Md. Code, Transportation, Title 22

Md. Code, Transportation, Title 22
in effect

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-101

(a) (1) A person may not drive and the owner may not cause or knowingly permit to be driven on any highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles that: (i) Is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person; (ii) Does not contain those parts or is not at all times equipped with lamps and other equipment in proper condition and adjustment as required in this title; or (iii) Is equipped in any manner in violation of this title. (2) A person may not do any act forbidden or fail to do any act required under this title. (b) (1) Nothing contained in this title shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle not inconsistent with the provisions of this title. (2) A person may not operate work equipment that is added to a vehicle for a designated purpose other than driving the vehicle on a highway while the vehicle is being driven on a highway unless the vehicle is being used to conduct authorized work on the highway. (3) A person may not operate on a vehicle equipment that is intended for off–road use while the vehicle is being driven on a highway. (c) A person may not display for sale, sell, offer for sale, or deliver for use in, on, or as a part of any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer, any headlamp, auxiliary or fog lamp, rear lamp, warning lamp, reflector, glazing material, hydraulic brake fluid, brake lining, antifreeze, seat belt, shoulder harness, or seat belt and shoulder harness assembly, or any other item of equipment or device, including eye-protective devices and protective helmets, required to be approved by the Administrator, unless the device is of a type that has been submitted to the Administrator or his authorized agent and has been approved by him. (d) A person may not display for sale, sell, offer for sale, or deliver for use in, on, or as a part of any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer, any device required to be approved by the Administrator, unless the device bears on it or, where applicable, on the container in which it is sold, the trademark or name under which it has been approved. (e) (1) The provisions of this title with respect to equipment on vehicles do not apply to farm equipment, road machinery, road rollers, farm tractors, mopeds, or motor scooters, except as made applicable in this title. (2) (i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, this title does not apply to low speed vehicles. (ii) 1. A low speed vehicle shall comply with federal standards under 49 C.F.R. 571.500. 2. The Administration may adopt regulations that require equipment for low speed vehicles in addition to equipment required under federal law.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-102

(a) The Administrator may approve or disapprove any lighting device or other motor vehicle safety equipment components or assemblies of a type for which approval is specifically required in this title, within a reasonable time after approval has been requested. The approvals may be based on consultations with the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division of the Department of State Police. (b) The Administrator may set up the procedure to be followed when requests for approval of any lighting device or other motor vehicle safety equipment component or assembly is submitted. The procedures may provide for submission of these devices, components, or assemblies to the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division of the Department of State Police. (c) When the Administrator has reason to believe that a device approved under this title is being sold commercially and does not comply with the applicable standards for the device, the Administrator may, after giving 30 days’ previous notice to the person who has received the approval for the device, conduct a hearing on the question of compliance of the approved device. After the hearing, the Administrator shall determine whether the devices being sold meet the requirements for approval. If the devices do not meet these requirements, the Administrator shall give notice to the person who has received the previous approval. (d) If, at the expiration of 30 days after this notice, the person who has received the approval of the device has failed to satisfy the Administrator that the devices being sold meet the requirements for approval, the Administrator shall suspend or revoke the approval issued for the device until the device is resubmitted to and tested by an independent testing laboratory approved by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and is found to meet the applicable standards. The Administrator may require that all of these devices sold since the notification following the hearing be replaced by devices that do comply. The Administrator may, at the time of retest, purchase on the open market and submit for retesting one or more sets of these approved devices, and, if the device on retest fails to meet the approval requirements, the Administrator shall revoke or refuse to renew the approval of the device. (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Maryland Vehicle Law, the Administrator may adopt any motor vehicle safety standard prescribed by the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation under 49 U.S.C. § 30111.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-103

(a) In order to assure that required devices displayed for sale, sold, offered for sale, or delivered for use in, on, or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer are of a type approved by the Administrator, the Administration may maintain a program of market surveillance. (b) On discovery of unapproved devices being sold, offered for sale, displayed for sale, or being delivered for use on any of the vehicles described in § 22-101(c) of this subtitle, notice shall be given that the seller, jobber, or wholesaler is in violation of § 22-101 and that these unapproved devices may not be sold, displayed for sale, or delivered for use on any of the vehicles described in § 22-101(c) and that any such sale, offer for sale, display for sale, or delivery for use of any unapproved devices is a violation of this title.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-104

A person may not willfully or intentionally remove or alter any safety device or equipment that has been placed on any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer in compliance with any law, rule, regulation, or requirement of any officer or agency of the United States or of this State, if it is intended that the vehicle be operated on highways in this State, unless the removal or alteration is permitted by rule or regulation adopted by the Administrator.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-105

