What is a requirement for the brakes on a motor vehicle operated on a highway?

For a motor vehicle operated on a highway, it is essential that the brakes meet several critical requirements to ensure safety. Having two separate means of application is crucial; this ensures that if one braking system fails, the vehicle can still be stopped using the secondary system. This redundancy builds reliability and decreases the risk of brake failure.

Additionally, the ability to stop the vehicle within a specific distance at a certain speed, such as within 9 meters at 30 km/h, helps ensure that the braking system is effective and responsive under normal driving conditions. This requirement enhances road safety by ensuring drivers can react to sudden obstacles or traffic changes.

Another key requirement is that the brakes must be capable of stopping and holding the vehicle on a grade. This is vital for preventing rollaways and ensuring that drivers can safely park their vehicles on inclines, which is a common scenario on various roads.

In summary, all these requirements contribute to the overall safety and operability of vehicles on highways. Only when all criteria are met can a vehicle be considered compliant and safe for operation, which is why the answer encompasses all of these essential points.