Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

Service brake

1. A heavy vehicle does not have a service brake.

2. A heavy vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990 does not have a service brake that is designed to act on each wheel.

3. A vehicle of class NB or NC listed in Table 8-1-2 is not fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Parking brake

4. A heavy vehicle does not have a parking brake.

5. A parking brake of a heavy vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990 acts on less than 40% of the wheels.

6. The parking brake of a heavy vehicle or combination of vehicles cannot be applied by the driver from the normal driving position using one control only.

7. A class NB or NC vehicle fitted with a transmission/Cardan shaft park brake does not have a warning label, visible to the driver, advising that a transmission/Cardan shaft park brake is fitted to this vehicle (see Figure 8-1-6).

7. (From 27 February 2020) If requested by a vehicle inspector, a 4085D Operator statement of compliance with maintenance requirements for parking brake assemblies form is:

a) not presented, or

b) not complete, or

c) not current.

(see also technical bulletin (CoF) 9 Park brake inspection and 4085D requirements for guidance)

Emergency brake

8. A heavy vehicle does not have an emergency brake.

9. The emergency brake of a heavy vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 November 1990 that is combined with the service brake or with a parking brake that acts on the transmission does not meet the requirements of Table 8-1-3.

Hoses and other flexible tubing

10. A hose or other flexible tubing forming part of a compressed air or vacuum line does not comply with at least one of the standards in Table 8-1-4 (Note 2).

Compressed air brake systems

11. A heavy vehicle that is fitted with an air brake or a brake that is operated with the assistance of compressed air is not equipped with an air pressure gauge that indicates the pressure in a brake reservoir (Note 3).

12. The service brake circuit of an air-braked class NB or NC vehicle are not fitted with a low-pressure warning device visible and /or audible from the driver’s normal driving position.

13. An air-braked vehicle of class NB or NC listed in Table 8-1-5 does not have towing vehicle protection (Note 4).

14. The air brake of a heavy vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 March 2007 that has a towing connection to tow an air braked trailer (or a tow connection fitted on or after 1 March 2007) is not capable of being connected to the air brake of the trailer by means of a two-line system.

15. A vehicle that is certified to the New Zealand Heavy-vehicle Brake Specification (HVBNZ) does not have:

a) a drain valve fitted to the lowest point of each brake reservoir, specifically, the reservoirs of the service brake and park brake, and including the so-called ‘wet tank’, or

b) a drain valve fitted to an air-brake reservoir or to the reservoir of auxiliary equipment is not capable of being operated by a person standing beside the vehicle, without the need for a pit or hoist, or

c) an automatic drain valve does not have a means of manual operation.

Note Operation of drain valves must not require the use of tools.

Permitted equipment

16. An air-operated device is supplied air from a service brake reservoir (ie not from a separate reservoir) unless:

a) the operation of the device requires only a small amount of compressed air and it is supplied with compressed air by a hose or pipe with an external diameter not exceeding 8mm, or

b) the device is operated only when the vehicle is stationary, or

c) the vehicle manufacturer allows it.

17. An air-operated device is connected to the air brake system without protection (Note 5).

18. A temporary stop brake:

a) cannot be operated from the driver’s normal driving position, or

b) interferes with the safe operation of the service brake or the parking brake of the vehicle, or

c) when it can be deactivated only by the driver, does not have a label permanently attached displaying the words NOT FOR PARKING, or

d) when it can be deactivated by the control system of the vehicle (eg when the engine is switched off), does not have at least one of the following:

19. A retarder or engine brake fitted on or after 1 March 2007 does not have a control that can be operated from the driver’s normal driving position.

20. A trailer - brake hand control does not:

a) apply the service brakes of the trailer(s), or

b) automatically return to its original position.

Prohibited equipment

21. A heavy vehicle has a device fitted that allows the driver to adjust the service brake force distribution between the axles or between the vehicles that are used in combination.

22. A service brake has more than one control (other than a separate trailer hand brake control or a vehicle converted to dual steering)

Condition

23. Refer to general vehicle pages.

24. A brake is not capable of being easily adjusted.

25. An adjustment indicator rod is:

a) missing, or

b) seized.

26. A brake component has excessive travel or stroke (eg as shown by an adjustment indicator rod or similar device).

27. A brake actuator (including a slack adjuster and associated components):

a) is insecure, or

b) is leaking air, or

c) is cracked, or

d) does not operate, or

e) is excessively worn or corroded, or

f) is not seated correctly.

