Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-10-.17-4-1-.25

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 770-X-10-.17-4-1-.25 - Other Than Driveaway-Towaway Operation

(1) Tracking - When two or more vehicles are operated in combination, the coupling devices connecting the vehicles shall be designed, constructed and installed, and the vehicles shall be designed and constructed, so that when the combination is operated in a straight line on a level, smooth, paved surface, the path of the towed vehicle will not deviate more than three inches to either side of the path of the vehicle that tows it.

(2) Fifth Wheel Assemblies

(a) Mounting

1. Lower Half - The lower half of the fifth wheel mounted on a truck tractor or converter dolly must be secured to the frame of that vehicle with properly designed brackets, mounting plates or angles and properly tightened bolts of adequate size and grade or devices that provide equivalent security. The installation shall not cause cracking, warping, or deformation of the frame. The installation must include a device for positively preventing the lower half of the fifth wheel from shifting on the frame to which it is attached.

2. Upper Half - The upper half of the fifth wheel must be fastened to the motor vehicle with at least the same security required for the installation of the lower half on a truck tractor or converter dolly.

(b) Locking - Every fifth wheel assembly must have a locking mechanism, and any adapter used in conjunction with it must prevent separation of the upper and lower halves of the fifth wheel assembly unless a positive manual release is activated. The release may be located so that the driver can operate it from the cab. If a motor vehicle has a fifth wheel designed and constructed to be readily separable, the fifth wheel locking devices shall apply automatically on coupling.

(c) Location - The lower half of a fifth wheel shall be located so that, regardless of the condition of leading, the relationship between the kingpin and the rear axle or axles of the towing motor vehicle will properly distribute the gross weight of both the towed and towing vehicles on the axles of those vehicles, will not unduly interfere with the steering, braking, and other maneuvering of the towing vehicle, and will not otherwise contribute to unsafe operation of the vehicles comprising the combination. The upper half of a fifth wheel shall be located so that the weight of the vehicles is properly distributed on their axles and the combination of vehicles will operate safely during normal operation.

(3) Towing of Full Trailers - A full trailer must be equipped with a tow-bar and a means of attaching the tow-bar to the towing and towed vehicles. The tow-bar and the means of attaching it must:

(a) Be structurally adequate for the weight being drawn;

(b) Be properly and securely mounted;

(c) Provide for adequate articulation at the connection without excessive slack at the location; and

(d) Be provided with a locking device that prevents accidental separation of the towed and towing vehicles. The mounting of trailer hitch on the towing vehicle must include reinforcement or bracing of the frame sufficient to provide strength and rigidity of the frame to prevent its undue distortion.

(4) Safety Devices in Case of Tow-bar Failure or Disconnection - Every full trailer and every converter dolly used to convert a semi-trailer to a full trailer must be coupled to the frame, or an extension of the frame, of the motor vehicle which tows it with one or more safety devices to prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose in the event the tow-bar fails or becomes disconnected.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-10-.17-4-1-.25

Effective January 1978. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, § 41-22-7.

Author: Alabama Public Service Commission

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 37-3-5, 37-3-7.