New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 15 - Department of Motor Vehicles
Chapter I - REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER
Subchapter F - BUSINESSES REQUIRING LICENSES
Part 79 - Motor Vehicle Inspection
Section 79.27 - Heavy vehicle inspection
Universal Citation: 15 NY Comp Codes Rules and Regs ยง 79.27
Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 12, March 20, 2024
This section comprises the safety inspection or the safety portion of a safety and emissions inspection for all motor vehicles that have a seating capacity, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, over 14 passengers, all motor vehicles and trailers that have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, over 18,000 pounds, those motor vehicles and trailers that have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, over 10,000 pounds and under 18,001 pounds, when the registrant requests a heavy vehicle inspection, and all semi-trailers.
Note 1:
Any additional axle or axles (tag axles) on a vehicle must be inspected in the road position.
(a) Tires.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Approved type | 1. | Any tire: |
| - is not DOT approved; | |||
| - is marked for restricted use such as: | |||
| - for farm use only; | |||
| - for temporary use; | |||
| - not for highway use, or other marking having like meaning; | |||
| - excluded from use on a steering axle; or | |||
| - the tire size designation is proceeded by a " T". | |||
| - No bus may have a recapped, retread or regrooved tire on the steering axle. | |||
| 2. | Condition | ||
| A. Casing | A. Any tire: | ||
| - is in contact with body or frame of vehicle; | |||
| - is flat; | |||
| - has a fabric break or cut to the extent that the ply or cord is exposed; | |||
| - has a bump, bulge or knot indicating partial failure of the tire structure; | |||
| - has been repaired with a boot or blowout patch; or | |||
| - shows tread or recap separation. | |||
| B. Tread (All tread measurements must be taken in the two adjacent major tread grooves showing the most wear) | B. Tread on: | ||
| i. Front steering axle tires | i. Any front steering axle tire: | ||
| - is regrooved; | |||
| - has less than 4/32 tread. | |||
| ii. Other tires | ii. Any other tire has less than 2/32 tread. | ||
| C. Valve stem | C. The valve stem is: | ||
| - cracked; | |||
| - chafed from contact with the spider or rim; | |||
| - in contact with brake drum; | |||
| - inaccessible for taking pressure readings. | |||
| D. Tire pressure Check tire pressure | D. Advise customer if the tire pressure is not within range recommended by vehicle manufacturer. Note: Tire pressure check is an advisory only, do not reject the vehicle. The customer must be notified in writing. | ||
(b) Wheels or rims.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | |
| 1. | Condition | |
| A. Rim or wheel | A. The rim or wheel: | |
| - and lock ring are mismatched; | ||
| - is cracked; | ||
| - is bent; | ||
| - is sprung; | ||
| - has other damage; | ||
| - shows evidence of slippage on the spider; | ||
| - stud holes are elongated; | ||
| - clamps are missing or damaged; | ||
| - or welded repairs have been made. | ||
| B. Mounting (bolts, nuts or stud) | ||
| B. Any fastener is: | ||
| - broken; | ||
| - missing; | ||
| - damaged; | ||
| - loose. | ||
(c)Steering.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Steering wheel free play | ||
| A. Operation | A. Power steering wheel has more than 30 degrees of free play or exceeds the movement listed as follows: | ||
| NOTE: Power steering fluid must be full, the belt must be tight and the engine running | |||
| Wheel Size | Movement | ||
| 16 in. or less | 4½ in. (11.5 cm) | ||
| 18 in. | 4¾ in. (12.0 cm) | ||
| 20 in. | 5¼ in. (13.5 cm) | ||
| 22 in. | 5¾ in. (14.5 cm) | ||
| B. Manual steering has more than 15 degrees of free play or exceeds the movement listed as follows: | |||
| Wheel Size | Movement | ||
| 16 in. or less | 2 in. (5.1 cm) | ||
| 18 in. | 2¼in. (5.4 cm) | ||
| 20 in. | 2½ in. (6.4 cm) | ||
| 22 in. | 2¾ in. (7.0 cm) | ||
| 2. | Power steering unit | C. | Steering wheel is not properly secured. |
| A. Operation | A. | The power steering system does not work. | |
| B. Condition | B. | The power steering system: | |
| - has visible leaks; | |||
| - hoses are chafed; | |||
| - belt(s) are missing, loose, frayed, or binds or contacts other objects. | |||
