Code of Maryland Regulations
Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subtitle 14 - MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION-VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
Chapter 11.14.03 - Safety Standards for Motorcycles
Section 11.14.03.05 - Wheels and Tires
Universal Citation: MD Code Reg 11.14.03.05
Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 6, March 22, 2024
Reference is made to Figure 1 for visual aid in determining tire wear.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
| A. Inspect for tire wear. (1) Tires without tread wear indicators. | A. (1) Tire is worn so that less than 1/32 inch tread remains when measured at the thinnest point in any groove. (Figure 1) |
| (2) Tires with tread wear indicators. | (2) Tire is worn so that a tread wear indicator contacts the road in any groove. (Figure 1). |
| (3) Inspect for cord exposure. | (3) Tire has a worn spot that exposes the cord through the tread. |
| B. Inspect for tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks. | B. Tire has tread cuts, dry rot, snags, or sidewall cracks in any direction, and deep enough to expose cords. |
| C. Inspect for bumps, bulges, or knots. | C. Tire has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating partial failure or separation of the tire structure. |
| D. Inspect for regrooved or recut tires. | D. Tire has been regrooved or recut below original groove depth, except those which can be readily identified on the sidewall as regroovable. |
| E. Inspect for tire size. | E. Tires are smaller than manufacturer's specified minimum or of a size that causes tire and body contact during different vehicle attitudes. |
| F. Visually inspect for restricted usage marking on tire. (Such as reclassified tires) | F. 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. |
| G. Inspect wheel bolts, studs, nuts, or lugs. | G. Wheel bolts, nuts, studs, or lugs are loose, missing, or damaged. |
| H. Inspect for wheel damage. | H. Any part of wheel is bent, cracked, rewelded, or damaged, so as to affect safe operation of the vehicle; loose or missing spokes on spoke-type wheels; or any wheel not at least the equivalent of original equipment. |
| I. Inspect for wheel size. | I. Any wheel is not at least the minimum size recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer. |
Figure 1-TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE TIRES.
Figure 1. Tire Tread Depth Gauge Wear Indicator-Inspection Recommendation. The tire inflation pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations (in owner's manual). Pressure lower or higher than recommended are not cause for rejection but the vehicle owner should be advised to correct this condition at the earliest opportunity.
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