N.J. Admin. Code § 16:53-6.12

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 16:53-6.12 - Brakes

(a) Brakes shall conform to the manufacturer's specifications applicable to the gross vehicle weight rating of the small autobus.

(b) A hydraulic service brake system shall be of the dual (split) type and shall meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 105 ( 49 CFR § 571.105) , incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented.

(c) Service brakes shall be power-actuated and shall operate on all wheels.

(d) Service brakes shall be constructed and maintained to stop the small autobus at a rate of deceleration equivalent to a stop in 25 feet or less from a speed of 20 miles per hour.

(e) A small autobus shall be equipped with two independent brake systems having two sets of controls that are capable of being actuated independently of each other.

(f) If a small autobus is equipped with a mechanical parking brake, such parking brake shall be constructed and maintained to hold the small autobus in a stopped position with the transmission in a forward gear while the parking brake is applied.

(g) Brake stopping distances shall be measured by means of an instrument or machine of the decelerometer-type capable of being read in feet.

1. Each small autobus shall meet the brake stop test requirement on an approved decelerometer that has been calibrated for accuracy.

2. Brake stop test equipment shall be owned by the operator, or arrangements shall be made for its use by the operator, or such equipment shall be provided to the operator by others, or the operator may choose to have such testing performed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for the fee set forth in 16:53-10.2.

3. The brake stop test shall be performed within 20 days prior to self-inspection certification.

(h) Brake drums and rotors shall be permanently and plainly marked and shall clearly indicate the maximum safe diameter of the drum or the minimum safe thickness of the rotor as determined by the manufacturer of the drum or rotor. A drum or rotor worn beyond the maximum safe diameter or minimum safe thickness as prescribed by industry standards shall be discarded.

(i) When the emergency brake is activated by the loss of the system to the main service brakes, the driver, without leaving his or her seat, shall be able to override the emergency brake a minimum of three times. The control to operate the override shall be of a "dead man" type, necessitating constant driver effort to use. All small autobuses manufactured after March 1975 equipped with an air brake system shall comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121 ( 49 CFR § 571.121) , incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented, pertaining to split system and emergency application.

(j) Any system source to activate the emergency brake shall be separate and independent of the main service brake system supply source.

(k) Brake systems actuated by compressed air pressure or vacuum power shall be constructed to afford the following results:

1. Compressed air brake systems shall be equipped with an air compressor of sufficient size to fully charge the reservoir to its rated operating pressure in three minutes or less.

2. Reservoir capacity shall be sufficient to maintain 60 pounds per square inch after four full brake applications. This shall be accomplished with the engine and compressor shut down and the parking brake released.

3. Compressed air reservoir systems shall be equipped with a safety valve that shall vent to the atmosphere. The safety valve setting shall not be in excess of 1 1/2 times the maximum air compressor governed pressure setting.

4. Vacuum reservoirs shall have a volume of not less than 1,000 cubic inches and shall be used for braking purposes only.

5. Vacuum brake systems shall develop a minimum of 14 inches of reservoir vacuum within the following times:

i. Intake manifold of engine, one minute; and

ii. Vacuum pump, two minutes.

(l) Brake systems shall be equipped with an air pressure or vacuum gauge, indicating pounds per square inch or inches of mercury, located in clear view of the driver and illuminated during the period when lighted lamps are required.

(m) Small autobuses equipped with brake systems actuated by compressed air shall be equipped with an audible or visible signal, within hearing or full view of the driver to indicate that air pressure is at least one-half of the compressor governor cut-out pressure. Small autobuses equipped with brake systems actuated by vacuum power shall be equipped with an audible or visible signal within hearing or full view of the driver whenever the vacuum in the vehicle's supply reservoir is less than eight inches of mercury.

(n) Brake linings and pads shall meet the manufacturer's specifications for minimum thickness.

N.J. Admin. Code § 16:53-6.12

Amended by R.1989 d.392, effective 7/17/1989.
See: 21 N.J.R. 1098(a), 21 N.J.R. 2051(b).
Recodified from N.J.A.C. 16:53-6.11 and 1.-4. added at (g).
Amended by R.2002 d.295, effective 9/3/2002.
See: 34 N.J.R. 1327(b), 34 N.J.R. 3099(a).
Rewrote the section.
Amended by R.2008 d.49, effective 3/3/2008.
See: 39 N.J.R. 3889(a), 40 N.J.R. 1357(b).
In (g)2, substituted "Motor Vehicle Commission" for "Department of Transportation".