(d) Front end.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Condition | 1. | Axle is bent. |
| 2. | There is excessive looseness in any of the following parts: | ||
| - king pins and/or bushings; | |||
| - wheel bearings; | |||
| - upper or lower cross shaft mounting or bushings; | |||
| - idler arm; | |||
| - pitman/steering arm; | |||
| - center control arms; | |||
| - tie rod ends; | |||
| - drag link ends; | |||
| - gear box; | |||
| - gear box mounting is loose, bolts are missing or bolts or case are cracked; | |||
| - rack mounting; | |||
| - steering wheel shaft mounting; | |||
| - steering shaft coupler/universal is: | |||
| binding; | |||
| frayed; | |||
| cracked. | |||
| - steering damper: | |||
| leaks; | |||
| is loose; | |||
| mount is cracked/broken; | |||
| is missing; | |||
| - worn universal joints; | |||
| - bearing cap broke or missing; | |||
| - any cracks or welded repairs in the above items. | |||
(e) Suspension.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Springs | ||
| A. Presence | A. | Any spring is missing. | |
| B. Condition | B. | A spring: | |
| - is noticeably sagging; | |||
| - is broken; | |||
| - center bolt is broken; | |||
| - shackle is excessively worn or loose; | |||
| - eye or pin bolt broken/missing; | |||
| - composite spring cracked more than ¾ of an inch in any direction; | |||
| - any leaf or portion of any leaf in any spring assembly is missing or separated. | |||
| C. Trailer adjustable axle | C. | Adjustable axle assemblies (sliding subframes) assembly locking pins are missing or not engaged. | |
| 2. | Torsion bars, stabilizer bars and torque rods | ||
| A. Presence | A. | Any torque rod torsion or stabilizer bar is missing. | |
| B. Condition | B. | Torque rod torsion or stabilizer bar is: | |
| - broken; | |||
| - disconnected; | |||
| - missing; | |||
| - bent; | |||
| - excessively loose. | |||
| 3. | Air suspension | ||
| A. Presence | A. | Any air bag is missing. | |
| B. Condition | B. | Any air bag is: | |
| - chafed; | |||
| - damaged; | |||
| - leaking; | |||
| 4. | Shock absorbers | ||
| A. Presence | A. | A shock is on one side but not the other shock absorbers are missing on a vehicle originally equipped with them. | |
| B. Condition | B. | Any shock: | |
| - is broken | |||
| - has a loose or broken mount or mounting bolt. | |||
| (A leaking shock is not cause for rejection) | |||
(f) Chassis/frame.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Presence | 1. | Section is missing. |
| 2. | Condition | 2. | The frame is: |
| - cracked; | |||
| - bent; | |||
| - broken; | |||
| - deteriorated due to rust. | |||
(g) Window glass.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Windshield | ||
| A. Presence | A. | The vehicle is not equipped with a windshield. | |
| B. Approved type | B. | Any 1935 or newer vehicle's windshield is not AS-1, AS-10 or AS-14 rated safety glass. | |
| C. Condition | C. | (i) The windshield has a "star" larger than 3 inches in diameter (A star is considered to be a bruise from which multiple cracks extend, such as a "stone bruise" shot, etc.). | |
| (ii) There is a crack more than 11 inches long, any part of which extends into the path of the windshield wipers. | |||
| (iii) There are any sharp or jagged edges. | |||
| 2. | Other glass | ||
| A. Approved type | A. | (i) The windows to the immediate left and of the driver are not AS-1, 2, 8, 10 or rated safety glass. | |
| (ii) Any other windows do not have safety glass or rigid plastic with an AS-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 or 11 rating. | |||
| B. Condition | B. | (i) Any window is broken or has exposed sharp or jagged edges. | |
| (ii) Any window is cracked, starred, scratch or discolored so as to obstruct driver's vision. | |||
| 3. | Window Tint | ||
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Note: If a windshield or a window, through observation, clearly meets the required visible light transmit-tance standard, it is not necessary to use the tint meter. Vehicles displaying a valid MV-80W.2 "Exempt Tinted Windows" sticker need not be inspected for window tint. |
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Model year 1991 or older vehicles: |
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(a) Inspect the windshield for proper visible light transmittance. |
