Air Brake Systems
This Standard applies to trucks, buses and trailers equipped with air brake
systems. It establishes performance and equipment requirements for braking
systems on vehicles equipped with air brake systems, including separately
controlled parking brakes of prescribed holding capability, automatic brake
adjusters and adjustment indicators, and emergency brakes which activate
automatically in the event of loss of air pressure. Anti-lock brakes are
required on new tractors with a GVWR over 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg) beginning March
1, 1997. Anti-lock brakes are required on new trailers, single-unit
trucks and buses with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg) with air
brakes beginning March 1, 1998. Automatic activation of the air compressor is
required whenever the pressure in the air brake system drops below 100 psi
starting March 1, 1997.
Note: The Standard does not apply to: (1) Any trailer that has a width of
more than 102.36" with extendable equipment in the fully retracted position and
is equipped with two short-track axles in a line across the width of the
trailer; (2) Any vehicle equipped with an axle that has a GAWR of 29,000 lbs.;
(3) Any truck or bus that has a speed attainable in two miles of not more
than 33 mph; (4) Any truck that has a speed attainable in two miles of not more
than 45 mph, an unloaded vehicle weight that is not less than 95% of its GVWR
and no capacity to carry occupants other than the driver and operating crew; (5)
Any trailer that has a GVWR more than 120,000 lbs. and whose body conforms to
that of a heavy hauler trailer; (6) Any trailer that has an unloaded vehicle
weight that is not less than 95% of its GVWR; (7) Any load divider dolly.
Applicability:
| Trucks & MPVs 10,000 GVWR or Less |
No |
| Trucks More than 10,000 GVWR |
Yes |
| Buses 10,000 GVWR or Less |
No |
| Buses More than 10,000 GVWR |
Yes |
| Trailers |
Yes |
Read the Complete Standard