Tex.
Transp. Code Section 547.408
Performance Requirements for Brakes
(a)
A motor vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be equipped with service brakes capable of:(1)
developing a braking force that is not less than:(A)
52.8 percent of the gross weight of the vehicle for a passenger vehicle; or(B)
43.5 percent of the gross weight of the vehicle for a vehicle other than a passenger vehicle;(2)
decelerating to a stop from 20 miles per hour or less at not less than:(A)
17 feet per second per second for a passenger vehicle; or(B)
14 feet per second per second for other vehicles; and(3)
stopping from a speed of 20 miles per hour in a distance, measured from the location where the service brake pedal or control is activated, of not more than:(A)
25 feet for a passenger vehicle;(B)
30 feet for a motorcycle, moped, or single unit vehicle with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less;(C)
40 feet for:(i)
a single unit vehicle with a manufacturer’s gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds;(ii)
a two-axle towing vehicle and trailer combination with a weight of 3,000 pounds or less;(iii)
a bus that does not have a manufacturer’s gross weight rating; and(iv)
the combination of vehicles in an operation exempted by Section 547.407 (Brake Warning Devices Required)(b); and(D)
50 feet for other vehicles.(b)
A test for deceleration or stopping distance shall be performed on a dry, smooth, hard surface that:(1)
is free of loose material; and(2)
does not exceed plus or minus one percent grade.(c)
In this section, “passenger vehicle” means a vehicle that has a maximum seating capacity of 10 persons, including the operator, and that does not have a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating.
Source:
Section 547.408 — Performance Requirements for Brakes, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.547.htm#547.408 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).
