Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 50, December 14, 2024
Section 175.173 - Braking systems(a)Condition of braking systems. Braking systems and components shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.190 (relating to inspection procedure).(b)Service brakes. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with a service brake system. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4502 (relating to general requirements for braking systems). (1) The service brakes shall act on all wheels upon application and shall be capable of stopping the vehicle in not more than the maximum stopping distance prescribed in Table I.(2) A service brake system shall act upon all wheels according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications, except on a vehicle being towed in driveaway-towaway operation or side cars not originally equipped.(3) The brake lining and brake fluids shall be of a type approved by the vehicle manufacturer or shall meet the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards (J998, January 1980). See Appendix A (relating to minimum requirements for motor vehicle brake linings-SAE J998).(4) A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with a service brake system of a design that rupture or failure of either the front or rear brake system will not result in the complete loss of braking function. Braking function may be obtained by hydraulic or other means through normal brake mechanism. In the event of a rupture or failure of an actuating force component, the unaffected brakes shall be capable of applying an adequate braking force to vehicle.(5) Metal from the shoe or caliper shall not contact the brake drums or rotors of the cycle if so equipped.The provisions of this § 175.173 adopted December 8, 1978, effective 12/9/1978, 8 Pa.B. 3495; effective date delayed April 28, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1402; amended October 29, 1982, effective 2/1/1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective 2/1/1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective 12/3/1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362.