§ 27-37-502 — Performance ability

(a) Every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service or foot brake, shall be capable of: (1) Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated in this section for its classification; (2) Decelerating in a stop from not more than twenty miles per hour (20 m.p.h.) at not less than the feet-per-second tabulated in this section for its classification; and (3) Stopping from a speed of twenty miles per hour (20 m.p.h.) in not more than the distance tabulated in this section for its classification, the distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or control begins. 1 Classification of vehicles and combinations 2 Braking force as a percentage of gross vehicle or combination weight 3 Deceleration in feet per second 4 Brake system application and braking per second Passenger vehicles, not including buses ............ 52.8% 17 25 Single-unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) .................................... 43.5% 14 30 Single-unit two-axle vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) or more, and buses not having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating ............................................. 43.5% 14 40 All other vehicles and combinations with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) or more ....... 43.5% 14 50 (b) Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level, which is not to exceed plus or minus one percent (1%) grade, and dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.

Legislative History

Acts 1937, No. 300, § 124; Pope's Dig., § 6784; Acts 1959, No. 307, § 51; 1965, No. 566, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 75-724.