On October 11th, 2024, the Official Mexican Standard “NOM-036-SCT2-2023, Emergency ramps for highway braking” (“NOM”) was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, the purpose of which is to establish the general criteria to be considered for the design and construction of emergency ramps for highway braking.
Scope of Application
This NOM is mandatory for all highways with continuous and prolonged downhill slopes with characteristics that could lead to fatal accidents caused by vehicles that get out of control due to mechanical failures, mainly in their braking systems.
It seeks to improve road safety by defining guidelines for the design and construction of emergency braking ramps on roads with prolonged downhill slopes.
New Measures
- Design Specifications: Includes detailed parameters for the construction of brake beds, drainage systems and access to facilitate controlled deceleration.
- Suppression of Tolls: In compliance with the provisions of Article 78 of the General Law of Regulatory Improvement, the charge for the use of emergency ramps on roads under federal jurisdiction is suppressed.
- Mandatory Surveillance: Those responsible for road maintenance must ensure that emergency braking ramps on the stretches under their responsibility are always in proper working order, and therefore must implement periodic inspection and surveillance programs.
- Safety Improvements: Clear signage, lighting systems and the potential use of complementary braking systems on short ramps.
Entry into Force
This NOM will become effective 180 calendar days after its publication (April 9th, 2025).
All executive projects for emergency braking ramps on highways must comply with the provisions contained in this NOM, as of its entry into force.
Ramps in default with the NOM must be corrected no later than 9 months from the date of entry into force.
