BRAKING REQUIREMENTS
2.1 EXISTING trailers capable of travelling at speeds of UP TO 40Km/hr with a Gross Vehicle Weight greater than 5,000Kg must have the following:
- Service Brakes with a minimum 25% efficiency
- Parking Brakes with a minimum 16% efficiency
- A breakaway brake with a minimum 13.5% efficiency
OR
a safety chain (or wire rope) of appropriate strength
2.2 EXISTING trailers capable of travelling at speeds of OVER 40Km/hr with a Gross Vehicle Weight greater than 3,500Kg must have the following:
- Service Brakes with a minimum 45% efficiency. (These don’t have to be air!)
- Parking Brakes with a minimum 16% efficiency
- A breakaway brake with a minimum 13.5% efficiency
IMPORTANT: A safety chain or rope is not acceptable on existing trailers doing speeds over 40Km/hr.
2.3 NEW trailers manufactured after January 1st 2016 capable of travelling at speeds of up to 40Km/hr with a Gross Vehicle Weight greater than 5,000Kg must have the following:
- Service Brakes with minimum 25% efficiency.
- Parking Brakes with a minimum 16% efficiency.
- A breakaway brake with a minimum 13.5% efficiency.
IMPORTANT: A safety chain is not acceptable on any trailer manufactured after 1st January 2016
2.4 NEW trailers manufactured after January 1st 2016 and capable of travelling at speeds of over 40Km/hr with a Gross Vehicle Weight greater than 3,500 Kg must have the following:
- Service Brakes with minimum 45% efficiency.
- Parking Brake with a minimum 16% efficiency.
- A breakaway brake with a minimum 13.5% efficiency.
IMPORTANT: There trailers must be fitted with air brakes that incorporate load sensing. Automatic slack adjusters are also required.
2.5 NEW trailers manufactured after January 1st 2016 and capable of travelling at speeds of over 60Km/hr must be fitted with ABS (anti-lock braking system).
Other Links
- 2016 Lighting Regulations
- 2016 Weights & Dimensions Regulations
- 2016 Braking Requirements
- 2016 Plating Requirements