OOSC, Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, b. (1) Absence of Effective Braking action on any Steering Axle

There is a problem relating to steering axle brakes. Inspectors are confused by the language in OOS section 1.b.(1).

Such confusion is not new. The fact that steering axle brakes are sometimes treated like all other brakes and sometimes given special treatment has previously led to uncertainty. The cross-referencing in the criteria is there to reduce misunderstanding. Also the language relating to \"when the brakes are required\" is there to reflect the fact that some older vehicles where built without and are not legally required to have steering axle brakes. On the other hand, most vehicles on the road today must retain them and the criteria places OOS equipment having the subject brakes purposefully disabled by the driver.

Clarify if the condition of inoperative brakes has to be on both brakes on the steering axle or just one. The commonly accepted practice with steering axle brakes is to place the vehicle OOS if only brake on the axle is in disrepair. The logic being that an axles braking action is not effective if half of it is missing.