(a) Fuel lines shall not enter or pass through the passenger compartment of any bus, except to provide fuel to a combustion heater installed in compliance with Section 1259.

(b) Fuel tanks on school buses shall be located entirely outside the passenger compartment.

(c) Type 1 Buses. Fuel tanks on Type 1 school buses constructed after January 1, 1950, and prior to April 1, 1977, shall have a capacity of not less than 18 gal and shall be mounted between the front axle and a point not less than 18 in. from the rear end of the frame or body and to the right side. However, if insufficient space is available on the right side of a short wheel base chassis designed to carry fewer than 30 pupils, the tank may be placed on the left side. The tank shall not extend above the side member of the chassis or beyond the outer edge of the body. Filler, vent, and drain openings shall be outside the bus body. The filler shall not project beyond body panels. Except for diesel fuel systems, fittings through which fuel is drawn shall be located above the normal “full” line of tanks installed after January 1, 1974.

(d) Type 2 Buses. For fuel tanks on Type 2 school buses manufactured on and after July 1, 1970, those specifications set forth in the regulations of the Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards applicable at time of manufacture shall apply.