61-9-311. Warning devices. (1) A bus, truck, or truck tractor using compressed air for the operation of its own brakes or the brakes on a towed vehicle must have a warning signal, other than a pressure gauge, readily audible or visible to the driver that will operate at any time the air reservoir pressure of the vehicle is below 60 pounds per square inch. In addition, each vehicle must be equipped with a pressure gauge visible to the driver that indicates in pounds per square inch the pressure available for braking.
(2) A truck tractor, truck used for towing a vehicle equipped with vacuum operated brakes, or a truck with three or more axles using vacuum in the operation of its brakes, except those in driveaway or towaway operations, must be equipped with a warning signal, other than a gauge indicating vacuum, readily audible or visible to the driver that will operate at any time the vacuum in the vehicle's supply reservoir or reserve capacity is less than 8 inches of mercury.
(3) When a vehicle required to be equipped with a warning device is equipped with both air and vacuum power for the operation of its own brakes or the brakes on a towed vehicle, the warning devices may be combined into a single device that will serve both purposes. A gauge or gauges indicating pressure or vacuum is not an adequate means of satisfying this requirement.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 139, L. 1965; R.C.M. 1947, 32-21-143.1(j); amd. Sec. 24, Ch. 431, L. 1997.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
61-9-301. Brake equipment required
61-9-302. Service brakes -- adequacy
61-9-303. Parking brakes -- adequacy
61-9-304. Brakes required on all wheels -- exceptions
61-9-305. Automatic trailer brake application upon breakaway
61-9-306. Tractor brakes protected
61-9-307. Trailer air reservoirs safeguarded
61-9-308. Two means of emergency brake operation
61-9-309. Single control to operate all brakes
61-9-310. Reservoir capacity and check valve
61-9-311. Warning devices
61-9-312. Performance ability of brakes
61-9-313. Maintenance of brakes
61-9-314. Hydraulic brake fluid
61-9-315. Brakes on motor-driven cycles