Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › Subtitle 14 - MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION-VEHICLE INSPECTIONS › Chapter 11.14.04 - Safety Standards for Trucks, Truck Tractors, Commercial Buses, and Type I School Vehicles › Section 11.14.04.04 - Wheels and Tires

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Tire
				Inspection. Reference is made to Figures 17 and 18 for visual aid in
				determining tire wear. A radial ply tire may not be used with a nonradial-type
				tire on the same axle. All tires on the steering axle shall be the same size
				and type of construction. All tires shall be the same size on the same axle.
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Inspect for tire wear: (a) Tires without tread wear
						  indicators. (b) Tires with tread wear indicators. (c) For cord exposure. (2)
						  Inspect for tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks. (3) Inspect for bumps,
						  bulges, or knots. (4) Inspect for fabric breaks, and exposed or damaged body
						  cords. (5) Inspect for regrooved or recut tires (note: regrooved tires are not
						  permitted on school vehicles or on any steering axle).
(1) (a) Tire is worn so that less than 2/32 inch tread
						  remains when a measurement is made in any groove at three locations spaced
						  approximately equally around outside of tire. Exception: 4/32 inch on front
						  tires or steering axle.
(b) Tire is worn so that the tread wear
						  indicators contact the road in any two adjacent grooves at three locations
						  spaced approximately equally around outside of tire. Exception 4/32 inch on
						  front tires or steering axle.
(c) Tire has a worn spot that
						  exposes the cord through the tread.
(6) Inspect for mismatching of tire types.
(2) Tire has tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks in any
						  direction, and deep enough to expose cords.
(7) Inspect for mismatching of tire sizes (duals).
(3) Tire has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating
						  partial failure or separation of the tire structure.
(8) Inspect for tire size.
(4) Tire has an unrepaired fabric break or sidewall has
						  damaged body cords.
(9) Visually inspect for restricted usage marking on tire
						  such as reclassified tires.
(5) Tire has been regrooved or recut below original
						  groove depth, except those that are designed and can be readily identified as
						  regroovable.
(10) Inspect for recapped tires on front wheels or
						  steering axle of school vehicle.
(6) Tires are not the same size on the same axle.
(11) Inspect valve stems for leaks, damage or
						  cracks.
(7) The diameter of one of the duals is not within 1/2
						  inch of the other, or if the gauge block can be inserted between the tire and
						  caliper.
(8) Tires are smaller than manufacturer's specified
						  minimum or of a larger size that causes tire and body contact during different
						  vehicle attitudes.
(9) Tire is: (a) Marked "For Farm Use Only"; (b) Marked
						  "Off Highway Use Only"; (c) Marked "For Racing Use Only"; (d) A metal studded
						  snow tire during period when prohibited (April 1-October 31 in Allegany,
						  Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Reject in other areas at
						  any time).
(10) Recapped tires are used on the front wheels or
						  steering axle of a school vehicle.
(11) Valve stem is leaking, cracked, or damaged, or shows
						  evidence of wear.
Figure 17-TIRE CONSTRUCTION
Click
				  here to view Image
Figure 18-TIRE WEAR
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				  here to view Image
Figure 19-MATCHING OF TIRES.
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				  here to view Image
B. Wheel Inspection.
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Inspect wheel bolts, nuts, or lugs.
(1) Wheel bolts, nuts, studs, or lugs are loose, missing,
						  or damaged.
(2) Inspect for wheel damage.
(2) Any part of the wheel is bent, cracked, rewelded, or
						  damaged, to affect safe operation of the vehicle; loose or missing spokes on
						  spoke-type wheels; or any wheel not the original, equivalent, or the one
						  designated by the wheel manufacturer (Specialty Equipment Market Association,
						  SEMA, or U.S./D.O.T. approved wheels and adapters are acceptable.
(3) Inspect for rims and lock rings for matching,
						  condition, tightness of nuts and clamps, and evidence of slippage.
(3) Rims and lock rings are obviously mismatches; nuts
						  and clamps are loose; or there is evidence of slippage.