131

131 Air or vacuum brakes on motor vehicles (1) If a motor vehicle has air brakes, the braking system of the vehicle must include at least 1 air storage tank. (2) If a motor vehicle has vacuum brakes, the braking system of the vehicle must include at least 1 vacuum storage tank. (3) An air or vacuum storage tank must be built so the service brake can be applied to meet the performance standards of rule 128 at least twice if the engine of the vehicle stops or the source of air or vacuum fails. (4) An air or vacuum storage system must: (a) be built to give a visible or audible warning to the driver, while in a normal driving position, of a lack of air or vacuum that would prevent the service brake from being applied to meet the performance standards of rule 128 at least twice; and (b) be safeguarded by a check valve or other device against loss of air or vacuum if the supply fails or leaks.

Motor Vehicles (Standards) Regulations 2003 – Australian Vehicle Standards Rules 69 (5) However, subrule (4)(a) does not apply to a vehicle with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less that is fitted with an air or vacuum assisted braking system. (6) If air or vacuum brakes are fitted to a motor vehicle equipped to tow a trailer, the brakes of the vehicle must be able to stop the vehicle, at the performance standards for emergency brakes under rule 128 if the trailer breaks away. (7) The braking system of a motor vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes equipped to tow a trailer fitted with air brakes must include protection against loss of supply line air or brake control signal air. (8) The protection mentioned in subrule (7) must: (a) operate automatically if a brake supply line hose connecting the motor vehicle and a trailer fails; and (b) maintain enough air pressure to allow the brakes to be applied to meet performance standards for emergency brakes under rule 128; and (c) include a visible or audible warning to the driver.