Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation: Surge Brake Requirements
motor-carrier · Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · Published 2007-03-06 · Effective 2007-04-05 · 72 FR 9855
Document
Document number
E7-3815
Federal Register citation
72 FR 9855
CFR reference
49 CFR 393
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
motor-carrier
Sub-agency
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Publication date
2007-03-06
Effective date
2007-04-05
DOT docket
Docket No. FMCSA-2005-21323
Abstract
FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to allow the use of automatic hydraulic inertia brake systems (surge brakes) on trailers when the ratios of gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) for the towing-vehicle and trailer are within certain limits. A surge brake is a self-contained permanently closed hydraulic brake system activated in response to the braking action of the towing vehicle. The amount of braking force developed by the trailer surge- brake system is proportional to the ratio of the towing vehicle to trailer weight and deceleration rate of the towing vehicle. This action is in response to a petition for rulemaking from the Surge Brake Coalition (Coalition).