Hong Kong Regulations

ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 16

Brakes

(1) Subject to paragraph (8), every motor vehicle shall be equipped with
either an efficient braking system having 2 means of operation or 2 efficient
braking systems each having a separate means of operation.

(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1), no account shall be taken of a
multi-pull means of operation, unless that means, at the first application,
operates an hydraulic, electric or pneumatic device which causes brakes to be
applied sufficient to have a total braking efficiency of not less than the
total braking efficiency required by regulation 19(1)(b) in relation to brakes
as applied by a second independent means of operation.

(3) Subject to paragraph (8), all braking systems of every motor vehicle shall
be so designed and constructed that notwithstanding the failure of any part
(other than a fixed member or a brake shoe anchor pin) through or by means of
which the force necessary to apply the brakes is transmitted there shall still
be available for application by the driver brakes sufficient under the most
adverse conditions to bring the vehicle to rest within a reasonable distance.

(4) Subject to paragraph (9), one at least of the means of operation required
by this regulation shall be capable of causing brakes to be applied directly
to all the wheels of the vehicle and the other means of operation shall be
capable of causing brakes to be applied directly, and not through the
transmission, to-

   (a)  at least one wheel of a vehicle with not more than 3 wheels; and

   (b)  at least half the number of wheels of a vehicle with more than 3
        wheels, and for the purpose of this paragraph a shaft leading from any
        differential driving gear of an axle to a driving wheel shall be
        deemed not to form part of the transmission.

(5) The application of one of the means of operation required under this
regulation shall not affect or operate the pedal or hand lever of the other
means of operation.

(6) No braking system shall be rendered ineffective by the non-rotation of the
engine.

(7) For the purpose of this regulation every moving shaft to which any part of
a braking system or any means of operation thereof is connected or by which it
is supported shall be deemed to be part of that system.

(8) Paragraphs (1) and (3) shall not apply to a motor vehicle equipped with
one efficient braking system with one means of operation if the system is a
split braking system.

(9) Paragraph (4) shall not apply to engineering plant, an industrial tractor,
land locomotive, land tractor, motor cycle, motor tricycle, invalid carriage,
pedestrian controlled vehicle and straddle  carrier.