Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › Subtitle 14 - MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION-VEHICLE INSPECTIONS › Chapter 11.14.09 - Safety Standards for Low Speed Vehicles › Section 11.14.09.06 - Wheels and Tires

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This
				inspection requires the vehicle to be raised on an approved lift.
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Inspect for tire wear. (a) Tires with tread wear
						  indicators will be inspected using the tire's tread wear indicators. (b) Tires
						  not equipped with tread wear indicators will be measured using an approved tire
						  tread depth gauge at the thinnest point in any major tread groove. (c) Inspect
						  for cord or belting exposure.
(1) Inspect for tire wear. (a) Tire is worn so that the
						  tread wear indicators are flush with the tread at any place on the tire. (b)
						  Tire is worn so that less than 2/32 inch tread remains when measured in any
						  major tread groove. (c) Tire has a worn spot that exposes the cord or belting
						  material through the tread.
(2) Inspect for tread cuts, snags, or sidewall
						  cracks.
(2) Tire has tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks in any
						  direction and deep enough to expose cord or belting material.
(3) Inspect for bumps, bulges, or knots.
(3) Tire has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating
						  partial failure or separation of the tire structure.
(4) Inspect for fabric breaks, and exposed or damaged
						  body cords.
(4) Tire has unrepaired fabric break, or sidewall has
						  damaged body cords.
(5) Inspect for regrooved or recut tires.
(5) Tire has been regrooved or recut below original
						  groove depth, except as authorized by Transportation Article, §
													22-405.1, Annotated
						  Code of Maryland, and can be readily identified as regroovable.
(6) Visually inspect for mismatching of tires.
(6) (a) Tires are not the same type of construction or
						  size on the same axle of the vehicle. (Difference in brand or tread design is
						  not cause for rejection.) Tire construction types are mismatched. (b) If
						  vehicle is equipped with radial-type tires, all four shall be radials. (c) If
						  vehicle is equipped with conventional-type tires, bias ply, or bias belted, all
						  four shall be conventional, bias ply, or bias belted.
(7) Visually inspect tire placard, federal motor vehicle
						  safety certification label, or vehicle owner's/operator's manual for
						  information regarding tire size, inflation pressure, and any required speed
						  rating and load carrying capacity. Inspect tires.
(7) Tire size, speed rating, or load carrying capacity is
						  not the same as originally installed by the vehicle manufacturer, a vehicle
						  manufacturer's upgrade, or an acceptable substitute by tire industry standards.
						  Tires may not be of a size which cause tire and vehicle contact during
						  different vehicle attitudes.
(8) Visually inspect tires for the symbol "DOT"
						  (Department of Transportation). Visually inspect for restricted usage marking
						  on tires.
(8) Tire is: (a) Not labeled with the symbol "DOT"
						  (Department of Transportation); (b) Marked "For farm use only"; (c) Marked "Off
						  highway use only"; (d) Marked "For racing use only"; (e) A metal studded snow
						  tire in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties during
						  period when prohibited, April 1 thru October 31; reject in other areas at any
						  time.
(9) Inspect wheel bolts, studs, nuts, and lugs.
(9) Wheel bolts, studs, nuts, or lugs are loose, missing,
						  damaged, or of improper design to properly secure the type of wheel.
(10) Inspect valve stems for leaks, damage, or
						  cracks.
(10) Valve stem is leaking, cracked, or damaged, or shows
						  evidence of wear.
(11) Inspect wheels.
(11) Any wheel is not the original or equivalent, or a
						  manufacturer's upgrade when applicable. Any part of the wheel is visibly
						  cracked, rewelded, or has elongated bolt holes. Any part of the wheel is bent
						  or otherwise damaged to affect safe operation of the vehicle.