(a) (1) If any Class A (passenger) vehicle, any Class E truck with a manufacturer’s rating or registered gross vehicle weight of 18,000 pounds or less, or any Class M (multipurpose) vehicle has been altered in any manner that would reduce the effectiveness of its bumpers or suspension or render the vehicle dangerous in the event of a single vehicle accident or a collision with another vehicle, it may not be operated on any highway in this State. (2) Nothing in this section may be construed to exempt a vehicle from the application of paragraph (1) of this subsection solely because the vehicle is in compliance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. (b) A person may not operate a vehicle on any highway in the State if, as a result of post-manufacture alterations, the height of the vehicle’s frame side rails or either of the vehicle’s bumpers exceeds: (1) In the case of a Class A (passenger) vehicle, 20 inches; (2) In the case of a Class M (multipurpose) vehicle, 28 inches; (3) In the case of a Class E truck with a manufacturer’s rating or registered gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less, 28 inches; or (4) In the case of a Class E truck with a manufacturer’s rating or registered gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds but not more than 18,000 pounds: (i) 30 inches; or (ii) If the truck is used for spraying agricultural crops, 32 inches. (c) The Administration and the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division of the Department of State Police jointly shall adopt regulations relating to bumpers, frame side rails, and vehicle suspensions as necessary to implement and enforce the provisions of this section.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-106

(a) In this title, “police officer” means: (1) Any uniformed police officer; or (2) Any civilian employee of the Department of State Police or of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Force assigned to enforce this title or any rule or regulation adopted under this title, but only while acting under written authorization of the Secretary of State Police. (b) (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, any police officer shall have the authority to enforce this title and any rule or regulation adopted under it. (2) A civilian employee of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Force shall have the authority stated in paragraph (1) of this subsection only if the individual is: (i) Acting under the immediate direction and control of a uniformed police officer; and (ii) Certified by the Department of State Police to enforce this title and any rule or regulation adopted under it.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-201

In this subtitle, “service vehicles” means any of the following vehicles that are designated by the Administration as service vehicles: (1) Vehicles of federal, State, or local agencies; (2) Vehicles of public service companies; and (3) Vehicles of persons performing governmental functions under a contract with any federal, State, or local government.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-201.1

§22–201.1. Every vehicle on a highway in this State, at any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead, shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as respectively required in this subtitle for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles, and further that stoplights, turn signals, and other signaling devices shall be lighted as prescribed for the use of these devices.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-201.2

§22–201.2. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, if a driver of a vehicle on a highway operates the vehicle’s windshield wipers for a continuous period of time because of impaired visibility resulting from unfavorable atmospheric conditions, the driver shall light the vehicle’s headlamps. (b) A violation of this section is not considered a moving violation for purposes of § 16–402 of this article. (c) (1) If a person is convicted under this section, the conviction may not: (i) Be considered evidence of negligence; (ii) Be considered evidence of contributory negligence; (iii) Limit liability of a party or an insurer; or (iv) Diminish recovery for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or operation of a motor vehicle. (2) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, a party, witness, or counsel may not make reference to a violation of this section. (3) Nothing contained in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the right of a person to institute a civil action for damages against a dealer, manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, or other appropriate entity arising out of an incident that involves a defectively installed or defectively operating headlamp. (d) A person who is convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this section is subject to a fine not to exceed $25. (e) A police officer may enforce the provisions of this section only as a secondary action when the police officer detains a driver of a motor vehicle for a suspected violation of another provision of the Code.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-202

(a) Whenever a requirement is declared in this subtitle as to distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which the lamps or devices shall be visible, the requirement applies during the times stated in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle in respect to a vehicle without a load when on a straight, level, unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions, unless a different time or condition is expressly stated. (b) Whenever a requirement is declared in this subtitle as to the mounted height of lamps or devices, it means from the center of the lamp or device to the level ground on which the vehicle stands when the vehicle is without a load.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-203

(a) In this section, the term “motorcycle” includes Class M (multipurpose) vehicles that are designated by the Administrator. (b) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with at least two headlamps with at least one on each side of the front of the motor vehicle, which headlamps shall emit white light and comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in this title. (c) (1) Every motorcycle shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two headlamps that comply with the requirements and limitations of this title. (2) A headlamp on a motorcycle may modulate either the upper beam or the lower beam from its maximum intensity to a lesser intensity, consistent with federal motor vehicle safety standards. (d) Every headlamp on every motor vehicle, including every motorcycle, shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 22 inches.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-204

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, after June 1, 1971, every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and any other vehicle that is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles, shall be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear. (b) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and any other vehicle that is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles, and that was manufactured or assembled before June 1, 1971, shall have at least 1 tail lamp mounted on the rear which, when lighted as required in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of at least 300 feet to the rear. (c) On a combination of vehicles, only the tail lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. (d) On vehicles equipped with more than 1 tail lamp, the lamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. (e) Every tail lamp on every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches. (f) Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be constructed and placed to illuminate, with a white light, the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp or lamps for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be wired to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. (g) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, special mobile equipment that is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles is not required to be equipped with tail lamps unless: (1) The special mobile equipment obstructs the tail lamps, stop lamps, turn signals, or, except for the registration plate lamp, any lamps of the towing vehicle required by law to be visible from the rear; or (2) The special mobile equipment extends more than 12 feet from the rear of the towing vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-205

