DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Colorado State Patrol USE OF SURGE BRAKES 8 CCR 1507-18 [Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.] _________________________________________________________________________ AUTHORITY TO ADOPT RULES RELATING TO THE USE OF SURGE BRAKES The Colorado Department of Public Safety is authorized by the provisions of §42-4-223(2.5), CRS to adopt rules relating to the use of surge brakes on trailers in Colorado.

I. APPLICABILITY A. These rules shall apply to any individual who operates a trailer equipped with surge brakes except as follows:

1. 1. Commercial vehicles, involved in interstate commerce, as defined in Title 49, Part 390.5, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), are subject to the brake regulations in 49 CFR, Part 393, Subpart C.
2. 2. Commercial vehicles, involved in intrastate commerce, as defined in §42-4-235(l)(a), are subject to the rules adopted pursuant to §42-4-235(4), CRS.
3. 3. Trailers not required to be equipped with brakes pursuant to §42-4-223(l)(d), CRS.

II. DEFINITIONS A. Surge brakes - a system whereby the brakes of a trailer are actuated as a result of the forward pressure of the trailer against the tow vehicle during deceleration [§42-4-102(102.5), CRS]. Trailer - for purposes of these rules the term “trailer” shall also include “semi-trailer,” “utility trailer,” “camper trailer,” and “trailer coach” as defined in §42-1-102, CRS.

III. RULES A. Surge brakes may be used on trailers provided they meet all of the following criteria:

1. 1. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer does not exceed 10,000 pounds.
2. 2. The actual gross weight of the trailer does not exceed the GVWR.
3. 3. The GVWR of the trailer(s) cannot exceed 1 1/2 times the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
4. 4. Brakes must be so designed and connected that in case of an accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle the brakes shall be automatically applied.
5. 5. Brakes must apply to all wheels of the trailer.

Code of Colorado Regulations 1

1. 6. Performance ability - the brakes on the vehicle combination shall be adequate to stop such vehicle when traveling twenty miles per hour within a distance of forty feet when upon dry asphalt or concrete pavement surface free from loose material where the grade does not exceed one percent.
   1. a) The braking distance specified shall apply whether such vehicle is not loaded or loaded to its maximum capacity.
   2. b) All surge brake systems shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as possible with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle.

All publications and rules adopted and incorporated by reference in these regulations are on file and available for public inspection by contacting the officer in charge of the Motor Carrier Safety Section, Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of State Patrol, 710 Kipling Street, Suite 309, Denver, Colorado. To the extent that any material is incorporated by reference herein, it may be examined at any publication depository library. This rule does not include later amendments to or additions of any materials incorporated by reference.

_________________________________________________________________________ Editor’s Notes History Code of Colorado Regulations 2