Section 305.56. Rear end protection.

 

(1)  Every vehicle, except truck tractors, pole trailers and vehicles engaged in automobile haulaway operations, manufactured after December 31, 1952 which is so constructed that the body or the chassis assembly, if without a body, has a clearance at the rear end of more than 30 inches from the ground when empty, shall be provided with bumpers or devices serving similar purposes which shall be so constructed and located that:

(a) The clearance between the effective bottom of the bumpers or devices and the ground may not exceed 30 inches with the vehicle empty.

(b) The maximum distance between bumpers, or devices, if more than one is used, may not exceed 24 inches.

(c) The maximum transverse distance from the widest part of the vehicle at the rear to the bumper or device may not exceed 18 inches.

(d) The bumper or device shall be located not more than 24 inches forward of the extreme rear of the vehicle.

(2)  Bumpers or other protective devices shall be substantially constructed and firmly attached. No vehicle may be operated with missing, broken or weakened parts so as to render any required protective device ineffective.

(3)  Motor trucks, truck tractors and road tractors constructed and maintained so that the body, chassis or other parts of the motor vehicle provide the rear end protection required by this section shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.

History: Cr. Register, February, 1996, No. 482 , eff. 3-1-96.