La. Admin. Code tit. 55 § III-829

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 8, August 20, 2024

Section III-829 - Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards

A. The mechanic inspector shall record the expired sticker number on the log report and then remove the expired sticker prior to continuing with the inspection.

1. The mechanic inspector shall conduct a review of the documents for the vehicle ensuring that all documents are in agreement.

2. Certificate of Registration. This contains information which must be verified with the corresponding information on the vehicle. A photocopy or original registration is acceptable. In lieu of a registration certificate, a vehicle may be inspected with a valid temporary license plate.

B. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN must agree with Certificate of Registration and the insurance document. It must match the VIN displayed on the vehicle.

C. License Plate. The registration indicates a license plate number and expiration date of the plate. This information must correspond with the information displayed on the vehicle. The license plate must be valid.

1. A temporary registration authorization indicating an apportioned plate has been applied for is also acceptable in lieu of a registration. When this condition exists, no license plate is present. The temporary registration allows the vehicle to be used until the apportioned plate and cab card are issued.

D. Operator License. Must be valid and in the immediate possession of the vehicle operator. It must be presented to the mechanic inspector, and the license number must be taken from the driver's license and recorded in the appropriate block on the log report. (Be familiar with Paragraph D.3. of this Section.)

1. A valid out-of-state driver's license is acceptable. The state in which it was issued must be noted on the log report.

2. A temporary driving permit issued in connection with a traffic violation when the operator's license is held may be accepted until the permit expires on the court date noted.

3. Commercial drivers license (CDL) and non-CDL classes;

a. combination vehicle (Class A)-having a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater; or

b. heavy straight vehicle (Class B)-having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or

c. small vehicle (Class C) that does not meet group A or B requirements but that either:

i. is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or

ii. is of any size and is used in the transportation a placard-able amount of hazardous materials as defined by 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F.

d. Non-CDL Chauffeurs License (Class D)-any single motor vehicle used in commerce to transport passengers or property if it has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds but less than 26,001 pounds, or any combination of vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle has a combined gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds but less than 26,001 pounds inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds; or any vehicle designed or utilized for the transportation of passengers for hire or fee; and not utilized in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous under the provisions of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act which requires the vehicle to bear a placard under the provision of Hazardous Materials Regulations ( 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F).

E. Proof of current liability insurance must be shown to the mechanic inspector.

1. A current certificate of insurance, motor vehicle liability insurance policy (or duplicate of the original) or a binder for the same is acceptable. A vehicle's policy identification card or photocopy of the same may also be accepted. These documents shall designate the name of the insurance company affording coverage, the policy number, the effective dates of coverage (both the beginning and ending dates are required) and a description of the vehicle covered including the VIN. A binder must be an official accord binder form and can be handwritten.

2. A copy of a motor vehicle liability bond. This document may or may not describe the vehicle covered.

3. A certificate from the state treasurer indicating a deposit was made to the state. It will not have a description of the vehicle, but the vehicle must be registered under the same name as noted on the certificate.

4. A certificate of self-insurance issued by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. It is not required to describe the vehicle covered.

F. License Plate Mounting and Condition: In addition to being valid, the license plate will be inspected for the following:

1. must be secured to the mounting brackets;

2. must be clean, clearly visible and readable for a distance of 50 feet to the rear of the vehicle. Plates shall not be obscured or damaged so that the numbers cannot be identified;

3. must be mounted in the rear;

4. truck-trailer, emergency firefighting equipment, dump-body trucks, trucks over 6,000 pounds and forestry product licensed vehicles may display the plate on either the front or rear of the vehicle.

G. All vehicles presented for inspection will be inspected for all of the following items: vehicle registration, vehicle license plate, driver's license and proof of liability insurance.

H. Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer and pole trailer registered in this state shall bear a valid safety inspection certificate issued in the State of Louisiana

1. Commercial Motor Vehicles, truck tractors, trailers, and semi trailers in interstate commerce which are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations shall be exempt from the inspection requirements if,

2. the truck/truck tractor is registered with an apportioned plate or the trailer and semi trailer is being pulled by a truck/truck tractor registered with an apportioned plate.

a. The vehicle must have an alternate means of compliance with the requirements of 49 CFR. (See exemptions under 32:131(D)

I. As per minimum periodic inspection standards, a vehicle shall be issued a restricted rejection certificate if it has any one of the following defects or deficiencies.

