2016 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation
RS 32:342 - Performance ability of brakes

§342. Performance ability of brakes

A. Every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service (foot) brake, shall be capable of:

(1) Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated herein for its classification;

(2) Decelerating in a stop from not more than 20 miles per hour at not less than the feet per second tabulated herein for its classification; and

(3) Stopping from a speed of 20 miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated herein for its classification, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or control begins.

B. Test for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one per cent grade), smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.

CLASSIFICATION TABLE FOR APPLICATION

Classification of vehicles and combinations	Braking force as a percentage of gross vehicle or combination wt.	Deceleration in feet per second	Brake system application and braking distance in feet per second
I	II	III	IV
(1) Passenger vehicles, not including buses (2) Single-unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds (3) Single-unit, 2 axle vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicles weight rating of 10,000 lbs. or more, and buses not having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (4) All other vehicles and combinations with a manufac- turer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 or more lbs.	52.8% 43.5% 43.5% 43.5%	17 14 14 14	25 30 40 50

Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 2014, No. 438, §1.