no breaks on trailer ticket

Depending on what the sign says. If its all trucks over xxxx lbs, than you must pull in. The DOT has no sense of humor for (real or perceived) scale dodgers.
You should definitely fight that ticket. Though checking the power level of your brake actuater should be something that is done frequently.

 

Yes fight the ticket...

Secondly, how do they know the brakes didn't work? My best guess is that they checked the emergency battery and break-away on the electric trailer breaks. And if neither were there, or battery was dead, they write you a ticket... even if the brakes do in fact work.

 

If the emergency breakaway system does not function properly, that in itself could be a ticket. It would be an out of service violation.

 

You admitted they were out of adjustment. Truckers get tickets if their brakes aren't adjusted properly. Not saying you. but trailers like yours are one of the most neglected pieces of equipment on the road. Simply because construction companies are not in the transportation business. Inspections are minimal and things usually don't get fixed until they break completely. That said, he was probably teaching you a lesson?

 

When I pull a load on my trailer I use the electric brake and engage it to see if the trailer brakes will stop the trailer/car. I do this about 5mph. If not then I adjust the gain till it slows down the combo, but not locking up the brakes.

Mark

 

My guess is exactly what scalemaster stated. What regulation does the inspection report cite? 393.43 or 393.48? From my experience a trailer like you described would have the breakaway device activated to see if the emergency brakes work. Dead battery or no connection to the battery is the most common thing I find that render the emergency brakes useless. As for running by, be sure what that sign(s) say about who needs to pull in. Guys that run by generally get a lot of attention.

 

I believe in Ca. if its a one ton and over with a certain weight ya gotta stop, but its been awhile.