(a) (1) After July 1, 1971, every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and any special mobile equipment being towed, shall carry on the rear, either as part of the tail lamps or separately, two or more red reflectors meeting the requirements of this section, except that: (i) Motorcycles shall carry at least one reflector; and (ii) Vehicles of the types mentioned in § 22-208 of this subtitle shall be equipped with reflectors meeting the requirements of §§ 22-210 and 22-211(a) and (b) of this subtitle. (2) Before this date every vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, including devices moved by muscular power, shall carry on the rear at least one reflector, and after this date, every vehicle mentioned in this paragraph that is not mentioned in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall carry on the rear at least one reflector. (b) Every reflector shall be mounted on the vehicle at a height of not more than 60 inches nor less than 15 inches and shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps, except that visibility from a greater distance is hereinafter required of reflectors on certain types of vehicles. When two reflectors are required they shall be as widely spaced laterally as practicable.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-206

(a) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with at least one stop lamp meeting the requirements of § 22–219(a) of this subtitle, and the following vehicles shall meet the following additional requirements: (1) (i) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, registered in this State and sold as a new vehicle after June 1, 1967, shall be equipped with at least two stop lamps; (ii) Every passenger vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 1985, shall be equipped with a red center high mount stop lamp mounted with its center on the vertical centerline of the vehicle as the vehicle is viewed from the rear; and (iii) Every pickup truck, van, and sport utility vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 1993, shall be equipped with a red center high mount stop lamp mounted with its center on the vertical centerline of the vehicle as the vehicle is viewed from the rear; and (2) After July 1, 1971, every trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two stop lamps. (b) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer registered in this State and sold as a new vehicle after June 1, 1961, shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps meeting the requirements of § 22–219(b) through (h) of this subtitle, except that: (1) Motorcycles manufactured before January 1, 1973, need not be equipped with electric turn signal lamps; and (2) The requirements of this section apply only to those trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers that are registered in this State and sold as new vehicles on or after July 1, 1971. (c) Any special mobile equipment that is being towed shall be equipped with at least 2 stop lamps that meet the requirements of § 22-219(a) of this subtitle and electric turn signals that meet the requirements of § 22-219(b) of this subtitle if the special mobile equipment: (1) Obstructs the tail lamps, stop lamps, turn signals, or except for the registration plate lamp, any lamp of the towing vehicle required by law to be visible from the rear; or (2) Extends more than 12 feet from the rear of the towing vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-208

(a) In addition to the other equipment required by this title, including §§ 22-203, 22-204, 22-205, and 22-206, the vehicles mentioned in this section, when operated on any highway, shall be equipped as stated in this section. All required lamp equipment shall be lighted at the times mentioned in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle. The reflectors elsewhere enumerated for these vehicles shall conform to the requirements of § 22-211(a) and (b) of this subtitle. (b) (1) Buses and trucks 80 inches or more in overall width shall have: (i) On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side, and on those manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1971, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subsection (c) of this section; (ii) On the rear, two clearance lamps, one at each side, and after June 1, 1970, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subsection (c) of this section; (iii) On each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear; and (iv) On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear. (2) Trailers and semitrailers 80 inches or more in overall width shall have: (i) On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side; (ii) On the rear, two clearance lamps, one at each side, and after June 1, 1971, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subsection (c) of this section; (iii) On each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear; and (iv) On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear. (3) Truck tractors shall have on the front, two cab clearance lamps, one at each side, and after June 1, 1971, all of these vehicles shall have in addition three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subsection (c) of this section. (4) Motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers 30 feet or more in overall length shall have on each side, one amber side marker lamp and one amber reflector, centrally located with respect to the length of the vehicle. (5) Pole trailers shall have: (i) On each side, one amber side marker lamp at or near the front of the load; (ii) One amber reflector at or near the front of the load; and (iii) On the rearmost support for the load, one combination marker lamp showing amber to the front and red to the rear and side, mounted to indicate maximum width of the pole trailer. (c) Whenever identification lamps are required or permitted by this title, they shall be grouped in a horizontal row, with lamp centers spaced not less than 6 nor more than 12 inches apart, and mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle as close as practicable to the vertical centerline. However, where the cab of a vehicle is not more than 42 inches wide at the front roof line, a single identification lamp at the center of the cab complies with the requirements for front identification lamps.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-209

(a) Front clearance lamps, identification lamps, and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color. (b) Rear clearance lamps, identification lamps, and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-210

