NHTSA Issues Tougher Brake Rules for Truck Tractors

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule aimed at improving the stopping distance for large trucks by 30%. The tougher requirements were first proposed in 2005 and will now be phased-in over a four year period beginning in model year 2012.  

The rule applies only to truck tractors and does not include single-unit trucks, trailers or buses. Under the new performance standard, a tractor trailer traveling at 60 mph must come to a complete stop in 250 feet rather than the old standard’s 355 feet. Manufacturers should have several alternatives for achieving compliance, including installation of enhanced drum brakes, air disc brakes or hybrid disc/drum systems. View a copy of the final rule.