(a) 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 such vehicle, including two separate means of applying the brakes, 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.
(b) Every motorcycle and bicycle with motor attached, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with at least one brake that may be operated by hand or foot.
(c) 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 such vehicle, and so designed as to be applied by the driver of the towing motor vehicle from its cab; and such brakes shall be so designed and connected that, in case of an accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle, the brakes shall be automatically applied. An exception is made that such brakes are not required on any trailer of a gross weight of less than 3,000 pounds if such gross weight does not exceed 50 percent or more of the weight of the towing vehicle.
(d) Every new motor vehicle except a motorcycle or motor scooter sold in the city and operated upon the highways thereof shall be equipped with service brakes upon all wheels of every such vehicle.
(e) In any combination of motor-drawn vehicles, means shall be provided for applying the rearmost trailer brakes, of any trailer equipped with brakes, in approximate synchronism with the brakes on the towing vehicle and developing the required braking effort on the rearmost wheels at the fastest rate; or means shall be provided for applying braking effort first on the rearmost trailer wheels equipped with brakes; or both of the above means capable of being used alternatively may be employed.
(f) One of the means of brake operation shall consist of a mechanical connection from the operating lever to the brake shoes or hands, and this brake shall be capable of holding the vehicle, or combination of vehicles, stationary under any condition of loading on any upgrade or downgrade upon which it is operated.
(g) The brake shoes operating within or upon the drums on the vehicle wheels of any motor vehicle may be used for both service and hand operation.
(Sec. 15-19.24, R.O. 1978 (1983 Ed.)) (1990 Code, Ch. 15, Art. 19, § 15-19.24)