Code of Massachusetts Regulations
220 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
Title 220 CMR 155.00 - Operation Of Motor Vehicles For The Carriage Of Passengers For Hire Under A Certificate Of Public Convenience And Necessity, Charter License, Special Service Or School Service Permit
Section 155.04 - Procedures for Inspecting Pursuant to Federal Regulations

Universal Citation: 220 MA Code of Regs 220.155

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

The Federal Regulations, 49 CFR 390 through 397, including Sub-chapter B, Appendix G, as appearing in 155.04, or as may be revised in the Code of Federal Regulations, as related to the inspection of Commercial Motor Vehicles or any activity related thereto, are hereby adopted as the Regulations of the Department of Public Utilities. Said regulations are applicable to vehicles transporting more than 16 persons including the driver. In the event of any conflict between these regulations and any other regulations or law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the stricter more stringent standard shall apply.

Vehicles will not be in compliance with 220 CMR 155.04 if, when submitted for inspection, the following conditions exist:

(1) Brake System.

(a) Service Brakes.

1. All brake systems are to be inspected in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedures. Absence of braking action of any axle required to have brakes upon application of the service brakes (such as missing brakes or brake shoe(s) failing to move upon application of a wedge, S-cam, cam, or disc brake).

2. Missing or broken mechanical components; shoes, lining, pads, springs, anchor pins, spiders, cam rollers, push rods, and air chamber mounting bolts.

3. Loose brake components including air chamber spiders, and cam shaft support brackets.

4. Audible air leak at brake chamber (example-ruptured diaphragm, loose chamber clamp, etc.).

5. Re-adjustment limits. The maximum stroke at which brakes should be readjusted is given below. Any brake 1/4 or more past the re-adjustment limit or any two brakes at the readjustment limit on less than 1/4 beyond the re-adjustment limit shall be cause for rejection. Stroke shall be measured with the engine off and reservoir pressure of 80 to 90 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) with brakes fully applied.

BOLT TYPE BRAKE CHAMBER DATA

Type	Effective area (sq. in.)	Outside dia. (in.)	Maximum stroke at which brakes should be adjusted
A	12	6 15/16	1 3/8
B	24	9 3/16	1 3/4
C	16	8 1/16	1 3/4
D	6	5 1/4	1 1/4
E	9	6 3/16	1 3/8
F	36	11	2 1/4
G	30	9 7/8	2

ROTOCHAMBER DATA

Type	Effective area (sq. in.)	Outside dia. (in.)	Maximum stroke at which brakes should be adjusted
9	9	4 9/32	1 1/2
12	12	4 13/16	1 1/2
16	16	5 13/32	2
20	20	5 13/16	2
24	24	6 13/32	2
30	30	7 1/16	2 1/4
36	36	7 5/8	2 3/4
50	50	8 7/8	3

CLAMP TYPE BRAKE CHAMBER DATA

Type	Effective area (sq. in.)	Outside dia. (in.)	Maximum stroke at which brakes should be adjusted
9	9	4 1/2	1 1/4
12	12	5 1/4	1 3/8
16	16	5 11/16	1 3/8
20	20	6 3/8	1 3/4
24	24	6 24/32	1 3/4
30	30	7 7/32	1 3/4 see note
36	36	8 3/32	2
50	50	9	2 1/4

Note: (2 inches for long stroke design)

Wedge Brake Data. Movement of the scribe mark on the lining shall not exceed 1/16 inch.

6. Brake linings or pads.

a. Lining or pad is not firmly attached to the shoe;

b. Saturated with oil, grease, or brake fluid; or

c. Non-steering axles: Lining with a thickness less than IA inch at the shoe center for air drum brakes, 1/16 inch or less at the shoe center for hydraulic and electric drum brakes, and less than 1A3 inch for air disc brakes.

d. Steering axles: Lining with a thickness less than 3/16 inch at the shoe center for drum brakes, less than Vs inch for air disc brakes and 1/16 inch or less for hydraulic disc and electric brakes.

7. Missing brake on any axle required to have brakes.

8. Mismatch across any power unit steering axle of:

a. Air chamber sizes.

b. Slack adjuster length.

