What should be done if a trailer’s breakaway device battery has a voltage level below 12.4 volts?

If a trailer’s breakaway device battery has a voltage level below 12.4 volts, rejecting the vehicle is the appropriate action because the breakaway device is a critical safety feature designed to activate the trailer’s brakes in case it becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle. A battery voltage below 12.4 volts indicates that the battery may not have sufficient charge to effectively power the brakes in an emergency situation.

Ensuring that the battery is properly charged and functioning is essential for the safety of the trailer, the towing vehicle, and other road users. Accepting the trailer as is or simply charging the battery without rejecting the vehicle would compromise safety standards, as there would be no confirmation that the device will operate correctly under emergency conditions. Re-inspecting the trailer does not address the immediate safety concern that the battery is not functioning optimally, hence the necessity for rejection in these circumstances.