Washington § 46.37.351 - Performance ability of brakes.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.351 — Performance ability of brakes., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.37.351. Performance ability of brakes.

Every motor vehicle and combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service brakes, shall be capable of:
(1) Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated herein for its classification,
(2) Decelerating to a stop from not more than twenty miles per hour at not less than the feet per second per second tabulated herein for its classification, and
(3) 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 control begins.
Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one percent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.
Classification
of vehicles
 
Braking
force
as a
percent-
age of gross
vehicle or
combination
weight
Deceler-
ation in
feet per
second
per
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
10 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
Combinations 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
[ 1963 c 154 s 22.]

Notes

Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.37.351

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.351 cover?

Section 46.37.351 ("Performance ability of brakes.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. 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 Washington § 46.37.351?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.351" (Washington). 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 Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 46.37.351 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington 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 Washington.