(b) Parking Brake System. No brakes on the vehicle or combination are applied upon actuation of the parking brake control, including, a driveline hand controlled parking brake.

1. With any external crack or cracks that open upon brake application (do not confuse short hairline heat check cracks with flexural cracks).

2. Any portion of the drum or rotor missing or in danger of falling away.

(d) Brake Hose.

1. Hose with any damage extending through the outer reinforcement ply. (Rubber impregnated fabric cover is not a reinforcement ply). (Thermoplastic nylon may have braid reinforcement or color difference between cover and inner tube. Exposure of second color is cause for rejection.)

2. Bulge or swelling when air pressure is applied.

3. Any audible leaks.

4. Two hoses improperly joined (such as a splice made by sliding the hose ends over a piece of tubing and clamping the hose to the tube).

5. Air hose cracked, broken or crimped.

(e) Brake Tubing.

1. Any audible leak.

2. Tubing cracked, damaged by heat, broken or crimped.

(f) Low Pressure Warning Device missing, inoperative, or does not operate at 55 PSI and below, or 1/2 the governor cut-out pressure, whichever is less.

(g) Air Compressor.

1. Compressor drive belts in condition of impending or probable failure.

2. Lose compressor mounting bolts.

3. Cracked, broken or loose pulley.

4. Cracked or broken mounting brackets, braces or adapters.

(h) Electric Brakes. Absence of braking action on any wheel required to have brakes.

(i) Hydraulic Brakes. (Including Power Assist Over Hydraulic and Engine Drive Hydraulic Booster).

1. Master cylinder less than 1/4 full.

2. No pedal reserve with engine running except by pumping pedal.

3. Power assist unit fails to operate.

4. Seeping or swelling brake hose(s) under application of pressure.

5. Missing or inoperative check valve.

6. Has any visually observed leaking hydraulic fluid in the brake system.

7. Has hydraulic hose(s) abraded (chafed) through outer cover to fabric layer.

8. Fluid lines or connections leaking, restricted, crimped, cracked or broken.

9. Brake failure or low fluid warning light on and/or inoperative.

(j) Vacuum Systems. Any vacuum system which:

1. Has insufficient vacuum reserve to permit one full brake application after engine is shut off.

2. Has vacuum hose(s) or line(s) restricted, abraded (chafed) through outer cover to cord ply, crimped, cracked, broken or has collapse of vacuum hose(s) when vacuum is applied.

3. Lacks an operative low-vacuum warning device as required.

(2) Exhaust System.

(a) A bus exhaust system leaking or discharging to the atmosphere:

1. Gasoline Powered in excess of six inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus (See 540 CMR 7.00 for school buses.)

2. Other than Gasoline Powered in excess of 15 inches forward of the rear most part of the bus. (See 540 CMR 7.00 for school buses).

3. Other than Gasoline Powered forward of a door or window designed to be opened. (Exception: Emergency exits).

(b) No part of the exhaust system of any motor vehicle shall be so located as would be likely to result in burning, charred, or damaging the electrical wiring, the fuel supply, or any combustible part of the motor vehicle.

(c) The exhaust system, exhaust manifold(s), exhaust pipe(s), muffler(s), and tailpipe(s), if designed to be so equipped, shall be tight and free of leaks. System components shall be securely fastened with fasteners in place and undamaged.

(d) A gas or diesel powered vehicle will be rejected if, at normal operating temperature, and at any constant speed over 15 MPH (approximately 1,000 to 1200 RPM's) visible black or blue exhaust emissions are evident.

(3) Fuel System.

(a) A fuel system with a visible leak at any point.

(b) A fuel tank filler cap missing.

(c) A fuel tank not securely attached to the motor vehicle by reason of loose, broken or missing mounting bolts or brackets (some fuel tanks use springs or rubber bushings to permit movement).

(4) Lighting Devices. All lighting devices and reflectors required by 49 CFR 393(h) shall be operable.

(5) Steering Mechanism.

(a) Steering Wheel Free Play (on vehicles equipped with power steering the engine must be running).

