Shipping Papers for Fire Extinguishers
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration · May 17, 1993 · Reference No. 93-0109
Interprets: 49 CFR § 173.155
Reggie’s quick take
Someone asked whether shipping papers are required for fire extinguishers carried as equipment on commercial motor vehicles. The agency said no. An extinguisher meant for fires connected to the vehicle it rides on falls under 49 CFR 393.95 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and it is not subject to any part of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180).
Written by AI (Claude) on Oct 22, 2026. Robots make mistakes and leave things out, so the letter below is what counts. Not legal advice.
This is in reply to your letter of March 16, 1993, requesting clarification on whether shipping papers are required for fire extinguishers carried as equipment on commercial motor vehicles.
The answer is no. A fire extinguisher that is intended for use in extinguishing fires in connection with the vehicle on which it is carried is subject to 49 CFR 393.95 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Such equipment is not subject to any of the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180).
I hope this information is helpful.
A letter of interpretation applies the regulations to the facts the requester described. It isn’t a regulation and isn’t legal advice. The agency’s copy.