A vehicle required to have brakes must also have what type of additional brake?

A vehicle that is required to have brakes must also be equipped with a parking brake. The parking brake, also known as the hand brake or emergency brake, is a critical safety feature designed to keep the vehicle stationary when parked, especially on inclines or slopes. It operates independently of the standard braking system, which is primarily designed for stopping during operation rather than holding the vehicle in place.

The parking brake is essential for preventing rollaway incidents and ensuring that the vehicle remains secure after being parked. Regulations often mandate that vehicles equipped with hydraulic brakes must also have a secondary system, which the parking brake provides. This redundancy is crucial for maintaining safety standards, as it offers a backup method for keeping the vehicle stationary in case the primary brakes fail while the vehicle is stationary.

Moreover, parking brakes are activated by pulling a lever or pressing a pedal, which disengages the vehicle's wheels from the transmission system. This action is distinct from the primary foot brake, which is used during operation to slow down or stop the vehicle while in motion.

In summary, the requirement for an additional brake, which in this case is a parking brake, plays a vital role in vehicle safety and compliance with transportation regulations.