WASHINGTON — The most recent U.S. Department of Transportation report on significant rulemakings indicates another push back in the regulatory timeline of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration‘s truck stopping distance rule. 

Contrary to previous action estimates during the first quarter, which slated the final rule to be completed by May of this year, the latest report pushes back final action to September 2009, reports the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association.

The change in administration, other agency priorities and other factors have hindered the progression of this rule.

The rulemaking, which has been in play since 2004, would increase the stopping distance requirement for trucks  between 20 and 30 percent by modifying the federal motor vehicle safety standard for air brake systems. Most industry observers believe the rules will push the industry toward wider adoption of air disc brakes as well as wider drum brakes.

— via Truckinginfo.com