Md. Code Regs. 11.14.02.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 11.14.02.04 - Wheels and Tires

A. Reference is made to the figures in additional wheel and tire information for visual aid in determining tire wear. This inspection is visual.

Procedures:	Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Inspect for tire wear. (a) Tires without tread wear indicators. (b) Tires with tread wear indicators. (c) Inspect for cord exposure.	(1) (a) Tire is worn so that less than 2/32 inch tread remains when a measurement is made in any major groove at three locations spaced equally around outside of tire. Exception: 4/32" on front tires or steering axle of type II school vehicles. (b) Tire is worn so that the tread wear indicators contact the road in any major groove at three locations spaced equally around outside of tire. (c) Tire has a worn spot that exposes the cord through the thread.
(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 cords.
(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. Regrooved tires are not permitted on type II school vehicles.	(5) Tire has been regrooved or recut below original groove depth, except as authorized by Transportation Article, § 22-405.1, and can be readily identified as regroovable.
(6) Visually inspect for mismatching of tires.	(6) 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. (Difference in brand, rating, or identification is not cause for rejection) (a) If vehicle is equipped with radial-type tires, all four shall be radials. (b) If vehicle is equipped with conventional-type tires, bias ply, or belted bias, all four shall be conventional, bias ply, or belted bias.
(7) Visually inspect diameter or circumference of tires for tire size.	(7) By visual comparison, tire sizes differ significantly, as follows: (a) Tires of more than two graduations in size on the same axle; (b) Tires are significantly smaller than manufacturer's specified minimum or of such a significantly larger size that require suspension modification to prevent tire and body contact during different vehicle attitudes.
(8) Visually inspect for restricted usage marking on tire (such as reclassified tires).	(8) 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 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, nuts, or lugs.	(9) Wheel bolts, nuts, studs, or lugs are loose, missing, damaged, or of improper design to properly secure the type of wheel.
(10) Inspect for wheel damage.	(10) 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 or equivalent. Speciality Equipment Markets Association (SEMA) or U.S./D.O.T. approved wheels and adapters are acceptable.
(11) Inspect for recapped tires on a school vehicle.	(11) Recapped tires are used on a type II school vehicle except mud or snow tire recaps may be used on the drive axle between October 31 and April 1 of each year.