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Table of Contents » New Colton Office » February Picture Contest Winner » Keeping Emotions in Check While Driving » FMCSA Issues Final Rule On Surge Brake Requirements » ATA Study: Flexibility Needed Within Driver Work and Rest Rules FMCSA Issues Final Rule On Surge Brake Requirements 
The FMCSA has issued a final rule to allow the use of automatic hydraulic inertia brake systems (surge brakes) on trailers when the ratios of gross vehicle weight ratings for the towing-vehicle and trailer are within certain limits. 72 Federal Register 9855 (March 6, 2007).
A surge brake is a self-contained permanently closed hydraulic brake system activated in response to the braking action of the towing vehicle. The amount of braking force developed by the trailer surge-brake system is proportional to the ratio of the towing vehicle to trailer weight and deceleration rate of the towing vehicle. The new rule becomes effective April 5, 2007. Return to table of contents |