(a) Reflectors required by § 22-208 of this subtitle shall be mounted at a height of not more than 60 inches nor less than 15 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands. However, if the highest part of the permanent structure of the vehicle is less than 15 inches, the reflector at that point shall be mounted as high as that part of the permanent structure will permit. (b) The rear reflectors on a pole trailer may be mounted on each side of the bolster or load. (c) Any required red reflector on the rear of a vehicle may be incorporated with the tail lamp, but the reflector shall meet all the other reflector requirements of this title. (d) Clearance lamps shall be mounted so as to indicate the extreme width of the motor vehicle, not including mirrors, and as near the top of the vehicle as practicable. (e) When rear identification lamps are mounted at the extreme height of the vehicle, rear clearance lamps may be mounted at an optional height. (f) When mounting of front clearance lamps at the highest point of a trailer results in those lamps failing to mark the extreme width of the trailer, they may be mounted at an optional height, but must indicate the extreme width of the trailer. (g) Clearance lamps on truck tractors shall be so located as to indicate the extreme width of the truck tractor cab. (h) Clearance lamps and side marker lamps may be mounted in combination if illumination is given as required in this subtitle with reference to both. However, no clearance lamp may be combined with any tail lamp or identification lamp.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-211

(a) Every reflector on any vehicle referred to in § 22-208 of this subtitle shall be of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible at nighttime from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps. (b) Reflectors required to be mounted on the sides of the vehicle shall reflect the required color of light to the sides, and those mounted on the rear shall reflect a red color to the rear. (c) Front and rear clearance lamps and identification lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions, at the times lights are required, at all distances between 500 and 50 feet from the front and rear, respectively, of the vehicle. (d) Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions, at the times lights are required, at all distances between 500 and 50 feet from the side of the vehicle on which they are mounted.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-212

Whenever motor and other vehicles are operated in combination during the time that lights are required, any lamp (except tail lamps) that, by reason of its location on a vehicle of the combination, would be obscured by another vehicle of the combination, need not be lighted. However, this does not affect the requirement that lighted clearance lamps be displayed on the front of the foremost vehicle required to have clearance lamps, nor that all lights required on the rear of the rearmost vehicle of any combination be lighted.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-213

(a) Any vehicle carrying a load that extends beyond the side or to the rear 4 or more feet beyond the bed or body of the vehicle shall be equipped with the lamps and reflectors required by this section, in addition to other required lamps, at the times specified in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle. (b) Loads projecting beyond sides of motor vehicles shall be marked as follows: (1) The foremost edge of the projecting load, at its outermost extremity, shall be marked with an amber lamp visible from the front and side; (2) The rearmost edge of the projecting load, at its outermost extremity, shall be marked with a red lamp visible from the rear and side; (3) If any portion of the projecting load extends beyond both the foremost or rearmost edge, it shall be marked with an amber lamp visible from the front, side, and rear; or (4) If the projecting load does not measure over 3 feet from front to rear, it shall be marked with an amber lamp visible from the front, side, and rear, except that, if the projection is located at or near the rear, it shall be marked by a red lamp visible from the front, side, and rear. (c) Motor vehicles carrying loads that extend over 4 feet beyond the rear of the motor vehicle or that have tailboards or tailgates extending over 4 feet beyond the body shall have these projections marked: (1) On each side of the projecting load, by one red lamp, visible from the side and located so as to indicate maximum overhang; and (2) On the rear of the projecting load, by two red lamps, visible from the rear, one at each side, and two red reflectors, visible from the rear, one at each side, located so as to indicate maximum width. (d) On any vehicle with a load that extends beyond either side more than 6 inches or beyond its rear more than 4 feet there shall be displayed at all times, at each point a lamp is required, red or orange-fluorescent warning flags, not less than 18 inches square, marking the extremities of the load. (e) Every flag shall be so mounted or constructed that its full dimensions are visible at all times. (f) This section in no way expands the provisions of § 24-103 of this article, or any other provision of law that prohibits certain extensions of loads on vehicles. (g) This section does not apply to loads consisting of agricultural products, the nature of which would make installation of the required lights and reflectors impractical or unsafe.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-214

(a) Every vehicle shall be equipped with one or more lamps that, when lighted, display a white or amber light visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle, and a red light visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle. The location of the lamp or lamps shall always be such that at least one lamp or combination of lamps meeting the requirements of this section is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle that is closest to passing traffic. This subsection does not apply to motorcycles. (b) Whenever a vehicle is parked or stopped on a roadway, whether attended or unattended, when there is insufficient light to reveal any person or object within a distance of 1,000 feet on the highway, the vehicle so parked or stopped shall be equipped with and shall display lamps meeting the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, but it is not necessary to display the lamps on a vehicle that is lawfully parked on a part of a roadway that is ordinarily or customarily used for parking vehicles. (c) All lighted headlamps on a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-215

