In order for a vehicle to be legally operated, what must the parking brake be?

For a vehicle to be legally operated, the parking brake must be operative along with the foot brakes. This requirement ensures that the vehicle can be securely parked and will not roll or move unintentionally when stationary. A functional parking brake is crucial for vehicle safety, particularly in situations where the vehicle is parked on an incline or when the foot brake fails.

While certain configurations of parking brakes exist in various vehicle types, legality typically hinges on their capability to prevent rolling when engaged. In many jurisdictions, regulations dictate that the parking brake must be capable of holding the vehicle stationary and must work in conjunction with the foot brakes to ensure that the vehicle can be stopped effectively in the event of a brake failure. This dual brake system is vital for maintaining control and safety on the road.

By emphasizing the need for operability and safety, this requirement enhances overall road safety and helps prevent accidents resulting from unintended vehicle movement.