J. Brake System

1. Service Brakes

a. Absence of braking action on any axle required to have brakes upon application of the service brakes (such as missing brakes or brakes shoe(s) failing to move upon application of a wedge, s-cam or disc brake).

b. Missing or broken mechanical components, including shoes, lining, pads, springs, anchor pins, spiders and cam shaft support brackets.

c. Loose brake components including air chambers, spiders, and cam shaft support brackets.

d. Audible air leak at brake chamber (ex. ruptured diaphragm, loose chamber clamp, etc.).

e. Readjustment Limits

i. The maximum pushrod stroke must not be greater than the values given in the tables below and at 393.47(e). Any brake stroke exceeding the readjustment limit will be rejected. Stroke must be measured with engine off and reservoir pressure of 80 to 90 psi with brakes fully applied. Do not attempt to adjust automatic slack adjusters.

(a). The Maximum Stroke at which Brakes Should be Readjusted

Clamp-Type Brake Chamber Data
Type	Outside Diameter	Brake Readjustment Limit Standard Stroke Chamber	Brake Readjustment Limit Long Stroke Chamber
6	4 1/2 inch	1 1/4 inch
9	5 1/4 inch	1 3/8 inch
12	5 11/16 inch	1 3/8 inch	1 3/4 inch
16	6 3/8 inch	1 3/4	2 inch
20	6 25/32 inch	1 3/4 inch	2 inch 2 1/2 inch (For 3" rated stroke)
24	7 7/32 inch	1 3/4 inch	2 2 1/2 inch (For 3" rated stroke)
30	8 3/32 inch	2 inch	2 1/2 inch
36	9 inch

Bendix DD-3 Brake Chambers
Type	Outside Diameter	Maximum Stroke At Which Brakes Should Be Readjusted
30	8 1/2 in.	2 1/4 inch

Bolt Type Brake Chamber Data
Type	Outside Diameter	Maximum Stroke At Which Brakes Should Be Readjusted
A	6 15/16 inch	1 3/8 inch
B	9 3/16 inch	1 3/4 inch
C	8 1/16 inch	1 3/4 inch
D	5 1/4 inch	1 1/4inch
E	6 3/16 inch	1 3/8 inch
F	11 inch	2 1/4 inch
G	9 7/8 inch	2 inch

Rotochamber Data
Type	Outside Diameter	Maximum Stroke At Which Brakes Should Be Readjusted
9	4 9/32 inch	1 1/2 inch
12	4 13/16 inch	1 1/2 inch
16	5 13/32 inch	2 inch
20	5 15/16 inch	2 inch
24	6 13/32 inch	2 inch
30	7 1/16 inch	2 1/4 inch
36	7 5/8 inch	2 3/4 inch
50	8 7/8 inch	3 inch

(b). For actuator types not listed in these tables, the pushrod stroke must not be greater than 80 percent of the rated stroke marked on the actuator by the actuator or manufacturer, or greater than the readjustment limit marked on the actuator by the actuator manufacturer.

f. Brake Lining or Pads

i. lining or pad is not firmly attached to the shoe;

ii. saturated with oil, grease or brake fluid;

iii. non-steering axles. Lining with a thickness less than 1/4 inch at the shoe center for air drum brakes, 1/16 inch or less at the shoe center for hydraulic and electric drum brakes, and less than 1/8 inch for air disc brakes;

iv. steering axle. Lining with a thickness less than 1/4 inch at the shoe center from drum brakes, less than 1/8 inch for air disc brakes and 1/16 inch or less for hydraulic disc and electric brakes.

g. Missing brakes on axle required to have brakes.

h. Mismatch across any power unit steering axle of

i. air chamber size;

ii. slack adjuster length;

iii. wedge brake data-movement of the scribe mark on the lining shall not exceed 1/16 inch.

2. Parking Brake System. No brakes on the vehicle or combination are applied upon actuation of the parking brake control, including drive line hand controlled parking brakes.

3. Brake Drums or Rotors -

a. with any external crack or cracks that open upon brake application (do not confuse short hairline heat check cracks with flexural cracks);

b. any portion of the drum or rotor missing or in danger of falling away.