(a) Any part of the windshield below the top 6 inches allows less than 35% visible light transmittance. |
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(b) Inspect all side windows adjacent to or forward of the driver's seating position for proper visible light transmittance. |
(b) Any part of the window allows less than 35% visible light transmittance. |
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(c) Inspect the rear window of any vehicle that is not equipped with dual outside rearview mirrors for proper visible light transmittance. |
(c) Any part of the rear window allows less than 35% visible light transmittance. |
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Model year 1992 or newer vehicles: |
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(d) Inspect the windshield for proper visible light transmittance. |
(d) Any part of the windshield below the top 6 inches allows less than 70% visible light transmittance. |
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(e) Inspect all side windows adjacent to or forward of the driver's seating position for proper visible light transmittance. |
(e) Any part of any side window adjacent to or forward of the driver's seating position allows less than 70 % light transmittance. |
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(f) Inspect the rear window of any vehicle that is not equipped with dual outside rearview mirrors for proper visible light transmittance. |
(f) Any part of the rear window allows less than 70% visible light transmittance. |
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(h) Windshield wipers.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Presence | 1. | Vehicle is not equipped with the number of wiper(s) with which it was originally manufactured. |
| 2. | Condition | 2. | Any wiper blade(s) have: |
| - torn rubber; | |||
| - material other than the rubber wiper blade in contact with the windshield. | |||
| 3. | Operation | (A) Any wiper controls are located beyond reach of the driver so that they cannot easily be operated without moving from normal driving position. | |
| (B) Any wiper does not work. | |||
| (C) Wiper does not operate freely. | |||
| (D) Any wiper is improperly adjusted. | |||
(i) Mirrors.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Presence | 1. | Either the right or left exterior rear- view mirror is missing. |
| Note: Inspection of an interior, rearview mirror is not necessary. | |||
| 2. | Condition | 2. | Any mirror is cracked, broken or discolored. |
| 3. | Operation | 3. | (A) Any mirror is not securely mounted. |
| (B) Any mirror cannot be adjusted. | |||
| (C) Any mirror will not maintain a set adjustment. | |||
(j)Horn.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Presence | 1. | The vehicle does not have a horn. |
| 2. | Condition | 2. | The horn is not securely mounted. |
| 3. | Operation | 3. | (A) The horn does not work. |
| (B) The control is not within easy reach of the driver. | |||
(k) Coupling devices.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | |
| 1. | Fifth wheels | |
| (A) Condition | - More than 20 percent of fasteners, per side, missing or ineffective. | |
| (i) Mounting to frame | - Any movement between mounting components frame. | |
| - Any mounting angle iron cracked or broken (see NOTE 2). | ||
| (ii) Mounting plates and pivot brackets | - More than 20 percent of the fasteners, per side, are missing or ineffective. | |
| - Any welds or parent metal is cracked (see NOTE 2). | ||
| - More than ¼ inch horizontal movement between pivot bracket pin and bracket. | ||
| - Pivot bracket pin missing or not secured. | ||
| (iii) Sliders | - More than 25 percent of latching fastener per side, ineffective. | |
| - Any fore or aft stop is missing or not securely attached. | ||
| - Movement more than 3/8 inches between slider bracket and slider base. | ||
| - Any slider component has a crack in parent metal or weld (see NOTE 2). | ||
| (iv) Upper/lower coupler | - Horizontal movement between the upper an lower fifth wheel halves exceeds ½ inch. | |
| - Operating handle will not stay in the closed or locked position. | ||
| - Kingpin cannot be properly engaged. | ||
| - Kingpin can be moved by hand in any direction. | ||
| - Separation between upper and lower coupler allowing light to show through from side to side. | ||
