How do enforcement agencies use VIS-Check?

The Performance Based Brake Tester (PBBT) on VIS-Check is used by enforcement agencies worldwide to assess vehicle brakes during roadside and annual inspections.

The PBBT on VIS-Check measures the actual brake force produced at each wheel end.

From this measurement, brake force balance and overall vehicle deceleration is calculated. 

Is weak brake force as measured on a PBBT an out-of-service criteria?

Yes, in most parts of the world.  Not currently in North America.

However, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has a workgroup studying the use of PBBT’s for roadside inspection.

And the American Trucking Association (ATA) is supporting the use of PBBT’s as an inspection and out-of service enforcement tool for overall vehicle brake performance at roadside inspections. 

Are PBBT’s being used by enforcement agencies in North America?

Yes.  Some states are using PBBT’s to screen vehicles at the roadside prior to inspection.

PBBT data is used to direct inspectors to the location of under performing brakes.

Traditional inspection procedures then follow.

What benefits does PBBT use offer enforcement agencies?

PBBT use offers enforcement agencies:

• a measurement of actual brake performance at each wheel end of a vehicle  

• greater safety by reducing the amount of under vehicle inspection effort

• higher inspection integrity on difficult to inspect vehicles (ie. buses)

• greater capacity by automating brake performance measurement. 

Does a PBBT work equally well with drum and disc brakes?

Yes.  PBBT’s measure brake force where the tire meets the road.  It does not matter where the brake force is produced by a drum or disc brake. 

How quickly can a brake force measurement be taken using a PBBT?

It takes VIS-Check about 2 minutes per axle to measure the brake performance of a vehicle. 

Is VIS-Check designed for permanent installations or mobile use?

VIS-Check is available as a mobile unit with its own generator or for use in permanent installations with an electrical power source. 

Is PBBT data admissible in court? 

It will be soon.

The FMCSA is in the process of assembling the technical support required to show PBBT data meets the evidentiary standards of the Daubert / Frye criteria.