Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024
(a) Every autobus shall
be equipped with two independent brake systems. Service brakes shall operate on all
wheels and shall be capable of bringing the autobus to a stop in 22.5 feet or less
from a speed of 20 miles per hour.
(b)
The emergency brake shall be capable of bringing the autobus to a stop within 75
feet or less from a speed of 20 miles per hour.
1.
The emergency brake shall be activated and capable of stopping and holding the
autobus if the main system supply to the service brake falls below a safe operating
level. Upon application of the emergency brake, it shall remain on, though the
source of energy for its application may be eliminated.
2. When the emergency brake is activated by the
loss of the system to the main service brakes, the driver, without leaving his or
her seat, shall be able to override the emergency brake a minimum of three times.
The control to operate the override shall be of a "dead man" type, necessitating
constant driver effort to use. All autobuses manufactured after March 1975 and
equipped with an air brake system shall comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 121 (
49 CFR §
571.121) , incorporated herein by reference, as
amended and supplemented, pertaining to split system and emergency
application.
3. Any system source to
activate the emergency brake shall be separate and independent of the main service
brake system supply source.
4. If an
autobus is equipped with a mechanical parking brake, such parking brake shall be
constructed and maintained to hold the autobus in a stopped position with the
transmission in a forward gear while the parking brake is applied.
(c) Brake stopping distances shall be
measured by means of an instrument or machine of the decelerometer-type capable of
being read in feet.
1. Each autobus shall meet the
brake stop test requirement on an approved decelerometer that has been calibrated
for accuracy.
2. Brake stop test
equipment shall be owned by the operator, or arrangements shall be made for its use
by the operator, or such equipment shall be provided to the operator by others, or
the operator may choose to have such testing performed by the New Jersey Motor
Vehicle Commission for the fee set forth in
16:53-10.2.
3. The brake stop test shall be performed within
20 days prior to self-inspection certification.
(d) Brake systems actuated by compressed air
pressure or vacuum power shall be constructed to afford the following results:
1. Compressed air brake systems shall be equipped
with an air compressor of sufficient size to fully charge the reservoir to its rated
operating pressure in three minutes or less.
2. Reservoir capacity shall be sufficient to
maintain 60 pounds per square inch after four full brake applications. This shall be
accomplished with the engine and compressor shut down and the parking brake
released.
3. Compressed air reservoir
systems shall be equipped with a safety valve that shall vent to the atmosphere. The
safety valve setting shall not be in excess of 1 1/2 times the maximum air
compressor governed pressure setting.
4.
Vacuum reservoirs shall have a volume of not less than 1,000 cubic inches and shall
be used for braking purposes only.
5.
Vacuum brake systems shall develop a minimum of 14 inches of reservoir vacuum within
the following times:
i. Intake manifold of engine,
one minute; and
ii. Vacuum pump, two
minutes.
(e) Brake
systems shall be equipped with an air pressure or vacuum gauge, indicating pounds
per square inch or inches of mercury, located in clear view of the driver and
illuminated during the period when lighted lamps are required.
(f) Autobuses equipped with brake systems actuated
by compressed air shall be equipped with an audible or visible signal within hearing
or full view of the driver to indicate that air pressure is at least one-half of the
compressor governor cut-out pressure. Autobuses equipped with brake systems actuated
by vacuum power shall be equipped with an audible or visible signal within hearing
or full view of the driver whenever the vacuum in the vehicle's supply reservoir is
less than eight inches of mercury.
(g)
Hydraulic system service (foot) brakes shall be of a dual-type, split to the front
and rear wheels and each section separately actuated and shall meet the requirements
of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 105 (
49 CFR §
571.105) , incorporated herein by reference, as
amended and supplemented.
(h) Brake
drums and rotors shall be permanently and plainly marked and shall clearly indicate
the maximum safe diameter of the drum or the minimum safe thickness of the rotor as
determined by the manufacturer of the drum or rotor. A drum or rotor worn beyond the
maximum safe diameter or minimum safe thickness as prescribed by industry standards
shall be discarded.
(i) Brake linings
and pads shall meet the manufacturer's specifications for minimum
thickness.
