Texas House Bill HB3651

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to exempting certain trailers from being equipped with emergency brakes.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3651 could have significant implications for transportation safety regulations across Texas. By exempting certain trailers from the emergency brake requirement, lawmakers aim to streamline regulations where they believe safety is adequately ensured through other means, such as existing brake requirements for heavier vehicles. This could potentially reduce costs for trailer manufacturers and operators, who will not need to equip eligible trailers with emergency brakes, thereby reducing compliance burdens.

Summary

House Bill 3651 addresses specific provisions in the Texas Transportation Code by exempting certain trailers from being equipped with emergency brakes. The bill amends Section 547.405(d) of the Transportation Code, which outlines the brake requirements for various types of trailers. The change in this bill specifically affects trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers that have a gross weight exceeding 4,500 pounds and are equipped with air or vacuum brakes, clarifying the conditions under which emergency brake requirements apply.

Contention

While the bill received unanimous support during the voting process, the potential implications of exempting certain trailers from emergency brake requirements could be a point of contention. Critics might argue that removing these requirements raises safety concerns, particularly for lighter trailers that could pose risks if disconnected from towing vehicles. The bill's impact on traffic safety might lead to debates about whether the exemptions could increase the risk of accidents involving trailers lacking emergency brake systems.