TITLE 19. PUBLIC SAFETY

DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 19VAC30-140. Regulations Relating to Standards and Specifications for Back-Up Audible Alarm Signals (amending 19VAC30-140-30; repealing 19VAC30-140-10, 19VAC30-140-20, 19VAC30-140-40, 19VAC30-140-50).

Statutory Authority: §§ 46.2-1005 and 46.2-1175.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: September 11, 2024.

Agency Contact: Lieutenant Thomas Lambert, Director, Office of Legal Affairs, Department of State Police, Virginia State Police Headquarters, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, Suite 1200, North Chesterfield, VA 232358, telephone (804) 674-6722, FAX (804) 968-0322, or email tom.lambert@vsp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

Pursuant to § 46.2-1157 of the Code of Virginia, the amendments (i) remove the requirement that the owner or operator of an impacted vehicle determines whether the audible alarm the owner or operator purchased or had installed meets the industry standards and (ii) clarify that audible alarms must be marked or certified as being in compliance with the Society of Automotive Engineers standards by the manufacturers, sellers, or installers of such audible alarms.

19VAC30-140-10. Purpose. (Repealed.)

The purpose of this standard is to establish specifications which define standards and identification of back-up audible alarm signals required on garbage and refuse collection and disposal vehicles and certain vehicles used primarily for highway repair and maintenance.

19VAC30-140-20. Definition. (Repealed.)

"Back-up audible alarm signal" means an electric powered device consisting of an alarm, alarm control circuitry and an activating switch required for use on vehicles used for garbage and refuse collection and disposal and on vehicles having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more and used primarily for highway maintenance and repair.

19VAC30-140-30. Description and identification.

The alarm mandated by § 46.2-1175 of the Code of Virginia will be an electric powered electric-powered device consisting of an alarm, alarm control circuitry, and an activating switch which meets or exceeds Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J994. The alarm shall be activated immediately when the transmission control mechanism is shifted into a reverse position, and shall remain activated until the mechanism is shifted out of the reverse position. The alarm will be identified must be marked as or certified by the manufacturer, seller, or installer as meeting or exceeding the Society of Automotive Engineers SAE Standard J994.

19VAC30-140-40. Performance requirements. (Repealed.)

Devices must meet or exceed standards as set forth in SAE J994 which includes the following tests:

1. Sound level test;

2. Vibration test;

3. Rain test;

4. Corrosion test;

5. Steam test;

6. Dust test;

7. Life cycle test.

19VAC30-140-50. Proof of compliance. (Repealed.)

Whenever the Superintendent of State Police deems it necessary, he may require the manufacturer or distributor of back-up audible alarm signal devices to furnish proof that the alarm or any part of the alarm meets or exceeds the requirements of this chapter.