Trailer ABS out a citable offense?

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=r49CFR571.121
The regulation requires the light to come on if there is a malfunction and the system stores the malfunction . I can't find anything stating the light on is a violation .
There is also a light on my tractor dashboard for trailer ABS that comes on with the ABS light on the trailer .
We have one trailer with an ABS light that will come on when the trailer air bags are deflated . When the bags are inflated it will not go out until the tractor is shut down and restarted .

 

That's all good until caught doing it. I have had three different driver's try that with the low air device. That's a fun day watching the driver squirm when questioned about it. "But....But.....But."

 

I'm plunging into trucking right about the time CSA 2010 "hits the fan", so to speak. I've probably read more misinformation (from other blogs, articles from self-styled authorities, etc) than factual information about CSA 2010. But I think I can say this with a great deal of certainty....."if it's supposed to work and it doesn't, FIX IT!" Our good friend, DieselBear (see below), has a pretty good "eye" for this kind of thing, kinda comes with the territory.

I think he's saying, "Yep, you got a problem".

I must've misread something somewhere. I thought that if the light was ON, that meant the system was malfunctioning.

Probably one in a million chance, but what if a DOT guy discovered that there was no bulb there at all....not even a burned out bulb?

If it's supposed to work, and it doesn't, get it fixed, right?

 

I got a warning from a DOT officer for not have the letters "A.B.S." printed on my ABS lite. There was nothing wrong w/the light working correctly.

 

Must have missed that regulation!

 

That is why CSA 2010 is going to be a nightmare for many drivers.

 

I did miss that regulation. It's in the 121 Brake standard. Here it is:

(S5.2.3.3)(b)(3) The letters “ABS” shall be permanently molded, stamped, or otherwise marked or labeled in letters not less than 10 mm (0.4 inches) high on the lamp lens or its housing to identify the function of the lamp. Alternatively, the letters “ABS” may be painted on the trailer body or dolly or a plaque with the letters ”ABS” may be affixed to the trailer body or converter dolly; the letters “ABS” shall be not less than 25 mm (1 inch) high. A portion of one of the letters in the alternative identification shall be not more than 150 mm (5.9 inches) from the edge of the lamp lens.

 

We set our trucks up like that for the pre-ABS trailers that had work lights, or an electric dump valve on them, not for the sole purpose of skirting the law. And the low air device is a lot more important than an ABS light!

 

Thanks for the clarification.

 

Then when you turn on the key and light doesn't illunitate you can be cited for that:

Ignorance is bliss, never mind the system is there to prevent the trailer from a jack knife and endagering the driver and public. Just put a band aid on it an dignore it.

####!

Lord give me strength....

Be safe.