28. A treadle valve, brake valve, reservoir, compressor or fluid pump:

a) is missing, or

b) is insecure, or

c) is cracked, or

d) is leaking air, or

e) does not operate or operates incorrectly, eg due to corrosion, damage,incorrect fitment or excessive travel, or

f) contains excessive amounts of foreign fluids (eg water or oil).

29. A compressor or pump drive belt is:

a) insecure, or

b) damaged, or

c) significantly deteriorated.

30. A brake lining or brake pad:

a) has obviously been replaced on or after 1 March 2007 without all the linings or pads on the axle being replaced at the same time, or

b) is obviously of a different make, type or grade from another on the same axle.

31. A required service brake reservoir air pressure gauge is not readily visible to the driver (day and night) from the driver’s normal driving position (Note 6).

32. An air brake coupling device fitted to a heavy vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 March 2007 or fitted to a vehicle on or after that date:

a) is not robust, durable, or suitable for automotive application, or

b) is unable to prevent the incorrect connection of the control and supply lines, or

c) adversely affects the performance of the brake of either the towing or towed vehicle(s), or

d) does not have an effective break-away function, or

e) the coupling is not fitted as close as practicable to:

i. the centre-line of the vehicle, or

ii. the rear of the towing vehicle, or

iii. the towing connection by which the towed and towing vehicles are connected.

33. A brake pipe (including connections) is:

a) leaking, or

b) insecure, or

c) deformed from its original shape, or

d) chafed, or

e) corrosion damaged, eg there are signs of pitting or a noticeable increase in the pipe’s diameter, or

f) damaged so the cross-sectional area is reduced, or

g) fouled by moving parts.

34. A hose or plastic brake pipe (including connections):

a) is leaking, or

b) is insecure, or

c) bulges under pressure, or

d) is twisted or stretched, or

e) is cracked or chafed, eg the reinforcement cords are exposed, or

f) has metal components that are excessively corroded, or

g) fouled by moving parts.

35. A coiled nylon brake hose (suzie coil) does not have:

a) a straight hose section at the connector that is at least 50mm long, or

b) a spring guard adjacent to the end fittings capable of supporting and protecting the brake hose.

36. An ABS plug or socket (see Figure 8-1-5)

a) is missing, or

b) has damaged, displaced or corroded pins, or

c) is otherwise broken or defective.

• Dismantling of the plug or socket is not required, visual inspection only.

Performance

Service brake (Note 7)

37. The service brake cannot be applied in a controlled and progressive manner.

38. When the service brake is applied and without assistance from the engine or other retarders:

a) the vehicle does not stop within seven metres from a speed of 30km/h (average brake efficiency of 50%) for a vehicle which has a service brake designed to act on at least four wheels, or

b) the vehicle does not stop within nine metres from a speed of 30km/h (average brake efficiency of 40%) for a vehicle first registered in New Zealand before 1 February 1977 which has a service brake designed to act on fewer than four wheels, or

c) the vehicle does not stop within 20m from a speed of 30 km/h (average braking efficiency of 18%) or equivalent efficiency at its maximum speed for a vehicle manufactured before 31 December 1918 and not capable of exceeding a speed of 30km/h.

39. When the service brake is applied:

a) the vehicle vibrates under braking to the extent that the control of the vehicle is adversely affected, or

b) the brake fails to release immediately after the brake pedal has been released, or

c) the directional control is affected (eg swerving to one side, or the brakes on one side apply more slowly than the other side), or

d) the brake balance, at any time above the threshold value, varies by more than 30% between wheels on a common axle.

40. The ABS or brake system warning lamp or self-check system, if fitted, indicates a defect in the ABS or brake system (does not apply to brake pad wear warning systems).

41. An ABS system is inoperative (Note 11).

Parking brake (Note 7)

42. When the parking brake is applied:

a) the vehicle does not stop within 18 m from a speed of 30 km/h (average brake efficiency of 20%), or

b) a vehicle fitted with a transmission/Cardan shaft park brake does not meet the minimum brake force required for its GVM (see Table 8-1-9 for brake force requirements)

c) it does not hold all the wheels on a common axle stationary against attempts to drive the vehicle away.

