(A) Brakes required:
(1) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle, including two separate means of applying the brake, each of which means shall be effective to apply the brakes to at least two wheels. If these two separate means of applying the brakes are connected, in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part of the operating mechanism shall not leave the motor vehicle without brakes on at least two wheels.
(2) Every motorcycle and bicycle with motor attached, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with at least one brake which may be operated by hand or foot.
(3) Every trailer or semi-trailer of a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and to hold the vehicle and so designed as to be applied by the driver of the towing motor vehicle from its cab, and the brakes shall be so designed and connected that in case of an accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle, the brakes shall be automatically applied.
(B) Performance ability of brakes.
(1) The service brakes upon any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles operating on a level surface shall be adequate to stop the vehicle or vehicles when traveling 20 mph within a distance of 30 feet when upon dry asphalt or concrete pavement surface free from loose material.
(2) Under the above conditions, the hand or alternate brake shall be adequate to stop the vehicle or vehicles within a distance of 55 feet and the hand or alternate brake shall be adequate to hold the vehicle or vehicles stationary on any grade upon which operated.
(3) Under the above conditions, the service brakes upon a motor vehicle equipped with two-wheel brakes only and when permitted hereunder shall be adequate to stop the vehicle within a distance of 40 feet and the hand brake adequate to stop the vehicle within a distance of 55 feet.
(4) All braking distances specified in this division shall apply to all vehicles mentioned, whether the vehicles are not loaded or are loaded to the maximum capacity permitted by law.
(5) All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle.
(Prior Code, § 6-7-3) Penalty, see § 74.99