Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › Subtitle 14 - MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION-VEHICLE INSPECTIONS › Chapter 11.14.09 - Safety Standards for Low Speed Vehicles › Section 11.14.09.05 - Brakes

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Hydraulic
				System.
(1) Tests and Visual Inspection
				Procedures. Results will indicate whether or not a vehicle has reasonably safe
				brakes at the time of inspection. These procedures are applicable to vehicles
				equipped with hand controls for the physically handicapped. If equipped with
				power assisted hydraulic brakes, system shall be functioning as designed.
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(a) Hydraulic System Leakage Test. While the vehicle is
						  stopped, depress brake pedal under moderate foot force. The pedal height shall
						  remain constant for 1 minute.
(a) Brake pedal height cannot be maintained for 1
						  minute.
(b) Pedal Reserve Test. While the vehicle is stopped,
						  depress brake pedal under moderate foot force.
(b) Less than 1/3 of the total available pedal travel
						  remains.
(2)
				All four wheels shall be removed for brake inspection. Do not remove wheel
				cylinder dust boots for inspection. Leakage can be determined by pushing on the
				outside of the boot.
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(a) Hydraulic System. Visually inspect condition of
						  hydraulic system.
(i) Inspect wheel cylinders and calipers for
						  leakage and operation. Do not pry or remove dust boot.
(ii)
						  Inspect hydraulic hoses for leaks, cracks, knots, bubbles, chafing, flattened
						  or restricted sections, improper support, and improper material. Proper
						  inspection of rubber brake hoses would be to gently flex the hose to determine
						  if there are cracks. (iii) Inspect brake lines for leaks, flattened or
						  restricted sections, improper support, rusting causing pitting, and improper
						  material and connections. Any repairs must meet or exceed manufacturer's
						  standards. (iv) Inspect master cylinder for leakage and fluid level of all
						  sections of reservoir. Be sure no dirt gets into reservoir when cover is
						  removed and the gasket is serviceable.
(a) (i) Wheel cylinder or caliper leaks or fails to
						  operate. (ii) Hoses are leaking, chafed, flattened, restricted, contain knots
						  or bubbles, or are improperly supported. Cracked brake hoses if the second
						  layer, that is the cord layer, is cut or exposed. (iii) Brake lines are
						  leaking, flattened, restricted, or rusted and pitting is visible, improperly
						  supported, or lines have been repaired or replaced with copper tubing or other
						  material not designed for hydraulic brake lines. (iv) There are improper
						  connections, for example, compression fittings in the brake lines. Hoses or
						  brake lines are mounted to allow contact with wheel, tire, or body during
						  steering or suspension movement. (v) Master cylinder leaks. (vi) Fluid level in
						  any section of master cylinder reservoir is below the manufacturer's minimum
						  specification, or is less than 1/2 full when no minimum is specified. (vii) The
						  gasket does not properly seal master cylinder.
(b) Dual Hydraulic Circuits-In addition to the above, if
						  vehicle is equipped with a brake warning light:
(i) Follow the
						  manufacturer's testing procedure for operation of light; and
(ii)
						  With power key switch on, apply moderate foot force to brake pedal and observe
						  light.
(b)
(i) Brake warning light fails to
						  function as designed by vehicle manufacturer, or lights indicating a
						  malfunction. (ii) Light comes on when brake pedal is depressed.