| Any semi trailer with a bolted upper coupler having fewer effective bolts than shown in the following table. MINIMUM TOTAL QUANTITY OF BOLTS. (Total minimum quantity of bolts must be equally divided with ½ on each side of the coupler) BOLT SIZE ½ in (13 mm) 5/8 (16 mm) or larger 10-(5 each site) 8-(4 each side) | ||
| - Cracks in the fifth wheel plate. | ||
| - Locking mechanism parts missing, broken, deformed to the extent that the kingpin not securely held. | ||
| NOTE 2: Any repair weld cracking, well defined (especially open) cracks in stress or load bearing areas, cracks through 20 percent or more of original welds or parent metal are grounds for rejection except: - Cracks in fifth wheel approach ramps. - Casting shrinkage cracks in the ribs of the body of a cast fifth wheel. | ||
| B. Operation | - Ineffective latching mechanism. | |
| i. Slider | - Missing or ineffective stop. | |
| (power or manual) | - Movement of more than ¼ inch between slider and housing. | |
| - Any leaking, air or hydraulic cylinders, hoses, or chambers (other than slight oil weeping normal with hydraulic seals). | ||
| 2. | Pintle hooks | |
| A. Condition | - Cracks anywhere in pintle hook assembly. | |
| - Any welded repairs to the pintle hook. | ||
| - Excessively worn (see NOTE 3). | ||
| NOTE 3: No part of the horn or hook (stationary part) should have any section reduced by more than 20 percent. If wear can be seen when the hook and eye are coupled, it is due to either this condition or the eye condition described in NOTE 4. | ||
| B. Operation | Latch does not work | |
| 3. | Drawbar/towbar eye | |
| A. Condition | - Any cracks in attachment welds. | |
| i. Mounting | - Any missing or ineffective fasteners. | |
| ii. Integrity | - Any welded repairs. | |
| - Any cracks. | ||
| - Excessively worn (see NOTE 4). | ||
| NOTE 4: The eye should not be worn to beyond 20 percent of its original cross section thickness. If wear can be seen when the hook and eye are coupled, it is due to either this condition or that described in NOTE 3. | ||
| 4. | Drawbar/towbar tongue | |
| A. Condition | A. Any cracks. | |
| B. Operation | B. Movement of ¼ inch or more between subframe and drawbar at point of attachment. | |
| - ineffective latching mechanism. | ||
| - missing or ineffective stop | ||
| - movement of more than ¼ inch (6 mm) | ||
| between the slider and housing. | ||
| - any leaking air or hydraulic cylinders, hoses, or chambers (other than slight oil weeping normal with hydraulic seals). | ||
| 5. | Safety chains and cable | |
| A. Presence of safety chains | A. Missing. | |
| B. Condition | ||
| (i) Chains and hooks | - Worn to the extent of a measurable reduction in link cross section. | |
| - Incapable of secure attachment. | ||
| - Improper repairs, including welding, wire, small bolts, rope and tape. | ||
| (ii) Cable | - Kinked or broken cable strands. | |
| - Incapable of secure attachment. | ||
| - Improper clamps or clamping. | ||
| 6. | Full trailer (double ring, ball-bearing turntable) | |
| Mounting-top and bottom | - top or bottom flange has less than six effective bolts. | |
| - 20 percent or more of original welds (or repaired original welds), or parent metal is cracked. | ||
| Wear | - upper flange half touching lower flange half | |
| - cracked flanges | ||
(l) Exhaust system.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Presence | 1.(A) | Vehicle does not have either a muffler or turbocharger. |
| (B) | Exhaust discharge does not meet the following criteria: | ||
| (i) either to the rear or above the cab. | |||
| (ii) gasoline engine powered buses-may not be more than six inches forward from the rearmost part of the vehicle; | |||
| (iii) buses powered by other than gasoline engine-may not be more than 15 inches forward of the rearmost part of the vehicle, or must be to the rear of all doors or windows designed to be open, except windows designed to be opened solely as emergency exits. | |||
| 2. | Condition | 2.(A) | Vehicle has gutted, altered or patched muffler. |
| (B) | The exhaust system is excessively loose. | ||
| (C) | Exhaust gases leak at: | ||
| - the manifold gasket | |||
| - the muffler | |||
| - any other point in exhaust system (except on tilt cabs where pipe is attached to cab) | |||
| (D) | Exhaust system is so located as it would be likely to result in burning, charring damaging the electric wiring fuel system or any other combustible part of the vehicle. | ||
(m) Lighting and reflectors.