43. The parking brake is unusually difficult to apply or release.

Compressed air brake systems

44. Reservoir capacity: With the air pressure in the braking system at its maximum operational pressure as specified by the vehicle or brake manufacturer and the compressor stopped, the reserve of compressed air does not provide:

a) for a combination of heavy vehicles equipped with a towing vehicle protection valve (tractor protection valve) on the towing vehicle and an emergency or a breakaway valve on the trailer(s):

i. three full service brake applications with full release of the brakes before the low-pressure warning device operates, or before the emergency valve operates, and

ii. two full applications with full release of the brakes after the low-pressure warning device operates, or

b) For a single class NB or NC vehicle that complies with a Australian Design Rule 35 or European brake standard:

i. three full service brake applications, with full release of the brakes after each application, before the low-pressure warning device operates, and

ii. two full applications, with full release of the brakes, after the low-pressure warning device operates, or

c) For all other vehicles:

i. five full service brake applications, with full release of the brakes after each application, before the low-pressure warning device operates, and

ii. two full applications, with full release of the brakes, after the low-pressure warning device operates.

45. Compressor capacity: At the maximum governed speed, or where the engine is not governed at a speed determined by the vehicle inspector, the compressor is not capable of raising the air pressure in the braking system to the maximum operating pressure specified by the vehicle or brake manufacturer, in the following times:

a) in not more than three minutes, starting from the pressure at which:

i. the low pressure warning device ceases to operate, or:

ii. the pressure at which the emergency brake operates, and

b) in not more than 90 seconds, starting from the pressure to which the brake system falls from the maximum specified operating pressure as a result of fully applying and releasing the service brakes:

i. five times for a single class NB or NC vehicle, or a heavy vehicle combination without a towing vehicle protection valve (tractor protection valve) and an emergency or breakaway valve on the trailer(s), or

ii. three times for heavy vehicle combinations with a towing vehicle protection valve (tractor protection valve) and an emergency or breakaway valve on the trailer(s).

46. A service brake reservoir air-pressure gauge does not operate correctly.

47. A required low-pressure warning device does not give a continuous signal, visible or audible, that clearly indicates to the driver when the pressure in any of the service brake circuits is below the minimum safe operating pressure unless the parking brake is fully applied or an automatic transmission is in the ‘park’ position (Note 8).

48. A required towing vehicle protection valve does not operate.

49. A required drain valve cannot be operated manually.

• Operation of drain valves must not require the use of tools.

50. A class NB or NC vehicle has more than one air service brake circuit and there is no protection between those circuits (Note 9).

51. On a vehicle that is certified to the New Zealand Heavy-vehicle Brake Specification (HVBNZ) the simultaneous application of the service brake and the spring parking brake results in the compounding of the two individual brake forces on that axle.

Modification and certification.

52. A vehicle in Table 8-1-6:

a) has not been certified as required by that table, or

b) has been modified so that recertification is required.

53. A modification that affects the brake system has not been inspected and certified by a heavy vehicle specialist certifier, unless the vehicle:

a) is exempted from the requirement for heavy vehicle specialist certification (Table 8-1-7), and

b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.

Note 1 Definitions

Air brake means a brake, the operation of which requires the use of compressed air.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) means a device that senses that one or more of the wheels is starting to lock-up during braking and regulates the braking forces automatically and effectively to prevent it.

Auxiliary brake means a device, other than a service brake or parking brake, fitted to a vehicle to enable the driver to control its speed, whether or not it is suitable to stop the vehicle.

Dedicated combination means a combination of vehicles certified for use in combination where both vehicles are affixed with a plate clearly and indelibly marked with the VIN or chassis number of the other vehicle.

Emergency brake in relation to any vehicle, or combination of vehicles, means the system that makes it possible to undertake a controlled stop of the vehicle or combination in the event of the failure of the service brake. (Emergency brakes must act as directly as practicable without any interposition of any differential gearing.)

Foundation brake means the basic brake assembly fitted to each axle or road wheel which produces the braking force necessary to bring a vehicle to a stop; and includes the complete drum or disc brake.

Hydraulic brake means a brake that utilises hydraulic pressure to activate the foundation brake, whether its operation is assisted by compressed air, vacuum or any other means.

Modify means to change the vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing any structure, system, component or equipment; but does not include repair.

Parking brake means a brake that is designed for keeping the vehicle stationary, and that is readily applicable and capable of remaining applied for an indefinite period without further attention. (Hydraulic locking devices are not acceptable as parking brakes. The parking brake must be applied by solely mechanical means.)

Repair means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment; and includes the replacement of damaged or worn structures, systems, components or equipment with equivalent undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.

Reservoir for the purpose of the Heavy-vehicle Brakes Rule, means a device designed and constructed to store fluid, compressed air, compressed gas, or vacuum; and does not include pipes, valves, hoses, or booster cylinders operated by vacuum or compressed air.

