Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › Subtitle 14 - MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION-VEHICLE INSPECTIONS › Chapter 11.14.05 - Safety Standards for Trailers › Section 11.14.05.05 - Tires and Wheels

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Tires.
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Reference is made to Figures 2 and 3 for visual aid
						  in determining tire wear. This inspection is visual. (a) Inspect for tire wear:
						  (i) Tires without tread wear indicators. (ii) Tires with tread wear indicators.
						  (iii) For cord exposure. (b) Inspect for tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks.
						  (c) Inspect for lumps, bulges, or knots. (d) Inspect for fabric breaks and
						  exposed or damaged body cords. (e) Inspect for regrooved or recut tires. (f)
						  Inspect for mismatching of tire types. (g) Inspect for mismatching of tire
						  sizes (dual wheels). (h) Inspect for tire size. (i) Visually inspect for
						  restricted usage marking on tire such as reclassified tires. (j) Inspect valve
						  stems for leaks, damage, or cracks.
(1)(a)
(i) Tire is worn so that less than
						  2/32 inch tread remains when a measurement is made in any motor groove at three
						  locations spaced approximately equally around outside of tire.
(ii) 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. (iii) Tire has a worn spot that exposes the cord through the tread.
						  (b) Tire has tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks in any direction and deep
						  enough to expose cords. (c) Tire has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating
						  partial failure or separation of the tire structure. (d) Tire has an unrepaired
						  fabric break or sidewall has damaged body cords. (e) Tire has been regrooved,
						  or recut below original groove depth, except those that are designed to be
						  readily identified as regroovable. (f) Tires are not the same size on the same
						  axle. (g) 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 the caliper. (h)
						  Tires are smaller than manufacturer's specified minimum or of a larger size so
						  that tire and body contact during different vehicle attitudes.
(i)
						  Tire is: (i) Marked "For Farm Use Only"; (ii) Marked "Off Highway Use Only";
						  (iii) Marked "For Racing Use Only"; (iv) A metal studded snow tire during
						  period when prohibited (April 1st through October 31st in Allegany, Carroll,
						  Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.) Reject in other areas at any
						  time. (j) Valve stem is leaking, cracked, or damaged or shows evidence of
						  wear.
Figures 2-4.
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B. Wheels.
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 a 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 one designated
						  by the wheel manufacturer for use on that particular vehicle. (Specialty
						  Equipment Market Association, SEMA, or U.S./D.O.T. approved wheels and adapters
						  are acceptable.)
(3) Inspect rims and lock rings for matching, condition,
						  tightness of nuts and clamps, and evidence of slippage.
(3) Rims and lock rings are obviously mismatched, nuts
						  and clamps are loose, or there is evidence of slippage.