The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has amended federal safety regulations 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.
The action is in response to a petition for rulemaking from the Surge Brake Coalition. The final rule takes effect April 5. For a copy of the rulemaking, go to http://dms.dot.gov and search Docket No. 21323.
