Minnesota Administrative Rules

1513.0780 TRAILERS AND SEMI-TRAILERS.

Subpart 1.

Multiple vehicles.

If two or more vehicles are operated in combination, the vehicles must be designed and constructed, and the coupling devices connecting the vehicles must be designed, constructed, and installed, so that when the combination is operated in a straight line on a smooth, level, paved surface, the path of the towed vehicle does not vary more than three inches (80 mm) from the path of the towing vehicle.

Subp. 2.

Emergency braking.

A trailer or semi-trailer must be equipped with an emergency braking system to be activated in the event of separation from the towing vehicle.

Subp. 3.

Tow-bar; safety chain or cable.

A trailer must be equipped with a tow-bar and means of attaching the tow-bar to the towed and towing vehicles. The tow-bar and means of attachment must be structurally adequate, properly and securely mounted, provide for adequate articulation, and be provided with a locking device to prevent accidental separation of the towed and towing vehicles.

One or more safety devices such as safety chains or safety cables must also be properly installed to prevent the towed vehicle from breaking loose in the event of tow-bar failure or disconnection.

Subp. 4.

Fifth-wheel assembly.

If a fifth-wheel assembly is employed for towing a semi-trailer, the lower half of the assembly must be properly and securely attached to the frame of the towing vehicle. The upper half of the assembly must be fastened to the towed vehicle in a manner providing at least the same security required for installation of the lower half. A fifth-wheel assembly must have a positive locking mechanism which applies automatically on coupling and which prevents separation of the upper and lower halves except by activation of a manual release.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18C.121

History:

21 SR 277

Published Electronically:

September 10, 2007