Pennsylvania § 4502 - General requirements for braking systems.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 4502 — General requirements for braking systems., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4502. General requirements for braking systems.
(a) Parking brakes.--Every vehicle or combination, except a motorcycle, operated on a highway shall be equipped with a parking brake system adequate to hold the vehicle or combination on any grade on which it is operated, under all conditions of loading, on a surface free of ice or snow. The system shall not be designed to require a continuous or intermittent source of energy for full effectiveness after initial application.
(b) Service brakes.--Every vehicle and combination operated on a highway shall be equipped with a service brake system adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle or combination on any grade on which it is operated, under all conditions of loading, and adequate to meet the braking performance standards established by regulation of the department.
(c) Breakaway systems.--Every combination operated on a highway, the towed vehicle of which is equipped with brakes or which has a gross weight in excess of 3,000 pounds, shall be so equipped that, upon breakaway of the towed vehicle, the towed vehicle shall be stopped and held automatically, and the towing vehicle shall be capable of being stopped and held by use of its own service braking system.
(d) Exceptions.--This section does not apply to towed instruments of husbandry and such items or types of special mobile equipment or commercial implements of husbandry as are specifically exempted from compliance by regulations promulgated by the department.
(Dec. 18, 1992, P.L.1411, No.174, eff. 60 days)
1992 Amendment. Act 174 amended subsec. (d).
Cross References. Section 4502 is referred to in section 3716 of this title.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 4502
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 4502 cover?
Section 4502 ("General requirements for braking systems.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 4502?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 4502" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 4502 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.