Major Brake Violation

The brakes do not "still work" if the blue (service) line is unhooked or missing. The red (emergency) line just releases the brakes.

The brakes dont actually operate, therefore they arent working. At all.

 

The red one is an air line that runs from the tractor air supply to the trailer to release the parking brakes on the trailer. With the brakes released , it is under constant air pressure. If this line breaks or leaks, the trailer brakes will automatically apply. The blue line is the service brake air line.

 

Yes yes yes and yes.

And the brakes will still work with a blue leak.
I've had blue leaks many times.

They crack at the glad hand connection.

When you have plastic instead of rubber and you make 90+ degree turns. The plastic bends and breaks. It's pretty common when you don't have swiveling glad hands.

 

He didn't have a blue leak, he had absolutely no blue airline even attached! Non existent. Go back to the picture

 

What happens when the blue line breaks?

Same thing, isn't it.

 

The trailer brakes will not work at all, only the tractor. Red line charges the air tanks and releases the spring brakes. Blue line activates the brakes.

 

He’s probably set himself up for a safety audit now.

 

Yep. And air don't come out of the blue unless the brakes are pressed.