(A lighting device may perform more than one function)
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Headlights | ||
| A. Presence | A. Any motor vehicle does not have headlights. (Not required for trailers) | ||
| B. Approved type | B(i) A headlight or the headlight system does not meet SAE or DOT standards. | ||
| (ii) Any headlamp has an unapproved material over or in front of the lens. | |||
| C. Condition | C(i) Any lens is broken (pieces missing). | ||
| (ii) Any headlamp is not securely mounted or can easily be moved. | |||
| (iii) Any low beam headlamp aim is off more than four inches/degrees (up, down, left or right) from straight ahead in 25 feet. | |||
| D. Operation | D. Any headlamp fails to light in the high or low beam switch position. | ||
| 2. | Taillights/stop lights | ||
| A. Presence | A. The vehicle is not equipped with at least two red tail lamps and at least two red stop lamps. | ||
| B. Approved type | B. Lamps do not display required DOT or SAE markings. | ||
| C. Condition | C(i) Any lamp/lens is broken (pieces missing). Tape or other material is used in place of all or part of an approved lens. | ||
| (ii) Any lamp is not securely mounted. | |||
| D. Operation | D. Any lamp does not operate properly in all switch positions. | ||
| 3. | Directional lights/hazard warning lights/ indicator lights. | ||
| A. Presence | A(i) Any 1953 and newer vehicle is not equipped with directional lamps. Front directional signs are not required on trailers. | ||
| (ii) Any 1966 and newer motor vehicle is not equipped with hazard warning lights. | |||
| (iii) Any vehicle equipped with directional signals must also be equipped with indicator lights. | |||
| B. Approved type | B(i) Any lamp does not display required DOT or SAE markings. | ||
| (ii) Front lights do not display amber; rear lights do not display red or amber. | |||
| C. Condition | C(i) Any lamp/lens is broken (pieces missing). Tape or other material is used in place of all or part of an approved lens. | ||
| (ii) Any lamp is not securely mounted. | |||
| D. Operation | D(i) Any lamp does not operate properly in all switch positions. | ||
| (ii) Lamps are not visible front or rear. | |||
| (iii) Any switch must be manually held for the desired function. | |||
| (iv) Hazard warning lights do not operate with ignition off. | |||
| (v) Interior indicator lamp does not function properly. (If vehicle has an exterior indicator lamp only, check for proper operation.) | |||
| 4. | Marker/clearance lights and reflectors (See NOTE 5) | ||
| A. Presence | A(i) Side marker lights On each SIDE 1 red to the rear 1 amber to the front 1 amber in center if over 30 feet long | ||
| (ii) Clearance lights indicating overall width 2 red showing to the rear 2 amber showing to the front | |||
| (iii) Identification lamp (3-lamp cluster) center of vehicle over 80 inches in width amber on the front (except trailers) red on the rear | |||
| (iv) Reflex reflectors | |||
| On the REAR at the same height 2 red, one on each side On each SIDE 1 amber to the front 1 red to the rear | |||
| NOTE 5: Tractors do not need rear side marking devices, rear clearance lamps, or rear 3-lamp cluster. | |||
| B. Approved type | B. Lamps or reflectors do not display required SAE or DOT markings. (Amended 8/13/03) | ||
| C. Condition | C(i) Any lens is broken (pieces missing). Tape or other material is used in place all or part of an approved lens. | ||
| (ii) Any device is not securely mounted. | |||
| D. Operation | D. Any lamp fails to light properly when activated by the switch. | ||
| 5. | Back-up lights | ||
| A. Presence | A. Any 1969 and newer motorized vehicle does not have at least one backup light. (Not required on trailers) | ||
| B. Approved type | B. Backup light(s) is not SAE or DOT approved. | ||
| C. Condition | C(i) Any lens is broken (pieces missing). Tape or other material is used in place of all or part of an approved lens. | ||
| (ii) Any lamp is not securely mounted. | |||
| D. Operation | D. Any backup light fails to operate properly. | ||
| 6. | License plate lights | ||
| A. Presence | A. Any vehicle does not have at least one lamp to illuminate the rear license plate. | ||
| B. Approved type | B. Lamps or reflectors do not display required SAE or DOT markings. | ||
| C. Condition | C(i) Any lens is broken (pieces missing). Tape or other material is used in place of all or part of an approved lens. | ||
| (ii) Any device is not securely mounted. | |||
| D. Operation | D. Any lamp fails to light properly when activated by the switch. | ||
(n) Service brake system.
For brake inspection, EITHER:
(1) Remove at least one rearmost drive axle brake drum or hub and drum assembly on a power unit or one rearmost brake drum or hub and drum assembly on a trailer or semi-trailer,
OR
(2) On vehicles with removable backing plates, remove all of the plates or look through the inspection ports so that brake components can be viewed. (If the front axle is the only axle without removable backing plates, it is not necessary to remove a front brake drum or hub and drum assembly.)
A new vehicle with a "Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin" (MCO), except a glider kit, as its ownership document is not required to be disassembled for brake component inspection.
