Statute · California Vehicle Code

Cal. Veh. Code § 26451 — Operation of Brakes

Cal. Veh. Code § 26451

Type
Statute
Source
California Vehicle Code
Jurisdiction
California
Current through
Nov 2, 2026 (California Legislative Counsel)

The parking brake system of every motor vehicle shall comply with the following requirements:

Citator

Cal. Veh. Code § 26451 — Operation of Brakes is in force in the current edition of the Code, and nothing recorded condemns it.

The parking brake system of every motor vehicle shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) The parking brake shall be adequate to hold the vehicle or combination of vehicles stationary on any grade on which it is operated under all conditions of loading on a surface free from snow, ice or loose material. In any event the parking brake shall be capable of locking the braked wheels to the limit of traction.

(b) The parking brake shall be applied either by the driver’s muscular efforts, by spring action, or by other energy which is isolated and used exclusively for the operation of the parking brake or the combination parking brake and emergency stopping system.

(c) The parking brake shall be held in the applied position solely by mechanical means.