4. Brake Hose -

a. hose with any damage extending through the outer reinforcement ply. (Rubber impregnated fabric cover is not a reinforcement ply.) (Thermoplastic nylon may have braid reinforcement or color difference between cover and inner tube. Exposure of second color is cause for rejection.);

b. bulge or swelling when air pressure is applied;

c. any audible leaks;

d. two hoses improperly joined (such as a splice made by slicing the hose ends over a piece of tubing and clamping the hose to the tube). (Exception: A splice utilizing a reverse claw connector is acceptable.);

e. air hose cracked, damaged by heat, broken or crimped.

5. Brake Tubing -

a. any audible leaks;

b. tubing cracked, damaged by heat, broken or crimped.

6. Low Pressure Warning Device. Missing, inoperative or does not operate at 55 psi and below, or one-half the governor cut-out pressure, whichever is less.

7. Tractor Protection Valve. Inoperable or missing tractor protection valve(s) on power unit.

8. Air Compressor -

a. compressor drive belts in condition of impending or probable failure;

b. loose compressor mounting bolts;

c. cracked, broken or loose pulley;

d. cracked or broken mounting brackets, braces or adapters.

9. Electric Brakes -

a. absence of braking action on any wheel required to have brakes;

b. missing or inoperable breakaway braking device.

10. Hydraulic Brakes (including power assist over hydraulic and engine drive hydraulic booster) -

a. master cylinder less than one-fourth full;

b. no pedal reserve with engine running except by pumping pedal;

c. power assist unit fails to operate;

d. seeping or swelling brake hose(s) under application of pressure;

e. missing or inoperable check valve;

f. has any visually observed leaking hydraulic fluid in the brake system;

g. has hydraulic hose(s) abraded (chafed) through outer cover to fabric layer;

h. fluid lines or connections leaking, restricted, crimped or broken;

i. brake failure or low fluid warning light on and/or inoperable.

11. Vacuum System -

a. has insufficient vacuum reserve to permit one full brake application after engine is shut off;

b. has vacuum hose(s) or line(s) restricted, abraded (chafed) through outer cover to cord ply, crimped, cracked, broken or has collapse of vacuum hose(s) when vacuum is applied;

c. lacks an operable low-vacuum warning device as required.

K. Coupling Devices

1. Fifth Wheels

a. Mounting to Frame -

i. any fasteners missing or ineffective;

ii. any movements between mounting components;

iii. any mounting angle iron cracked or broken.

b. Mounting plates and pivot brackets -

i. any fasteners missing or ineffective;

ii. any welds or parent metal cracked;

iii. more than 3/8 inch horizontal movement between pivot bracket pin and bracket.

iv. pivot bracket pin missing or not secured.

c. Sliders -

i. any latching fasteners missing or ineffective;

ii. any fore or aft stop missing or not securely attached;

iii. movement more than 3/8 inch between slider bracket and slider base;

iv. any slider component cracked in parent metal or weld;

d. Lower Coupler -

i. horizontal movement between the upper and lower fifth wheel halves exceeds 1/2 inch;

ii. operating handle not in closed or locked position;

iii. kingpin not properly engaged;

iv. separation between upper and lower coupler allowing light to show through from side to side;

v. crack in the fifth wheel plate. Exceptions: Cracks in the fifth wheel approach ramps and casting shrinkage cracks in the ribs of the body or a cast fifth wheel;

vi. locking mechanism parts missing, broken or deformed to the extent the kingpin is not securely held.

2. Pintle Hooks

a. Mounting to Frame -

i. any missing or ineffective fasteners (a fastener is not considered missing if there is an empty hole in the device, but no corresponding hole in the frame or vice versa);

ii. mounting surface cracks extending from point of attachment (e.g., cracks in the frame at mount bolt holes);

iii. loose mounting;

iv. frame cross member providing pintle hook attachment cracked;

b. Integrity -

i. cracks anywhere in pintle hook assembly;

ii. any welded repairs to the pintle hook;

iii. any part of the horn section reduced by more than 20 percent;

iv. latch insecure.

3. Drawbar/Towbar Eye

a. Mounting -

i. any cracks in attachment welds;

ii. any missing or ineffective fasteners.

b. Integrity -

i. any cracks;

ii. any part of the eye reduced by more than 20 percent.

4. Drawbar/Towbar Tongue

a. Slider (Power or Manual) -

i. ineffective latching mechanism;

ii. missing or ineffective stop;

iii. movement of more than 1/4 inch between slider and housing;

iv. any leaking, air or hydraulic cylinders, hoses or chambers (other than slight oil weeping normal with hydraulic seals).

b. Integrity -

i. any cracks;

ii. movement of 1/4 inch between subframe and drawbar at point of attachment.

