| Summary: |
FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to allow the use of automatic hydraulic inertia brake systems (surge brakes) on trailers when the ratios of gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) for the towing-vehicle and trailer are within certain limits.
A surge brake is a self-contained permanently closed hydraulic brake system activated in response to the braking action of the towing vehicle. The amount of braking force developed by the trailer surge-brake system is proportional to the ratio of the towing vehicle to trailer weight and deceleration rate of the towing vehicle. This action is in response to a petition for rulemaking from the Surge Brake Coalition. |
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| Interpretation: |
FMCSA has approved (legalized) use of surge brakes on light and medium duty trailers within certain limits.
For lighter trailers the regulation approves surge brake use for towing combinations (vehicle-to-trailer GVWR ratios of 1:1.75) for trailers with GVWRs of less than 12,000 lbs.
For medium duty trailers the regulation approves surge brake use for towing combinations (vehicle-to-trailer GVWR ratios of 1:1.25) for trailers with GVWRs between 12,000 lbs. and 20,000 lbs. |
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| Link To FMCSA Final Rule Docket |
Click to link to the FMCSA website Final Rule Docket # FMCSA-2005-21323
Federal Register: 72FR 9855
RIN: 2126-AA91
49 CFR Part: 393
Published: 03/06/2007
Effective Date: 4/5/2007
Please refer to the information listed on the FMCSA website for complete details on the history and ruling decisions reguarding this legislation. The "Interpretation" listed above is only a summary of the overall legislation, and the complete legal application should be reviewed on the FMCSA website. |
