South Carolina § 56-5-4860 - Performance ability of brakes; tests for deceleration and stopping distances.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-4860 — Performance ability of brakes; tests for deceleration and stopping distances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56-5-4860. Performance ability of brakes; tests for deceleration and stopping distances.
Every motor vehicle and combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service brake, shall be capable of:
(a) Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated herein for its classification,
(b) Decelerating to a stop from not more than twenty miles per hour at not less than the feet per second tabulated herein for its classification, and
(c) Stopping from a speed of twenty miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated herein for its classification, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or controls begins.
Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one per cent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.
| Classificationof Vehicles | Braking force at a percentage of gross vehicle or combination weight | Deceleration in feetper second | Brake System application and braking distance in feet from an initial speed of 20 m.p.h. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of ten people or less including driver, not having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating | 52.8% | 17 | 25 |
| (B-1) | All motorcycles and motor-driven cycles | 43.5% | 14 | 30 |
| (B-2) | Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less | 43.5% | 14 | 30 |
| (C-1) | Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds | 43.5% | 14 | 40 |
| (C-2) | Combination of a two-axle towing vehicle and a trailer with a gross trailer weight of 3,000 pounds or less | 43.5% | 14 | 40 |
| (C-3) | Buses, regardless of the number of axles, not having a manufacturer's gross weight rating | 43.5% | 14 | 40 |
| (C-4) | All combinations of vehicles in driveaway-towaway operations | 43.5% | 14 | 40 |
| (D) | All other vehicles and combinations of vehicles | 43.5% | 14 | 50 |
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 46-562; 1952 Code SECTION 46-562; 1949 (46) 466; 1964 (53) 2127.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 56-5-4860
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-4860 cover?
Section 56-5-4860 ("Performance ability of brakes; tests for deceleration and stopping distances.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. 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 South Carolina § 56-5-4860?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-4860" (South Carolina). 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 South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 56-5-4860 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina 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 South Carolina.