5. Safety Devices -

a. safety devices missing;

b. unattached or incapable of secure attachment;

c. chains and hooks:

i. worn to the extent of a measurable reduction in link cross section;

ii. improper repairs including welding, wire or small bolts, rope and tape.

d. cable:

i. kinked or broken cable stands;

ii. improper clamps or clamping.

6. Saddle-Mounts

a. Method of Attachment -

i. any missing or ineffective fasteners;

ii. loose mountings;

iii. any cracks or breaks in a stress or load bearing member;

iv. horizontal movement between upper and lower saddle-mount halves exceeds 1/4 inch.

L. Exhaust System -

1. any exhaust system determined to be leaking at a point forward of or directly below the driver/sleeper compartment;

2. a bus exhaust system leaking or discharging to the atmosphere:

a. gasoline powered-excess of 6 inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus;

b. other than gasoline powered-in excess of 15 inches forward of the rear most part of the bus;

c. other than gasoline powered-forward of the door or window designed to be opened. (Exception: Emergency exits);

3. no part of the exhaust system of any motor vehicle shall be so located as would be likely to result in burning, charring, damaging the electrical wiring, the fuel supply or any combustible part of the motor vehicle.

M. Fuel System -

1. a fuel system with a visible leak at any point;

2. a fuel tank filler cap missing;

3. a fuel tank not securely attached to the motor vehicle by reason of loose, broken or missing mounting bolts or brackets (some fuel tanks use springs or rubber bushing to permit movement).

N. Lighting Devices. All lighting devices and reflectors required by 49 CFR part 393 shall be operable.

O. Safe Loading -

1. part(s) of the vehicle or condition of loading such that the spare tire or any part of the load or dunnage can fall onto the roadway;

2. protection against shifting cargo. Any vehicle without a front-end structure or equivalent device as required.

P. Steering Mechanism

1. Steering Wheel Free Play -

a. on vehicles equipped with power steering the engine must be running.

Steering Wheel Diameter	Manual Steering System	Power Steering System
16" 18" 20" 22"	2" 2 1/4" 2 1/2" 2 3/4"	4 1/2" 4 3/4" 5 1/4" 5 3/4"

2. Steering Column -

a. any absence or looseness of u-bolt(s) or positioning part(s);

b. worn, faulty or obviously repair welded universal joints;

c. steering wheel not properly secured.

3. Front Axle Beam and all Steering Components other than Steering Column -

a. any crack(s);

b. any obvious welded repair(s).

4. Steering Gear Box

a. Any mounting bolt(s) loose or missing;

b. any crack(s) in gear box or mounting brackets.

5. Pitman Arm. Any looseness of the pitman arm on the steering gear output shaft.

6. Power Steering - auxiliary power assist cylinder loose.

7. Ball and Socket Joints -

a. any movement under steering load of a stud nut;

b. any motion, other than rotational, between any linkage member and its attachment point of more than 1/4 inch.

8. Tie Rods and Drag Links -

a. loose clamp(s) or clamp bolt(s) on tie rods or drag links;

b. any looseness in any threaded joint.

9. Nuts - loose or missing on tie rods, pitman arm, drag link, steering arm or tie rod arm.

10. Steering System. Any modification or other condition n that interferes with free movement of any steering component.

Q. Suspension -

1. any u-bolt(s), spring hanger(s) or other axle positioning part(s) cracked, broken, loose or missing resulting in shifting of an axle from its normal position (after a turn, lateral axle displacement is normal with some suspensions. Forward or rearward operation in a straight line will cause the axle to return to alignment).

2. Spring Assembly -

a. any leaves in a leaf spring assembly broken or missing;

b. any broken main leaf in a leaf spring assembly (includes assembly with more than one main spring);

c. coil spring broken;

d. rubber spring missing;

e. one or more leaves displaced in a manner that could result in contact with a tire, rim, brake drum or frame;

f. broken torsion bar spring in a torsion bar suspension;

g. deflated air suspension, i.e., system failure, leak, etc.

3. Torque, Radius, or Tracking Components -

a. Any part of a torque, radius or tracking component assembly or any part used for attaching the same to the vehicle frame or axle that is cracked, loose, broken or missing. (Does not apply to loose bushing in torque or track rods.)