(a) Every farm tractor and every self-propelled unit of farm equipment, at all times mentioned in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle, shall be equipped with two single-beam or multiple-beam headlamps meeting the requirements of § 22-222 or § 22-224 of this subtitle, respectively, or, as an alternative, § 22-225 of this subtitle, and at least two red lamps visible when lighted from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear; and at least two red reflectors visible from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps. (b) (1) Every combination of farm tractor and towed farm equipment, at all times mentioned in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle, shall be equipped with lamps as provided in this subsection. (2) The farm tractor element of the combination shall be equipped as required in subsection (a) of this section. (3) The towed unit of farm equipment of the combination shall be equipped on the rear with two red lamps visible when lighted from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear, and two red reflectors visible to the rear from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps. (4) The combination also shall be equipped with a lamp displaying a white or amber light, or any shade of color between white and amber, visible when lighted from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the front. This lamp shall be so positioned to indicate, as nearly as practicable, the extreme left projection of the combination carrying it. (c) The two red lamps and the two red reflectors required in this section on a self-propelled unit of farm equipment or combination of farm tractor and towed farm equipment shall be positioned to show from the rear as nearly as practicable the extreme width of the vehicle or combination carrying them.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-215.1

§22–215.1. Whenever a rollback vehicle, as defined in § 11-151.1 of this article, is being operated in combination with a vehicle being towed, the towed vehicle shall be equipped to display, in accordance with the provisions of § 22-201.1 of this subtitle: (1) Tail lamps meeting the requirements of § 22-204 of this subtitle; and (2) Stop lamps and turn signals meeting the requirements of § 22-206 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-216

Every vehicle, including animal-drawn vehicles and vehicles referred to in § 22-101(e) of this title, not specifically required by the provisions of this subtitle to be equipped with lamps or other lighting devices, at all times specified in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle, shall be equipped with at least one lamp displaying a white light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle, and also shall be equipped with two lamps displaying red lights visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle or, as an alternative, one lamp displaying a red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear and two red reflectors visible from all distances of 600 to 100 feet to the rear when illuminated by the upper beams of headlamps.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-217

(a) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one spot lamp. Every lighted spot lamp shall be aimed and used, on approaching another vehicle, so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam will be directed to the left of the prolongation of the extreme left side of the vehicle or more than 100 feet ahead of the vehicle. (b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two fog lamps mounted on the front at a height of not more than 30 inches nor less than 12 inches above the level surface on which the vehicle stands, and so aimed that, when the vehicle is not loaded, none of the high-intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall, at a distance of 25 feet ahead, project higher than a level of 4 inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting these requirements may be used with lower headlamp beams as specified in § 22-222(a)(2) of this subtitle. (c) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height of not more than 42 inches nor less than 16 inches above the level surface on which the vehicle stands. The provisions of § 22-222 of this subtitle apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps. (d) The restrictions and limitations of this section do not apply to emergency vehicles.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-218

