Section 305.51. Brakes on heavy trucks, trailers and semitrailers.

 

(1)  The brake system on every heavy truck, trailer or semitrailer required by s. 347.35 (3) , Stats., to have brakes shall be maintained in proper working condition and in conformity with this section.

(2)  Every heavy truck, semitrailer or trailer over 10,000 pounds gross weight and required to have brakes shall have braking ability on every wheel, except as exempted by s. Trans 327.03 (4) or other applicable law.

(3)  No person may operate any heavy truck, trailer or semitrailer upon a highway if:

(a) The vehicle stops with obvious side pull when brakes are applied;

(b) The brake lining, pads, drums or rotors on any wheel are worn below the manufacturer's recommended minimum operating level;

(c) Any part of the brake system is missing, broken or disconnected;

(d) The cables are frayed or hoses are abraded, damaged, deteriorated or leaking; or

(e) There is visual evidence of leakage of grease, oil or brake fluid that may have contaminated the braking surface.

(4)  This section does not apply to any trailer or semi-trailer when its actual gross weight is less than 3,000 pounds, or to farm trailers.

History: Cr. Register, February, 1996, No. 482 , eff. 3-1-96; am. (1) to (3) (intro.), Register, October, 1997, No. 502 , eff. 11-1-97.

Note

Ch. Trans 308 establishes requirements as to the design, type and performance standards of brakes required by s. 347.35 (3) , Stats., on trailers and semitrailers. Section 347.36 , Stats., also establishes minimum performance standards for brakes on combinations of vehicles. Microsoft Windows NT 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1