Steering Wheel Diameter	Manual Steering System	Power Steering System
16 inches	2 inches	4 1/2 inches
18 inches	2 1/4 inches	4 3/4 inches
20 inches	2 1/2 inches	5 1/4 inches
22 inches	2 3/4 inches	5 3/4 inches

(b) Steering Column.

1. Any absence or looseness of U-bolt(s) or positioning part(s).

2. Worn, faulty or obviously repair-welded universal joint(s).

3. Steering wheel not properly secured.

1. Any crack(s) in gear box or mounting brackets.

2. Any obvious weld or repair(s).

(d) Steering Gear Box.

1. Any mounting bolts loose or missing.

2. Any crack(s) in gear box or mounting brackets.

(e) Pitman Arm. Any looseness of the pitman arm on the steering gear output shaft.

(f) Power Steering. Auxiliary power assist cylinder loose.

(g) Ball and Socket Joints.

1. Any movement under steering load of a stud nut.

2. Any motion, other than rotational between any linkage member and its attachment point of more than 1/8 inch.

(h) Tie Rods and Drag Links.

1. Loose clamp(s) or clamp bolt(s) on tie rods or drag links.

2. Any looseness in any threaded joint.

(i) Nuts. Nut(s) loose or missing on tie rods, pitman arm, drag link, steering arm or tie rod arm.

(j) Steering System. Any modification or other condition that interferes with free movement of any steering component.

(k) King Pin. Reject Vehicle: if measured movement at top or bottom of tire is greater than:

Wheel Size:	16 inches or less........	1/4 inch (6.5mm)
17 to 18 inches........	3/8 inch (9.5mm)
Over 18 inches.......	1/2 inch (13mm)

KING PIN PLAY PROCEDURE: Recommended procedure is noted below. Be sure wheel bearing movement is eliminated by applying service brake during checking procedure.

Click here to view image

1. Draw Key-Upper

2. Knuckle Pin

3. Knuckle Bushing Upper

4. Kin Pin Cap

5. Shims

6. Draw Key-Lower

7. Thrust Bearing

8. Expansion Plug

9. Expansion Plug Lower Ring

10. Knuckle Bushing Lower

11. Knuckle/Spindle

Procedure:

First eliminate all wheel bearing movement by applying service brake. With front end lifted, grasp the tire at the top and bottom and attempt to move in and out to detect looseness. A pry bar may be necessary on heavy wheels. Measure the movement at the top or bottom of the tire at the outer circumference. Reject vehicle if measured movement at top or bottom of tire is greater than:

Wheel size:

16 inches or less - 1/4 inch (6.5mm)

17 to 18 inches -- 3/8 inch (9.5mm)

Over 18 inches -- 1/2 inch (13mm)

(6) Suspension.

(a) Any U bolt(s), spring hanger(s), or other axle positioning part(s) cracked, broken, loose or missing resulting in shifting of an axle from its normal position (After a turn, lateral axle displacement is normal with some suspensions.)

(b) Spring Assembly .

1. Any leaves in a leaf spring assembly broken or missing.

2. Any broken main leaf in a leaf spring assembly (include assembly with more than one main spring).

3. Coil spring broken.

4. Rubber spring missing.

5. One or more leaves displaced in a manner that could result in contact with a tire, rim, brake drum or frame.

6. Broken torsion bar spring in a torsion bar suspension.

7. Deflated air suspension, i.e., system failure, leak. etc.

(c) Torque. Radius, or Tracking Components. Any part of a torque, radius or tracking component assembly or any part used for attaching the same to the vehicle frame or axle that is cracked, loose, broken or missing. It does apply to loose bushings in torque or track rods.

(7) Frame .

(a) Frame Members.

1. Any cracked, broken, loose, or sagging frame member.

2. Any loose or missing fasteners including fasteners attaching functional component such as engine, transmission, steering gear, suspension, body parts.

(b) Tire and Wheel Clearance. Any condition, including loading, that causes the body or frame to be in contact with a tire or any part of the wheel assemblies.

(8) Tires.

(a) Any tire on any steering axle:

1. With less than 4/32 inch tread when-measured at any point on a major tread groove.

2. Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall.