On vehicles which require the wheel to be removed the "grease seal" SHOULD be replaced along with any other unserviceable parts required to insure safe operation upon re-assembly. These repairs must be authorized by the owner/operator. Once a vehicle is REJECTED, it is the owner/operator's responsibility to timely remove that vehicle from the facility at his/her own expense.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Hydraulic or electric brakes | ||
| A. Presence | A. | There is a missing or disconnected brake on any wheel except for the following: 1980 and older trucks and tractors which have three or more factory equipped axles, in some cases may not have brakes on the front axle. These vehicles should not be rejected unless there is evidence that front brakes ever existed (i.e., drums, rotors or backing plate assemblies are present.) | |
| B. Condition | |||
| (i) Hoses, connections and lines | (i) | Any brake hose or connecting line is: | |
| - cracked | |||
| - broken | |||
| - crimped | |||
| - swelled or swollen | |||
| - not securely fastened | |||
| - charred | |||
| - chafed | |||
| - leaking | |||
| - in contact with the: exhaust system or | |||
| - driveline | |||
| - copper tubing or compression fittings are used | |||
| - improperly joined lines, such as a splice made by sliding the hose over a piece of tubing and clamping the hose to the tube | |||
| (ii) Brake lining | (ii) | Brake lining is: | |
| - broken | |||
| - cracked | |||
| - not completely attached to the shoe or pad | |||
| - contaminated with grease or oil, etc. | |||
| (a) Bonded lining | (a) The thinnest part of the lining measures less than 1/16. | ||
| (b) Riveted or bolted lining | (b) The lining is worn to less than 1/16 above any bolt or rivethead. | ||
| (iii) Rotors | (iii) | The rotor: | |
| - is worn or machined below the minimum allowable thickness | |||
| - has cracks on the friction surface extending to the open edge | |||
| - mounting holes are elongated | |||
| - has mechanical damage other than normal wear | |||
| (iv) Drums | (iv) | The drum: | |
| - is worn or machined beyond the maximum allowable diameter (only if the drum has been removed) | |||
| - has a crack on the friction surface extending to the open edge | |||
| - has a crack on the outside particularly at the drum mounting | |||
| - has mechanical damage other than normal wear | |||
| - mounting holes are elongated | |||
| - friction surface is contaminated with grease, oil, etc. | |||
| (v) Wheel cylinder/caliper | (v) | Wheel cylinder/caliper has visible leak | |
| (vi) Master cylinder | (vi) | Master cylinder: | |
| - has visible leaks | |||
| - is not filled to its designed capacity | |||
| C. Operation | |||
| (i) Components | (i) | Any component is seized or does not operate properly or any non-manufactured holes or cracks are found in the spring brake housing section of a parking brake. | |
| (ii) Single brake pedal | (ii) | A 1954 or newer vehicle is not equipped with a single brake pedal which operates all the service brakes on that motor vehicle or combination of vehicles (This shall not prohibit the use of an additional valve which can operate the trailer brakes independently). | |
| (iii) Brake pedal reserve | (iii) | The brake pedal when depressed under normal foot pressure: | |
| - has a reserve travel of less than 20% of its total travel | |||
| - does not hold its position for 60 seconds without dropping | |||
| (iv) Power assisted system | (iv) | Pedal assist is not felt when engine is started or vehicles with an electric backup system does not operate with engine off (Note: For this test, some systems may require the ignition switch to be in the "on" position) | |
| - any leak on a vehicle equipped with a hydraulic boost system | |||
| (v) Warning device | (v) | A 1973 or newer truck or tractor is not equipped with either an audible or visible warning device to readily indicate to the driver a brake system or assist failure, or if on hydraulic system the brake failure light/low fluid warning light is on and/or inoperative. | |
| (vi) System performance of the Power Unit (must be the last brake test done) This test must be done on a hard level surface, free from loose material (indoors or outdoors) | (vi) | The truck, tractor or bus fails to stop within 35 feet or stops with significant pull when tested from a speed of 20 MPH. | |
| 2. | Air/vacuum brake systems | ||
| A. Presence | |||
| (i) General | (i) | There is a missing or disconnected brake on any wheel except for the following: | |
| 1980 and older trucks and tractors that have three or more factory equipped axles in some cases may not have brakes on the front axle. These vehicles should not be rejected unless there is evidence that front brakes ever existed (i.e., drum(s) rotor(s), or backing plate assemblies are present). There is insufficient vacuum reserve to permit one full brake application after engine is shut off. | |||
| (ii) Warning systems | (ii) | The vehicle is not equipped with either an audible or visible warning device, OTHER THAN THE GAUGE, to readily indicate to the driver a system failure. | |
| (iii) Gauge | (iii) | The gauge is missing or defective. | |
| B. Condition | |||
