Performance ability of brakes
La. R.S. 32:342
in effect32:342. Performance ability of brakes
A. Every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service (foot) brake, 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 in a stop from not more than 20 miles per hour at not less than the feet per second tabulated herein for its classification; and
(3) Stopping from a speed of 20 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.
B. Test for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one per cent grade), smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.
CLASSIFICATION TABLE FOR APPLICATION
Classification of vehicles
and combinations | Braking force as a
percentage of gross
vehicle or combination
wt. | Deceleration in feet
per second | Brake system
application and
braking distance in
feet per second
I | II | III | IV
(1) Passenger vehicles, not
including buses (2) Single-unit vehicles with a
manufacturer's
gross weight rating
of less than 10,000
pounds (3) Single-unit, 2 axle vehicles with a
manufacturer's
gross vehicle weight
rating of 10,000 lbs.
or more, and buses
not having a
manufacturer's
gross vehicle weight
rating (4) All other vehicles and combinations
with a manufac-
turer's gross vehicle
weight rating of
10,000 or more lbs. | 52.8% 43.5% 43.5% 43.5% | 17 14 14 14 | 25 30 40 50
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 2014, No. 438, §1.
Source: Louisiana State Legislature (legis.la.gov)URL: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88278Fetched: 10/20/2026