Service brake means a brake for intermittent use that is designed for the purpose of slowing down and stopping the vehicle.

Trailer brake hand control means a hand-operated control capable of applying the service brake of the trailer or trailers.

Wheel means a rotating load-carrying member between the tyre and the hub, which usually consists of two major parts, the rim and the wheel disc, which may be manufactured as one part, or permanently attached to each other, or detachable from each other; and includes the tyre fitted to the rim.

Note 2

For in-service inspections standards compliance must be verified when there is reason to believe a hose or flexible tubing does not comply or when it forms part of a brake modification or repair.

Note 3

A vehicle may be fitted with more than one gauge, but only one gauge that indicates the pressure in one service brake reservoir is necessary. A gauge fitted to a supply reservoir (wet tank) cannot be used to indicate the pressure in a service brake reservoir.

Note 4

Towing vehicle protection means a means by which the air brake system of a towing vehicle is protected from loss of air pressure in the event of failure of the trailer’s brake system, or when the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle.

Note 5

Protection, in this case, means a system to prevent the operation or failure of the device lowering the pressure in any service brake reservoir below the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer or, if this information is not available, two-thirds of the maximum operational pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer. (Air auxiliaries have to be inspected at Entry certification however they do not have to be tested for in-service inspection provided:

• they have been fitted as standard equipment by the vehicle manufacturer or their approved New Zealand agent, or
• they are connected to an auxiliary take-off point provided by the vehicle manufacturer).

Note 6

A pressure gauge must indicate the pressure in pressure units, or on a coloured scale, or in an equivalent way. The gauge display must be visible, though it may be multi-functional, ie have the ability to display various items including the air pressure.

Note 7

For the purpose of testing the brakes, the vehicle shall be presented with a load of at least 65% of the road legal limit, or be subject to equivalent load simulation (refer to the NZ heavy vehicle brake test protocol).

Note 8

Where the minimum safe operating pressure is not specified by the vehicle or brake manufacturer, the minimum safe operating pressure is taken as 50% of the correctly adjusted cut-out pressure for the compressor or governor.

Note 9

Protection, in this case, means a system to prevent a brake failure that lowers the pressure in one service brake circuit below the minimum safe operating pressure from lowering the pressure in any other service brake circuit below the minimum safe operating pressure or pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer or brake manufacturer.

Note 10

A supply reservoir (wet tank) is a brake reservoir from which the service brake reservoirs receive compressed air.

Note 11

The ABS system must be cycled, this can be done by shutting down the vehicle engine and returning the ignition to 'on' only, observe ABS warning light operation and listen for a clicking or chuffing sound from the modulator or valve unit.

Check wheel sensors and pulse rings (if visible) and for trapped wiring or damaged air lines.

Table 8-1-2. Class NB and NC vehicles that must be fitted with an anti-lock braking system¹

¹ The OE fitting of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) indicates that it was probably required by the standard. The removal of an ABS is a modification and must be HVS certified.

² GM means gross mass (see definitions in the Introduction)

³ A vehicle that complies with European standards is identified as HVBE on the Certificate of Loading. Refer to Table 3-1-2-1 of the LATIS agent's manual.

Table 8-1-3. Emergency brake requirements for class NB and NC vehicles

¹ For a hydraulic system, this means a dual or tandem master cylinder.

² Both circuits together must activate the brake on all the wheels.

Table 8-1-4. Approved vehicle standards for brake hoses and flexible tubing¹

¹ Hoses and tubing may comply with a more recent version of these standards if the safety performance of the vehicle is not adversely affected.

Refer also Figure 8-1-4.

Table 8-1-5. Air-braked class NB and NC vehicles that must have towing vehicle protection

¹GM means gross mass (see definitions in the Introduction).

Table 8-1-6. Heavy vehicle brakes: certification requirements for class NB and NC vehicles

¹ Except that a vehicle that originally complied with one of the approved vehicle standards for brakes and that is modified by fitting an additional axle, removing an axle, replacing an axle with one that is not of the same make and model, or replacing the brake of an axle with one that is not of the same make and model may be modified so as to continue to meet the technical and performance requirements of the approved vehicle standard for brakes with which it originally complied. (A heavy vehicle specialist certifier is required to certify compliance).

²GM m

8-2 Heavy vehicle brake code

Page amended 1 November 2019 (see amendment details).

8-3 Interim heavy vehicle braking specification