If a truck or truck tractor manufactured prior to July 25, 1980, and having 3 or more axles, has inoperable brakes on the front axle or some of the brake components are missing, would the vehicle be in violation of § 393.48?

Section § 393.48: Brakes to be operative.

Question 2: If a truck or truck tractor manufactured prior to July 25, 1980, and having 3 or more axles, has inoperable brakes on the front axle or some of the brake components are missing, would the vehicle be in violation...

If a CMV manufactured on or after July 25, 1980 (see § 393.42) has brake components on the front axle, and the brakes are not operable, does the vehicle comply with § 393.48?

Section § 393.48: Brakes to be operative.

Question 1: If a CMV manufactured on or after July 25, 1980 (see § 393.42) has brake components on the front axle, and the brakes are not operable, does the vehicle comply with § 393.48?

Does the term ‘‘rear wheels’’ include the tag axle on a bus/motorcoach?

Section § 393.44: Front brake lines, protection.

Question 1: Does the term ‘‘rear wheels’’ include the tag axle on a bus/motorcoach?

Guidance: Yes. The braking system on a bus/motorcoach must be constructed so that if any brake line to either front wheel...

Are tractor protection valves required by § 393.43(b), or may similar devices be used?

Section § 393.43: Breakaway and emergency braking.

Question 1: Are tractor protection valves required by § 393.43(b), or may similar devices be used?

Guidance: No. Similar devices may be used provided the devices meet the performance requirements of § 393...

§ 393.42(b)(3) of the FMCSRs states that any full trailer, any semitrailer, or any pole trailer having a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less must be equipped with brakes

Section § 393.42: Brakes required on all wheels.

Question 3: § 393.42(b)(3) of the FMCSRs states that any full trailer, any semitrailer, or any pole trailer having a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less must be equipped with brakes if the weight of the towed...

Are unladen converter dollies covered by the exemption in § 393.42(b)(2)?

Section § 393.42: Brakes required on all wheels.

Question 2: Are unladen converter dollies covered by the exemption in § 393.42(b)(2)?

Guidance: Yes. However, if the converter dolly is laden, the brakes must be operable.

Does a driver, employed full time by one motor carrier using the 60-hours in 7-days rule, and part-time by another motor carrier using the 70-hours in 8-days rule, have the option of using either rule in computing his hours of service?

Hours of Service Maximum Driving Time

§395.3 Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles.  

Question 2: Does a driver, employed full time by one motor carrier using the 60-hours in 7-days rule, and part-time by another motor carrier using the...

Do retractable or lift axles have to be equipped with brakes?

Section § 393.42: Brakes required on all wheels.

Question 1: Do retractable or lift axles have to be equipped with brakes?

Guidance: Yes, when the wheels are in contact with the roadway.

May a motor carrier switch from a 60-hour/7-day limit to a 70-hour/8-day limit or vice versa?

Hours of Service Maximum Driving Time

§395.3 Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles.  

Question 1: May a motor carrier switch from a 60-hour/7-day limit to a 70-hour/8-day limit or vice versa?

Guidance: Yes. The only restriction...

Does § 393.41 prohibit air brake systems from being equipped with a means to release the spring brakes for purposes of towing disabled vehicles in emergency situations?

Section § 393.41: Parking brake systems.

Question 2: Does § 393.41 prohibit air brake systems from being equipped with a means to release the spring brakes for purposes of towing disabled vehicles in emergency situations?

Guidance: No, provided the brakes are designed and...