Texas Statutes
Subchapter I. Provisions Relating to Brake Requirements on Vehicles
Section 547.408. Performance Requirements for Brakes

Sec. 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(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.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (H.B. 3171), Sec. 2.13, eff. September 1, 2019.