging the electrical wiring, the fuel supply, or any combustible part of the motor vehicle.
- No exhaust system shall discharge to the atmosphere at a location immediately below the fuel tank or the fuel tank filler pipe.
The exhaust system of a bus using fuels other than gasoline shall discharge to the atmosphere either:
- At or within 15 inches forward of the rearmost part of the vehicle; or
- To the rear of all doors or windows designed to be open, except windows designed to be opened solely as emergency exits.
304 Stainless Steel Motorcycle Exhaust Muffler304 A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).