Statute · California Vehicle Code
Cal. Veh. Code § 521 — WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED
Cal. Veh. Code § 521
- Type
- Statute
- Source
- California Vehicle Code
- Jurisdiction
- California
- Current through
- Nov 2, 2026 (California Legislative Counsel)
A “retarder” is a device, other than a brake, which, when activated by the driver, applies a retarding force to the wheels of a vehicle without the use of friction. A retarder may be installed in or on the engine, exhaust system, drive train, or wheels of a motor vehicle, or an axle or wheels of…
Citator
Cal. Veh. Code § 521 — WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED is in force in the current edition of the Code, and nothing recorded condemns it.
A “retarder” is a device, other than a brake, which, when activated by the driver, applies a retarding force to the wheels of a vehicle without the use of friction. A retarder may be installed in or on the engine, exhaust system, drive train, or wheels of a motor vehicle, or an axle or wheels of a towed vehicle. A retarder may operate by altering the valve timing of the engine, by controlling the flow of a circulating fluid, by applying an electromagnetic force, by controlling the release of gases from the exhaust system, or by other means. A retarder may or may not be capable of stopping the vehicle upon which it is installed.