| (i) Tanks, hoses, lines and connections etc. | (i) | Any brake component is: - cracked | |
| - broken | |||
| - crimped | |||
| - swelled or swollen | |||
| - not securely fastened | |||
| - charred or chafed | |||
| - in contact with the exhaust system or driveline | |||
| (ii) Brake lining (all measurements must be taken from shoe/pad or top of the rivet/bolt) | (ii) | Brake lining is: - broken - cracked - not completely attached to the shoe or pad | |
| - contaminated with grease, oil, etc. | |||
| (a) Bonded lining (on a brakeshoe or pad) | (a) | The thinnest part of the lining measures less than ¼ at the center of the shoe (only if a drum has been removed). | |
| (b) Riveted or bolted lining (pads and shoes) | (b) | The lining is worn to less than 1/16 above any bolt or rivet head (only when the lining or pad is required to be measured). | |
| (c) Air disc brake pads | (c) | The lining is worn to less than 1/6. | |
| (iii) Rotors | (iii) | The rotor: | |
| - is worn or machined below the minimum allowable thickness; | |||
| - has cracks on the friction surface extending to the open edge; | |||
| - mounting holes are elongated: | |||
| - has mechanical damage other than normal wear. | |||
| (iv) Drums | (iv) | The drum: | |
| - is worn or machined beyond the maximum allowable diameter (only if a drum has been removed); | |||
| - has a crack on the friction surface extending to the open edge; | |||
| - has a crack on the outside, particularly at the drum mounting; | |||
| - has mechanical damage other than normal wear; | |||
| - mounting holes are elongated; | |||
| - friction surface is contaminated with grease, oil, etc. | |||
| C. Operation | |||
| (i) Components | (i) | Any component is seized or does not operate properly or any non-manufactured holes or cracks are found in the spring brake housing section of a parking brake. | |
| (ii) Single brake pedal | (ii) | A 1954 or newer model vehicle is not equipped with a single brake pedal which operates all the service brakes on that motor vehicle or combination of vehicles. (This shall not prohibit the use of an additional valve which can operate the trailer brakes independently.) | |
| (iii) Storage tank drain | (iii) | Drain cock cannot be opened or is plugged (when checking, drain liquids and other foreign substances). | |
| (iv) Warning devices | (iv) | The warning device does not provide a continuous warning once activated. | |
| (a) Vacuum warning device TEST: run engine to build full vacuum | (a) | With engine off: The warning system does not activate whenever the vacuum reserve is reduced to less than 8 inches of mercury (Do this by applying the brakes). | |
| (b) Air warning device | (b) | With engine off: The warning system does not activate when the pressure drops below 60 PSI or manufacturer's specification, if known (Do this by applying the brakes). | |
| (v) Air brake leakage test | |||
| The following four conditions must be met before performing this test. System pressure must be reduced or increased to 80 PSI either by applying the brakes or building up pressure | |||
| - governor is cut-in, | |||
| - engine is at idle, | |||
| - reservoir pressure is between 80- 90 PSI, | |||
| - service brakes are fully applied | |||
| (a) With engine running and service brakes applied determine if system can maintain at least 80 PSI | (a) | The system does not maintain at least 80 PSI. (Perform this test for 1 minute on single and/or combination vehicles.) | |
| (vi) Air pressure safety relief valve, governor cut out and compressor drive belts | (vi) | Air pressure safety relief valve is not present or does not operate on a system which can be checked (some valves designed with a lead plug cannot be tested). | |
| - Brake system operating pressure exceeds 135 PSI. | |||
| - Compressor drive belt(s) is missing, badly worn, frayed, slipping or loose, or bolts, pulleys, brackets, braces or adapters are cracked, broken, loose or missing. | |||
| (vii) Inverting relay spring brake control valve or inversion valve (on vehicles so equipped). | (vii) | If valve falls to function properly. | |
| (viii) Air brake adjustment | |||
| Equipment: Steel scale and feeler gauge or equivalent.) | |||
| (a) On vehicles equipped with Cam brakes, mark each brake chamber pushrod at the face of the brake chamber with the brakes released. | (a) | Cam brakes, push-rod travel of any chamber exceeds the maximum stroke listed in Table A (See Appendix I). | |
| Apply the air brakes fully with reservoir pressure at 100 PSI or delivery pressure between 80-90 PSI, and measure the distance the push rod length travels from the face of the chamber to the mark previously made when the brakes were released. (Fig. 1 See Appendix III) This measurement in the push-rod stroke table in Table A (See Appendix I). | |||
| There is a mismatch on any axle of: | |||
| 1. Air chamber size | |||
| 2. Slack adjustor | |||
| (b) On vehicles equipped with wedge brakes, remove the inspection hole cover at each dust shield and with the brakes released, scribe a line on the edge of the brake lining. Apply the air brakes fully with reservoir pressure at 100 PSI or delivery pressure between 80 and 90 PSI. Measure the distances the brake lining travels. (Fig. 2 See Appendix IV) | (b) | Any brake shoe, has more than 1/16 travel. | |