(a) Every emergency vehicle, in addition to any other equipment and distinctive markings required by this subtitle, shall be equipped with a siren, exhaust whistle, or bell capable of giving an audible signal. (b) (1) Every emergency vehicle, in addition to any other equipment and distinctive markings required by the Maryland Vehicle Law, shall be equipped with signal lamps mounted as high as practicable, which shall be capable of displaying to the front and to the rear a flashing red light or lights. These lights shall have sufficient intensity to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight. (2) Every school vehicle meeting the requirements established by the Administrator shall be equipped with alternately flashing warning lights in accordance with the standards adopted under § 22–228 of this subtitle. (c) (1) A person may not drive or move on any highway any vehicle or equipment that is equipped with or displays any light or signal device designed to emit an oscillating, rotating, blinking, or other type of emission of light, unless designated and authorized by the Administrator as indicated in paragraphs (2) through (14) of this subsection. The provisions of this section do not prohibit the display and use of any lighting device that may be permitted or required elsewhere in the Maryland Vehicle Law. (2) Vehicles of the police department and other city, county, State, or federal law enforcement agencies may be equipped with and display red, white, or blue lights or signal devices. (3) (i) Vehicles of city, county, State, or federal fire departments or duly constituted volunteer fire departments or rescue squads, or the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System, may be equipped with or display red and/or white lights or signal devices. (ii) In each volunteer fire company, no more than five of the following officers may have their privately owned vehicles equipped with red or red and white lights or signal devices which may be displayed only while on route to or at the scene of an emergency: 1. The fire chief or the highest ranking fireline officer; 2. One or more of the assistant chiefs or deputy chiefs, whichever rank is second in command; and 3. The emergency medical services commander. (iii) 1. The fire police of each volunteer fire company may have their privately owned vehicles equipped with red, red and green, or red and white lights or signal devices designed to emit an oscillating, rotating, blinking, or other type of emission of light. 2. The lights or signal devices may be flashed or oscillated or otherwise used only while the vehicle is at the scene of an accident, flood, or other emergency to which the volunteer fire company is responding. (4) Under the commercial ambulance service license held by Hatzalah of Baltimore, no more than five of the highest–ranking officers may have their privately owned vehicles equipped with red or red and white lights or signal devices which may be displayed only while on route to or at the scene of an emergency. (5) Ambulances may be equipped with or display red, white, or red and white lights or signal devices. (6) State vehicles used in response to oil or hazardous materials spills may be equipped with or display red and/or white lights or signal devices. (7) (i) Service vehicles, waste or recycling collection vehicles, rural letter carrier vehicles, slow moving farm vehicles, and tow trucks may be equipped with or display yellow or amber lights or signal devices. (ii) Highway maintenance and service equipment or vehicles owned by the State or a local jurisdiction, or operating under a contract with the State or a local jurisdiction, that are equipped with and displaying yellow or amber flashing lights while in use for snow removal or the protection of highway maintenance workers may simultaneously be equipped with and display green flashing lights in a number up to the number of yellow or amber flashing lights equipped and displayed. (iii) 1. A tow truck may display a portable variable messaging sign mounted on the tow truck while at the scene of a crash or a disabled vehicle. 2. The portable variable messaging sign shall: A. Conform to the standards established in the manual on uniform traffic control devices adopted by the State Highway Administration under § 25–104 of this article; and B. Display only those messages approved for use by the State Highway Administration. (8) State vehicles designated for emergency use by the Commissioner of Correction may be equipped with or display red lights or signal devices. (9) A vehicle used to provide public transit service may be equipped with and display: (i) Amber flashing lights; or (ii) A white flashing light installed on the roof of the vehicle. (10) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, the blue, red, or white lights or signal devices may be flashed or oscillated or otherwise used only while on route to or at the scene of an emergency, and their use does not relieve an emergency vehicle from otherwise giving an audible warning as required elsewhere in the Maryland Vehicle Law. (ii) The driver of an emergency vehicle may use flashing lights within 100 feet of the entrance ramp of a fire or rescue station while parking or backing the emergency vehicle. (iii) The driver of an emergency vehicle of a fire department or rescue squad shall, at the discretion of the officer in charge, flash or oscillate or otherwise use red and white lights or signal devices while stopped, standing, or parked on the roadway at the scene of an emergency. (11) A stationary emergency vehicle serving as a mobile command unit may be equipped with or display a flashing, blinking, or oscillating green light or signal device to designate the vehicle as the command post. (12) The yellow or amber lights or signal devices, or yellow or amber and green lights or signal devices, authorized on vehicles under paragraph (7) of this subsection may be flashed or oscillated or otherwise used only in the course of official duties, to indicate to the public that the vehicle is a slow moving vehicle or otherwise is impeding traffic. (13) (i) An emergency vehicle of any foreign state may be equipped with any lights or signals: 1. As provided by this subsection; or 2. As permitted by the state in which the vehicle is registered. (ii) 1. The use of any lights or signals permitted under this paragraph is limited to an emergency vehicle, as defined in § 11–118 of this article, responding to an emergency or pursuing a violator, and equipped with an audible signal as provided in this section. 2. Foreign vehicles, as defined in § 11–124 of this article, which are privately owned by members of volunteer fire companies, ambulance or rescue squads, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies may be equipped with lights or signals as permitted by the state in which the vehicle is registered, but such lights or signals may be used while the vehicle is in this State only by those personnel and under the circumstances authorized under paragraph (3) of this subsection. (iii) In addition to the penalties provided in Title 27 of this article, any person convicted of a violation of this section may have his driving privileges suspended for a period of 30 days, and the registration of the vehicle may be suspended for a period of 30 days, notwithstanding that the owner of the vehicle may not be the operator at the time of the offense, unless the owner proves to the satisfaction of the Administration that he had no control over the use or display of a light or signal device and could not prevent the violation of this section. (14) Organ delivery vehicles shall be equipped with or display red, white, or red and white lights or signal devices. (d) A police vehicle when used as an emergency vehicle may, but need not be, equipped with the flashing red and/or blue lights specified in this section. (e) Except as provided in subsection (c)(3) of this section, the flashing lighting described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section may not be used on any vehicle other than an emergency vehicle, service vehicle, or school vehicle. (f) The use of the signal equipment described in this section imposes on drivers of other vehicles the obligation to yield the right–of–way and stop as required in Title 21 of this article. (g) On taxicabs, the flashing green lights known as emergency hold–up lights may be mounted on the roof or outside rear and front of the vehicle. (h) While providing transportation network services, as defined in § 10–101 of the Public Utilities Article, a transportation network operator’s vehicle may be equipped with and display a static red, blue, or other color lighted sign identifying the operator and vehicle as a provider of transportation network services.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-218.1

§22–218.1. (a) Any rural letter carrier’s motor vehicle may be equipped with a warning device for the purpose of warning the drivers of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking, and passing, and, when so equipped, may display the device in addition to any other warning signal required or permitted by law. (b) The warning device shall include two bi-directional lights mounted at each side of the vehicle on the roof, with two amber lenses facing the rear and two amber lenses facing the front. (c) Each light shall be at least 4 inches in diameter and shall be powered by a bulb of at least 21 candlepower, with reflectorization sufficient to assure visibility for at least 500 feet in front of and to the rear of the vehicle. (d) The lights shall be wired with one “on-off” switch and one “flashing” switch, which shall activate both lights simultaneously, and which may be wired to operate from the vehicle’s stoplight switch. (e) Between each light on the assembly of the device a sign shall be mounted with the words “U.S. Mail” in black letters on a white background, facing both to the front and the rear. (f) The lettering on the sign shall be at least 4 inches in height, and the width of each stroke shall be at least 3/4 of an inch. (g) The sign shall be constructed to permit it to be folded down out of vision when not in use. (h) The warning device may be used only during the discharge of a rural letter carrier’s official duties. (i) Before the first stop on the route and following the last one the lights shall be darkened and the sign folded down out of vision. (j) The warning device may not be installed or operated until an application has been submitted to and approved by the Administration. (k) The application shall be made by the individual rural letter carrier on forms furnished by the Administration.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-218.2

