California Code of Regulations
Title 13 - Motor Vehicles
Division 2 - Department of the California Highway Patrol
Chapter 4 - Special Equipment
Article 13 - Tire Traction Devices
Section 1074 - Alternative Traction Device (ATD) Requirements

Universal Citation: 13 CA Code of Regs 1074

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

To be considered compliant with this article, the ATDs shall meet the following standards:

(a) The ATDs shall be tested in accordance with the Austrian Standards Institute's Ã-norm V5117 Standard (Issue: 2007-09-01), the Austrian Standards Institute's Ã-norm V5119 Standard (Issue: 2008-05-01), or the Austrian Standards Institute's Ã-norm V5121 Standard (Issue: 2007-11-01). The testing shall be conducted on vehicles which are manufacturer certified as compliant with the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The testing shall be conducted using United States Department of Transportation-approved tires for the following configurations:

(1) For vehicles under 10,000 pounds, and housecars regardless of weight:
(A) On a two axle vehicle the ATDs shall be installed on at least two tires of the drive axle.

(B) Include the following tests:
1. Durability testing of the ATD on dry or wet roadway;

2. Acceleration on snow and ice;

3. Deceleration on snow and ice; and

4. Traction force of the ATD on snow.

5. Be compared to the tire chain or the tire cable when tested using the same standard to show that the ATD meets or exceeds the same testing standard as compared to the results of the tire chain or the tire cable, for traction, and braking ability on snow and ice-covered surfaces.

(2) For vehicles and combinations over 10,000 pounds:
(A) On a two axle motor truck the ATDs shall be installed on at least two tires of the drive axle.

(B) On a three axle motor truck the ATDs shall be installed on at least four tires of the drive axles.

(C) On two axle or three axle truck tractors the ATDs shall be installed on at least four tires of the drive axle(s).

(D) On a semitrailer the ATDs shall be installed on at least two tires of at least one axle.

(E) On a trailer the ATDs shall be installed on at least two tires of the rear-most axle.

(F) On a two axle bus the ATDs shall be installed on at least two tires of the drive axle.

(G) On a three axle bus the ATDs shall be installed on at least two tires of the drive axle.

(H) Include the following tests:
1. Durability testing of the ATD on dry or wet roadway;

2. Acceleration on snow and ice;

3. Deceleration on snow and ice; and

4. Traction force of the ATD on snow.

5. Be compared to a tire chain or tire cable when tested using the same standard to show that the ATD meets or exceeds the standard as compared to the results of a tire chain, or tire cable, for traction, and braking ability on snow and ice covered surfaces.

(b) ATDs shall be installed on at least two tires at opposite sides of the same axle.

(c) ATDs shall function compatibly with any given electronic driving assistance technology such as Anti-locking Braking Systems, Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control Systems.

(d) ATDs shall be resistant to ultraviolet light, corrosion, water, fuels, spreading salts, cinders, sand, salt brine and alcohols which may be used to aid in clearing the roadway.

(e) The ATDs and packaging thereof shall be marked indicating compliance with one of the following standards: the Ã-norm V5117 Standard, the Ã-norm V5119 Standard, or the Ã-norm V5121 Standard.

(f) The following documentation shall be provided to the California Highway Patrol, upon request:

(1) The testing standard used, in English.

(2) Documentation of the testing results, which shall include the data produced for each test comparing the ATD to the referenced tire chain or tire cable. Durability testing is not required to be provided for the referenced tire chain or tire cable.

(3) A certified statement from the manufacturer of the ATD outlining what measurable indicator of wear can be used by law enforcement to indicate when the product will no longer provide adequate traction equivalent to a tire chain or tire cable.

(4) Documentation that the tests were conducted according to the Ã-norm V5117 Standard, the Ã-norm V5119 Standard or the Ã-norm V5121 Standard.

(5) Certification of the test results by the manufacturer, which shall contain the following statement: "I certify that the test methods, conditions and results reported are accurate and complete." The manufacturer certification shall also bear the signature of the person or persons who conducted the testing.

(g) The California Highway Patrol may, without prior notification, suspend the use of an ATD if it finds there is danger to the public health, safety, or welfare that requires immediate action.

(h) Incorporation by Reference. This section incorporates by reference the Austrian Standards Institute's Ã-norm V5117 Standard (Issue: 2007-09-01), the Austrian Standards Institute's Ã-norm V5119 Standard (Issue: 2008-05-01), and the Austrian Standards Institute's Ã-norm V5121 Standard (Issue: 2007-11-01) (with the exception that the results of initial type testing be documented in a test report in the German language).

(i) Availability of Referenced Document. Copies of the Ã-norm V5117 Standard, the Ã-norm V5119 Standard and the Ã-norm V5121 Standard can be obtained from:

AUSTRIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTE

HEINESTRASSE 38,

1020 VIENNA, AUSTRIA

PHONE: (+43 1) 213 00-805

ELECTRONIC MAILING ADDRESS: sales@on-norm.at

Or:

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE

ATTN: CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT

25 W 43RD STREET, 4TH FLOOR,

NEW YORK, NY 10036

PHONE: (212) 642-4980

ELECTRONIC MAILING ADDRESS: info@ansi.org

1. New section filed 3-25-2019; operative 7-1-2019 (Register 2019, No. 13).

Note: Authority cited: Section 26103, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 230, 233, 362, 410, 471, 550, 558, 605, 630, 655, 670, 26103, 26104, 27454, 27459, 27460, 31401, 34501.5 and 34508, Vehicle Code.

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