(a) Dimensions
— (1) Size.
A sleeper berth must be at least the following size:
Date of installation on motor vehicle |
Length measured on centerline of longitudinal axis (inches) |
Width measured on centerline of transverse axis (inches) |
Height measured from highest point of top of mattress (inches)1 |
Before |
72 |
18 |
18 |
After |
75 |
21 |
21 |
After |
75 |
24 |
24 |
1In the case of a sleeper berth which utilizes an adjustable
mechanical suspension system, the required clearance can be measured when the suspension
system is adjusted to the height to which it would settle when occupied by a
driver.
(a)(2) Shape. A sleeper berth
installed on a motor vehicle on or after January 1, 1953 must be of generally
rectangular shape, except that the horizontal corners and the roof corners may
be rounded to radii not exceeding 10 12 inches.
(a)(3) Access.
A sleeper berth must be constructed so that an occupant's ready entrance to,
and exit from, the sleeper
berth is not unduly hindered.
(b) Location. (1)
A sleeper berth must not be installed in or on a semitrailer or a full trailer other than a house
trailer.
(b)(2) A sleeper berth located within the
cargo space of a motor vehicle must be securely compartmentalized from the
remainder of the cargo space. A sleeper berth installed on or after
(c) Exit from the berth. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, there
must be a direct and ready means of exit from a sleeper berth into the driver's
seat or compartment. If the sleeper berth was installed on or after
(c)(2) A sleeper berth installed before
(c)(2)(i) Conform to the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section; or
(c)(2)(ii) Have at least two exits, each
of which is at least 18 inches high and 21 inches wide, located at opposite
ends of the vehicle and useable by the occupant without the assistance of any
other person.
(d) Communication with the driver. A
sleeper berth which is not located within the driver's compartment and has no
direct entrance into the driver's compartment must be equipped with a means of
communication between the occupant and the driver. The means of communication
may consist of a telephone, speaker tube, buzzer, pull cord, or other
mechanical or electrical device.
(e) Equipment. A sleeper berth must be
properly equipped for sleeping. Its equipment must include:
(e)(1) Adequate bedclothing and blankets; and
(e)(2)(i) Springs and a mattress; or
(e)(2)(ii) An innerspring mattress; or
(e)(2)(iii) A cellular rubber or
flexible foam mattress at least four inches thick; or
(e)(2)(iv) A mattress filled with a fluid and of sufficient
thickness when filled to prevent "bottoming out" when occupied while
the vehicle is in motion.
(f) Ventilation. A sleeper berth must
have louvers or other means of providing adequate ventilation. A sleeper berth
must be reasonably tight against dust and rain.
(g) Protection against exhaust and fuel
leaks and exhaust heat. A sleeper berth must be located so that leaks in
the vehicle's exhaust system or fuel system do not permit fuel, fuel system
gases, or exhaust gases to enter the sleeper berth. A sleeper berth must be
located so that it will not be overheated or damaged by reason of its proximity
to the vehicle's exhaust system.
(h) Occupant restraint. A motor vehicle
manufactured on or after
[39 FR 14711, Apr. 26, 1974; 39 FR 17233, May 14, 1974, as amended at 53 FR
49401, Dec. 7, 1988].