§22–218.2. (a) (1) One or more amber flashing lights may be displayed: (i) By a tow truck while at the scene of an accident or a disabled vehicle or while towing a vehicle; and (ii) By snow removal and other highway maintenance and service equipment and escort vehicles. (2) Highway maintenance and service equipment or vehicles owned by the State or a local jurisdiction, or operating under a contract with the State or a local jurisdiction, may display green flashing lights only in accordance with § 22–218(c)(6) of this subtitle. (3) A tow truck may display a portable variable messaging sign only in accordance with § 22–218(c)(6) of this subtitle. (b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a participant in a citizens on patrol group or other community watch group may display on a vehicle while on patrol in the community one or more amber flashing lights. (2) An amber flashing light: (i) May only be displayed if allowed by a law enforcement agency designated by the governing body of the applicable county or municipal corporation; and (ii) Shall be extinguished at the request of a uniformed law enforcement officer. (3) The law enforcement agency may require that a sign meeting specifications set by the agency appear on the vehicle that identifies the group conducting the patrol while the amber flashing light is displayed. (c) (1) A security guard agency licensed under Title 19 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article may equip its vehicles with one or more amber flashing lights. (2) A person operating a vehicle equipped with amber flashing lights under this subsection may activate the lights only while on duty on property that the agency is responsible for patrolling.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-219

(a) Any vehicle may be equipped with and, when required under the Maryland Vehicle Law, shall be equipped with a stop lamp or lamps on the rear of the vehicle, which: (1) Shall display a red light, visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight; (2) Shall be actuated on application of the service brake; and (3) May, but need not, be incorporated with one or more other rear lamps. (b) Any vehicle may be equipped with and, when required under § 22-206(b) of this subtitle, shall be equipped with electric turn signals that indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights showing to the front and rear of a vehicle or on a combination of vehicles on the side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made. (c) The lamps showing to the front shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and, when signaling, shall emit white or amber light, or any shade of light between white and amber. (d) The lamps showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and, when signaling, shall emit a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber. (e) Turn signal lamps on vehicles 80 inches or more in overall width shall be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet in normal sunlight. (f) Turn signal lamps on vehicles less than 80 inches wide shall be visible at a distance of not less than 300 feet in normal sunlight. (g) No lamp may project a glaring or dazzling light. (h) Turn signal lamps may, but need not, be incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-221

(a) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lamps that: (1) Emit an amber or white light without glare; and (2) Are located at or near the front of the vehicle. (b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped on each side of the vehicle with not more than one running–board courtesy lamp that emits a white or amber light without glare. (c) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with one or more backup lamps, either separately or in combination with other lamps, but any such backup lamp may not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion. (d) Any vehicle may be equipped with lamps used for the purpose of warning the drivers of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing, and, when so equipped, may display the warning in addition to any other warning signals required by the Maryland Vehicle Law. (e) The lamps used to display this warning to the front shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and shall display simultaneously flashing white or amber lights, or any shade of color between white and amber. The lamps used to display this warning to the rear shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and shall display simultaneously flashing amber or red lights, or any shade of color between amber and red. (f) These warning lights shall be visible from a distance of not less than 1,500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions at night. (g) Every motor vehicle that is registered in this State and that was manufactured or assembled after June 30, 1967, and designated as a 1968 or subsequent year model shall be equipped with these warning lamps by means of which the driver may cause both front and both rear turn signals to flash simultaneously as a vehicular traffic hazard warning. (h) Any vehicle 80 inches or more in overall width, if not otherwise required by § 22–208 of this subtitle, may be equipped with not more than three identification lamps showing to the front, which emit an amber light without glare, and not more than three identification lamps showing to the rear, which emit a red light without glare. (i) These lamps shall be mounted as specified in § 22–208(c) of this subtitle. (j) Warning lamps may be used by the operator of any vehicle when the posted speed limit is in excess of 45 miles per hour and the vehicle is traveling at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit, provided that the warning lamps shall be used when required by subsection (k) of this section. (k) (1) The operator of any commercial motor vehicle as defined in § 9–201 of the Tax – General Article shall use warning lamps when the posted speed limit is in excess of 45 miles per hour and the vehicle is traveling at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit. (2) This subsection does not apply: (i) Within any business or residential district; (ii) Whenever a vehicle is slowing or stopping in lawful response to a traffic control device or in response to traffic conditions; or (iii) To any vehicle which is not equipped with warning lamps. (l) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a motorcycle may be equipped with, and an operator of a motorcycle may use, the following auxiliary lighting: (i) Blue dot illumination; (ii) Standard bulb running lights; or (iii) Light–emitting diode pods and strips added to protect the driver. (2) (i) Lighting under this subsection shall be: 1. Nonblinking; 2. Nonflashing; 3. Nonoscillating; and 4. Directed toward the engine and the drive train of the motorcycle. (ii) Lighting under this subsection may not: 1. Be attached to the wheels of the motorcycle; or 2. Emit a red or blue light. (iii) Blue dot illumination: 1. May be located only on the rear of a motorcycle as part of or adjacent to the rear brake light; and 2. May not exceed three–quarters of an inch in diameter.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-222