3. Has any tread or sidewall separation.

4. Has a cut where the ply or belt material is exposed.

5. Labeled "Not For Highway Use" or displaying other marking which would exclude use on steering axle.

6. A tube-type radial tire without radial tube stem markings. These markings include a red band on the tube stem, the word "radial" embossed in metal stems, or the word "radial" molded in rubber stems.

7. Mixing bias and radial tires on the same axle.

8. Tire flap protrudes through valve slot in rim and touches stem.

9. Regrooved tires on buses equipped with front tires with a load carrying capacity of less than that of 8.25-20 8 ply-rating tires.

10. Boot, blowout patch or other ply repair.

11. Weight carried exceeds tire load limit. This includes overloading tire resulting from low air pressure.

12. Tire is flat or has noticeable (e.g., can be heard or felt) leak.

13. Any bus equipped with recapped or retreaded tire(s).

14. So mounted or inflated that it comes in contact with any part of the vehicle.

(b) All tires other than those found on the steering axle:

1. Weight carried exceeds tire load limit. This includes overloaded tire resulting from low pressure.

2. Tire flat or has noticeable (e.g., can be heard or felt) leak.

3. Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall.

4. Has any tread or sidewall separation.

5. Has a cut where ply or belt material is exposed.

6. So mounted or inflated that it comes in contact with any part of the vehicle. (This includes a tire that contacts its mate.)

7. Is marked "Not For Highway Use" or otherwise marked and having like meanings.

8. With less that 2/32 inch tread when measured at any point on a major tread groove.

(9) Wheels and Rims.

(a) Lock or Side Rims. Bent, broken, cracked, improperly seated, springs or mismatched rings).

(b) Wheels and Rims. Cracked or broken or has elongated bolt holes.

(c) Fasteners (Both Spoke and Disc Wheels). Any loose, missing, broken, cracked, stripped or otherwise ineffective fasteners.

(d) Welds.

1. Any cracks in welds attaching disc wheel disc to rim.

2. Any cracks in welds attaching tubeless demountable rim to adapter.

3. Any welded repair on aluminum wheel(s) on a steering axle.

4. Any welded repair other than disc to rim attachment on steel disc wheel(s) mounted on the steering axle.

(10) Windshields and Windows.

(a) Wipers and Washer. Every motor bus shall be equipped with two automatically operated windshield wiper blades in operating condition. Wiper blades must properly contact the windshield, be of the same length as those furnished as original equipment and the rubber elements free from damage or tears. Buses manufactured after January 1, 1974, and in subsequent years, shall be equipped with a suitable windshield washer device.

(b) Windshield Safety Glass. All glass shall be installed with a visible and legible identification mark and it shall conform to U.S. DOT MVSS-205. Laminated AS-1 safety glass shall be used in the windshield.

(c) Windshield Critical Viewing Area is the area covered by the sweep of the wipers (exclusive of the outer two inches within the perimeter of the wiper sweep) provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

(d) Windshields and windows having any of the following defects will be rejected:

1. Any broken glass with sharp or jagged edges inside or outside.

2. Any stone bruise, star break, or bulls eye, damage in excess of one inch in diameter within the critical viewing area or larger than two inches outside the critical viewing areas, or multiple such damage.

3. Single line cracks which extend more than three inches into the critical viewing area.

4. Multiple cracks, having one or more which extends into the critical viewing area.

5. Wiper scraper(s) in excess of 1/4 inch wide within the critical viewing area.

6. Clouding extending more than three inches within the perimeter of the exposed glass.

7. No poster, sticker decal, etc. shall be attached to the windshield in such a manner so as to obstruct the vision of the operator.

(e) Window Tinting. Any tinting or reflective material applied by brush, spray, or adhesive which is below the uppermost six inches of the windshield or which may encroach upon the driver's direct forward viewing area. (All such tinting provided by the original manufacturer in compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards is acceptable.) Aftermarket tinting or alterations that do not change the transparency is acceptable on windows immediately adjacent to the operator and front passenger seat and the windows immediately to the rear of the operator and front passenger seat. The rear window may also be so tinted provided the vehicle is equipped with two outside rear view mirrors. The windshield may only be tinted down to the AS-1 line usually located in the uppermost six inches of the windshield.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Massachusetts may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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