Md. Code Regs. 11.13.08.06
Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024
Section 11.13.08.06 - Safety Chains and Attaching Means RequiredA. Strength Requirements. Each safety chain and each attaching means shall meet strength requirements as shown in Table 4.B. Installation and Connections. The means of attachment of safety chains shall be located equally distant from and on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the towing vehicle and of the trailer, except that where a single length of safety chain is connected to one single means of attachment of a trailer, the single attachment shall be on the trailer longitudinal centerline. Each means of attachment may not be common with or utilize fasteners common with a ball or coupling. A welding operation may not be performed on a safety chain subsequent to its manufacture. Safety chains shall be so connected that the slack for each length of chain between trailer and towing vehicle is the same and is not more than necessary to permit the proper turning of the vehicles. When passing forward to the towing vehicle, safety chains shall be oriented in such a manner as to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground and to maintain connection in the event of failure of the primary connecting system. (See Figures 3 and 4).C. Every towed vehicle shall be coupled to the towing vehicle by means of a safety chain, cable, or equivalent device in addition to the regular drawbar, tongue, or other connection. Safety chains, cables, or equivalent devices may be attached to permanently installed hitch components meeting the strength requirements of §A of this regulation.D. Safety chain connections may not be made to the hitch ball, the pintle hook, or pintle hook casting, or to a ball mount designed to be readily removable when not in use.Md. Code Regs. 11.13.08.06