Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 280 - Department of Revenue
Chapter 30 - Division of Motor Vehicles
Subchapter 15 - Safety and Emissions
Part 4 - Rules, Regulations and Standards for the Inspection of Motorcycles, Motor Scooters and Other Motor-Driven Cycles
Section 280-RICR-30-15-4.5 - Brakes and Brake Lining Material
Current through September 18, 2024
A. Every motorcycle, motor scooter or motor-driven cycle must be equipped with at least one (1) rear brake, which may be operated by hand or foot, and which is adequate to control and stop the vehicle within forty (40) feet from a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour or which brake is capable of deceleration at a rate of ten and seven tenths (10.7) feet per second per second. Cycles with brakes on all wheels must be able to stop within thirty (30) feet from a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour, or be capable of deceleration at a rate of thirteen (13) feet per second per second.
B. You can check the stopping distance by using an approved deceleration meter or similar device during the road test.
C. All components of the braking system whose malfunction could reduce braking efficiency should be inspected. The cycle should be specifically checked for worn, missing or defective pins; broken or missing springs; rods, clevises, or couplings; misaligned anchor pins; worn cables; frozen, rusted or inoperative connections; missing spring clips; improper wheel bearing adjustment; or defective grease retainers. Visually check brake pedal shaft and bearings for wear and misalignment. All brakes on the cycle must be in good working order. It is not mandatory to pull a wheel on a cycle; however, the wheel may be pulled to further examine the brakes and/or brake lining material. The brake lining material must be at least 1/64th of an inch above any metal.
D. Do not approve any cycle if the braking assembly is not sufficiently covered so as to protect the brake lining friction material from road debris and elements of weather that could cause the brake lining material to lose its effectiveness.
E. Every cycle manufactured with more than one brake must have all such brakes in good working order.
F. Cause for rejection:
