Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Antilock Brake Systems

Summary: The FHWA is proposing to amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to require that air-braked truck tractors manufactured on or after March 1, 1997, and air-braked single-unit trucks, buses, trailers, and converter dollies manufactured on or after March 1, 1998, be equipped with antilock brake systems (ABSs) that meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 121. The FHWA is also proposing that hydraulic braked trucks and buses manufactured on or after March 1, 1999, be equipped with ABSs that meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 105. This rulemaking is intended to ensure that the in-service brake standards of the FMCSRs are consistent with the FMVSSs and to improve the safety of operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) by reducing the incidence of accidents caused by jackknifing and other losses of directional stability and control during braking. With regard to CMVs manufactured prior to the dates previously mentioned, the FHWA is not proposing that motor carriers be required to retrofit such vehicles with ABSs. However, the FHWA is requesting comments on this subject.