R. Frame

1. Frame Member -

a. any cracked, broken loose or sagging frame member;

b. any loose or missing fasteners including fasteners attaching functional components such as engine, transmission, steering gear suspension, body parts and fifth wheel.

2. Tire and wheel clearance - any condition, including loading, that causes the body or frame to be in contact with a tire or any part of the wheel assembly.

3. Adjustable axle Assemblies - adjusting axle assembly with locking pins missing or not engaged.

S. Tires

1. Any tire on any steering axle of a power unit:

a. with less than 4/32-inch tread when measured at any point on a major tread groove;

b. has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall;

c. has any tread or sidewall separation;

d. has a cut where the ply or belt material is exposed;

e. labeled "Not for Highway Use" or displaying other markings which would exclude use on steering axle;

f. a tube-type radial tire without radial tube stem markings. These markings include a red band around the tube stem or the word Radial embossed in metal stems, or the word Radial molded in rubber stems;

g. mixing bias and radial tires on the same axle;

h. tire flap protrudes through valve slot in rim and touches stem;

i. re-grooved tire except motor vehicles used solely in urban or suburban service [see exception in 49 CFR 393.75(e)] ;

j. boot, blowout patch or other ply repairs;

k. weight carried exceeds tire load limit. This includes overloaded tire resulting from low air pressure;

l. tire is flat or has noticeable (e.g., can be heard or felt) leak;

m. any bus equipped with recapped or retreaded tire(s);

n. so mounted or inflated that it comes in contact with any part of the vehicle.

2. All tires other than those found on the steering axle of a power unit:

a. weight carried exceeds tire load limit. This includes overloaded tire(s) resulting from low air pressure;

b. tire is flat or has noticeable (e.g., can be heard or felt) leak;

c. has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall;

d. has any tread or sidewall separation;

e. has a cut where ply or belt material is exposed;

f. so mounted or inflated that it comes in contact with any part of the vehicle (this includes a tire that contacts its mate);

g. is marked "Not for Highway Use" or otherwise marked and having like meaning;

h. with less than 2/32-inch tread when measured at any point on a major tread groove.

T. Wheels and Rims

1. Lock or Side Ring. Bent, broken, cracked, improperly seated, sprung or mismatched ring(s).

2. Wheels and Rims. Cracked or broken or has elongated bolt holes.

3. Fasteners (both spoke and disc wheels). Any loose, missing, broken, cracked, stripped or otherwise ineffective fasteners.

4. Welds

a. Any cracks in welds attaching disc wheel disc to rim;

b. any cracks in welds attaching tubeless demountable rim to adapter;

c. any welded repair on aluminum wheel(s) on steering axle;

d. any welded repair other than disc to rim attachment on steel disc wheel(s) mounted on the steering axle.

U. Windshield Glazing

1. Any crack, discoloration or vision reducing matter except:

a. coloring or tinting applied at the time of manufacture;

b. any crack not over 1/4-inch wide if not intersected by any other crack;

c. any damage area not more than 3/4-inch in diameter, if not closer than 3 inches to any other such damaged area;

d. labels, stickers, decals, etc. (see 49 CFR 393.60 for exceptions).

2. These prohibitions shall not apply to the area consisting of a 2 inch border at the top, a 1 inch border at each side and the area below the topmost portion of the steering wheel.

3. Coloring or tinting of windshields and the windows to the immediate right and left of the driver is allowed, provided the parallel luminous transmittance through the colored or tinted glazing is not less than 70 percent of the light at normal incidence in those portions of the windshield or windows which are marked as having a parallel luminous transmittance of not less that 70 percent. The transmittance restriction does not apply to other windows on the commercial motor vehicle.

V. Windshield wiper - any power unit that has an inoperable wiper, or missing or damaged parts that render it ineffective.

W. Fire Extinguisher. Fire extinguisher must be properly filled and securely fastened in an approved type mount in a readily accessible location on the power unit.

X. Bi-directional triangles - three bi-directional emergency reflective triangles that conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 125, 571.125.

La. Admin. Code tit. 55, § III-829

Promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, Safety Enforcement Section, LR 25:2438 (December 1999), amended by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, LR 38:2558 (October 2012), Amended by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, LR 42442 (3/1/2016), Amended LR 441635 (9/1/2018).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 32:1304-1310.