(a) As used in this section, “propane gas container” means a refillable tank or cylinder containing propane gas which has a cylinder valve attached thereto, but does not include a fuel tank which is a component part of a vehicle; “container valve plug” means a fully threaded plug made of substantial material fitted with a large hexagon nut or hand wheel for tightening which is designed to prevent the flow of gas if the container valve is opened and to release trapped pressure except when fully inserted in the container; and “approved quick closing coupling” means a valve assembly provided with a quick coupling device which shuts off the flow of propane gas when not connected for use.

(b) No propane gas filling facility may release a propane gas container to a customer for transportation in any enclosed vehicle unless a fitted container valve plug is fully inserted in the container or the container has an approved quick closing coupling. No person may (1) transport a propane gas container in any enclosed vehicle unless a fitted container valve plug is fully inserted in the container, or the container has an approved quick closing coupling, and such container is transported in an upright position and secured to prevent movement, (2) leave a propane gas container unattended in any vehicle or in an area accessible to the public unless a fitted container valve plug is fully inserted in the container or the container has an approved quick closing coupling, or (3) remove a container valve plug from a propane gas container except to fill the container or connect such container for use.

(c) Any person who, by himself or by his employee or agent, or as the employee or agent of another, violates or fails to comply with any provision of this section, shall, upon a first conviction, be fined not more than five hundred dollars. Upon any subsequent conviction, any such person shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars. If death or injury results from any such violation, such person shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars.

(P.A. 83-414; P.A. 96-6, S. 1, 2.)

History: P.A. 96-6 amended Subsec. (a) to define “approved quick closing coupling” and Subsec. (b) to allow for transportation and handling of propane gas containers with such a device, effective April 22, 1996.