§ 70.051. EFFICIENT BRAKES REQUIRED.

(A) Every motor vehicle, when operated upon the streets, shall at all times be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and to hold the vehicle, including two separate means of applying the brakes, each of which means shall be effective to apply the brakes to at least two wheels and so constructed that no part which is liable to failure shall be common to the two, except that a motorcycle need be equipped with only one brake. Every motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer equipped with four or more wheel brakes must show braking force on each of the four or more wheels. Every motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer equipped with two wheel brakes must show braking force on each of the two wheels. All such brakes shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable on the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle, and the braking effort of one wheel shall not exceed the braking effort of the opposite wheel on the same axle by more than 25%. The brakes on all wheels must reach their maximum retarding effort at the same time. When brakes are fully applied, there shall be not less than one inch of pedal reserve, which is the distance between the pedal and floorboard or stop.

(B) All such brakes shall be maintained in good working order at all times and at all times be so adjusted that when the vehicle, except commercial motor vehicles exceeding 7,000 pounds gross weight, is being driven on a level highway, the pavement of which is dry and free from loose material, at a rate of speed of ten miles per hour, the vehicle if equipped with two wheel brakes can be brought to a stop within nine feet, and if equipped with four wheel brakes can be brought to a stop within five feet; when driven at a rate of speed of 15 miles per hour, if equipped with two wheel brakes can be brought to a stop within 22 feet and if equipped with four wheel brakes can be brought to a stop within 12 feet; when driven at a rate of speed of 20 miles per hour, if equipped with two wheel brakes can be brought to a stop within 39 feet and if equipped with four wheel brakes can be brought to a stop within 21 feet; and when driven at a rate of speed of 25 miles per hour, if equipped with two wheel brakes can be brought to a stop within 60 feet and if equipped with four wheel brakes can be brought to a stop within 32 feet. The brakes on all commercial motor vehicles exceeding 7,000 pounds gross weight shall be maintained in good working order at all times and at all times shall be so adjusted that when the vehicle is being driven on a level highway, the pavement of which is dry and free from loose material, at a rate of speed of 20 miles per hour, the vehicle can be brought to a stop within 50 feet with the service and emergency brakes applied simultaneously, and can be brought to a stop within 75 feet with the service and emergency brakes applied separately.

(‘63 Code, § 10-6-8) (Ord. 98-27, passed 7-20-98) Penalty, see § 10.99