Fuel tanks
46.—(1) This regulation applies to every fuel tank which is fitted to a wheeled vehicle for the purpose of supplying fuel to the propulsion unit or to an ancillary engine or to any other equipment forming part of the vehicle.
(2) Subject to paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) every fuel tank to which this regulation applies—
(a)shall be constructed and maintained so that the leakage of any liquid from the tank is adequately prevented;
(b)shall be constructed and maintained so that the leakage of vapour from the tank is adequately prevented; and
(c)if it contains petroleum spirit (as defined in section 23 of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1929(1)) and is fitted to a vehicle first used on or after 1st July 1973, shall be—
(i)made only of metal; and
(ii)fixed in such a position and so maintained as to be reasonably secure from damage.
(3) Notwithstanding the requirement of paragraph (2)(b), the fuel tank may be fitted with a device which, by the intake of air or the emission of vapour, relieves changes of pressure in the tank.
(4) Head (i) of paragraph (2)(c) shall not have effect in relation to a two-wheeled motor cycle (with or without a sidecar) first used on or after 1st August 1999.
(5) Instead of complying with paragraphs (2) and (3) a vehicle may comply with Community Directive 70/221 (insofar as it relates to fuel tanks) or ECE Regulation 34 or 34.01 or, if the vehicle is an agricultural motor vehicle, of Community Directive 74/151.