| (c) On vehicles equipped with disc brakes use Table B (See Appendix II). | (c) | Pushrod travel of any chamber exceeds the maximum stroke listed in Table B (See Appendix II). | |
| 1. System performance of the power unit (must be the last brake test done). This test must be done on a hard level surface, free from loose material (indoors or outdoors) | 1. The truck, tractor or bus fails to stop within 35 feet or stops with significant pull when tested from a speed of 20 MPH. | ||
(o) Parking brake systems.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Parking brake | ||
| NOTE 7: On 1962 and older vehicles not originally equipped with a parking brake, disregard this section. | |||
| A. Presence | A. | The vehicle is not equipped with a parking brake. | |
| B. Condition of the parking brake components | B. | There are any of the following missing or defective: | |
| - cotter pins | |||
| - retracting springs; | |||
| - worn rods or couplings; | |||
| - cable(s) are visibly frayed or frozen. | |||
| - The ratchet, pawl, lever control, or other locking device does not hold the brake in the applied position or cannot be proper operated or released. | |||
| - any non-manufactured holes or cracks are found in the spring brake housing section of a parking brake. | |||
| C. Operation | C. | The parking brake does not operate separate from the service brakes. | |
| - Failure of either system leaves the vehicle without brakes. | |||
| - There is no reserve travel in the lever or pedal when the brake is fully applied. | |||
| - The control is not within easy reach of the driver. | |||
| - The parking brake does not hold the vehicle stationary with transmission in gear (whether automatic or manual) with moderate engine power applied. | |||
| 2. | Emergency breakaway systems | ||
| A. Presence | |||
| (i) Trailers | (i) | The trailer is not equipped with an emergency breakaway system. | |
| (ii) Towing vehicles manufactured after 1953. | (ii) | The vehicle is not equipped with an automatic breakaway system (tractor protection valve) so that the service brakes on the towing vehicle remain operational if the trailer separates. | |
| Where manual operation is permitted, this control shall be within easy reach of the driver. | |||
| B. Operation | |||
| (i) All trailers (air, vacuum, or electric) | (i) | Trailer is not equipped with an emergency system which automatically applies the brakes upon separation from the towing vehicle and stays applied for a minimum of 15 minutes. Trailer with batteries that cannot be recharged must only be capable making a brake application. The 15 minutes will be waived. | |
| (ii) Towing vehicles | |||
| The test must be conducted with a fully charged system | |||
| SINGLE AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS (Pre FMVSS 121 Brake Systems) manually operate the dash control valve. (tractor protection control valve) | The trailer emergency brake system cannot be applied and released with this valve. | ||
| DUAL AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS (FMVSS 121 Systems) manually operate the tractor protection control valve. (Normally marked trailer supply valve) | The trailer brakes do not apply and release as knob is pulled out and pushed in. | ||
| Manually operate park control valve | All parking brakes do not apply and release as knob is pulled out and pushed in. | ||
(p) Seat belts.
| Inspect for: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Presence | 1. | A 1965 and newer vehicle is not equipped with a seat belt at the driver seat and the right front outboard seat. A 1971 or newer vehicle is not equipped with a seat belt at each seating position, except that a bus needs to be equipped with a seat belt at least at the driver seat. |
| 2. | Operation | 2. | Any seat belt: |
| - cannot be buckled or unbuckled; | |||
| - can be pulled out of its anchors or was not anchored at the start of the inspection | |||
| - comes unbuckled when tugged upon. | |||
| - has an automatic adjuster which does not operate properly. | |||
(q) Fuel leaks.
| Procedure: | Reject if: | ||
| 1. | Check the fuel system, including the fuel tank and lines, for leaks, including auxiliary heating or refrigeration units. | 1. | Any leak is found in any fuel system, tank or lines to such a degree as to cause dripping or pooling of fuel. |
| A fuel tank is not securely attached to the vehicle. | |||
| Note: Some fuel tanks use spring or rubber bushings to permit movement. | |||
| Compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel systems | Any fuel leakage from the CNG, LPG or LNG system detected audibly, visually or by smell. | ||
| Note: Some brief fuel leakage, water vapor at the fittings, or decompression may occur during refueling, causing temporary frosting of CNG of LPG fuel system parts. If the vehicle has been refueled shortly before inspection, care must be taken to distinguish these temporary frosting occurrences from actual leaks. Also, in hot weather some condensation on the system is normal. | |||
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New York 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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