(a) Except as otherwise provided in the Maryland Vehicle Law, the headlamps or the auxiliary driving lamp or combination thereof on motor vehicles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, and the lamps, in addition, may be so arranged that the selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations: (1) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead for all conditions of loading; (2) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead; (3) On a straight level road under any condition of loading, none of the high–intensity portion of the beam may be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver; and (4) Not more than four lamps that project a beam of light of an intensity greater than 300 candlepower may be illuminated simultaneously. (b) Every new motor vehicle shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the headlamps is in use, and may not otherwise be lighted. (c) The indicator shall be so designed and located that, when lighted, it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-223

(a) Whenever a motor vehicle is being driven on a roadway or adjacent shoulder during the times specified in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the requirements and limitations of this section. (b) Whenever a driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver. However, the lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, specified in § 22-222(a)(2) of this subtitle, shall be deemed to avoid glare at all times, regardless of road contour and loading. (c) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches another vehicle from the rear, within 300 feet, the driver shall use a distribution of light permissible under this title, other than the uppermost distribution of light specified in § 22-222(a)(1) of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-225

Any motor vehicle may be operated under the conditions specified in § 22–201.1 of this subtitle when equipped with two lighted lamps on its front capable of revealing persons and objects 75 feet ahead instead of lamps required in § 22–222 or § 22–224 of this subtitle, provided, however, that at no time may it be operated at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-226

(a) At all times specified in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle, at least two lighted lamps shall be displayed, one on each side, at the front of every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, except when the vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles. (b) Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with required headlamps also is equipped with any auxiliary lamps or a spot lamp or any other lamp on its front projecting a beam of intensity greater than 300 candlepower, not more than four of these lamps on the front of a vehicle may be lighted at any one time when on a highway.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-227

(a) During the times specified in § 22-201.1 of this subtitle, any lighted lamp or illuminating device on a motor vehicle (other than headlamps, spot lamps, auxiliary lamps, flashing turn signals, emergency vehicle and service vehicle warning lamps, and school vehicle warning lamps) that projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than 300 candlepower shall be so directed that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than 75 feet from the vehicle. (b) Except as required or permitted in § 22-218 of this subtitle or in the rules governing the operation of emergency vehicles and school vehicles, a person may not drive or move any vehicle or equipment on any highway with any lamp or device on it that displays a red or blue light visible from directly in front of its center. (c) Flashing lights are prohibited except as required or permitted in the Maryland Vehicle Law. (d) Except as authorized elsewhere in this subtitle, a person may not drive or move any vehicle or equipment on any highway with any lamp or device on it that displays a white light visible directly from its rear. (e) Except as authorized elsewhere in this subtitle, a person may not drive or move any vehicle or equipment on any highway while the vehicle or equipment displays any flashing light. (f) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the turn signal and hazard warning lamps, which may be red, amber, or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the registration plate shall be white and the light emitted by a backup lamp shall be white.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-228

(a) (1) (i) The Administrator may adopt regulations for lighting equipment, special warning devices, markings, and identification to be used by school vehicles. (ii) Regulations adopted under this paragraph shall be consistent with the provisions of the Maryland Vehicle Law. (2) (i) A school vehicle registered in the State shall be equipped with an 8-light system of alternately flashing lights. (ii) The 8-light safety system of alternately flashing lights shall meet the standards contained in the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Standard J887 (May 1982), and shall consist of 2 amber lights and 2 red lights at the rear of the vehicle, and 2 amber lights and 2 red lights at the front of the vehicle. (3) A school vehicle may be equipped with a white flashing light installed on the roof of the vehicle. (4) School vehicles shall be marked and identified as provided in, and school vehicle lighting equipment and special warning devices shall conform with, the regulations adopted by the Administrator. (b) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a person may not operate any alternately flashing light on any school vehicle except when the school vehicle is stopping or stopped on a roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers. (c) As to any school vehicle, whenever the vehicle is not being operated on a highway for the transportation of children, students, or teachers for educational purposes or in connection with a school activity: (1) The alternately flashing lights shall be deactivated; and (2) The words “school bus” at the front and rear of the vehicle shall be covered or otherwise concealed. (d) Except as otherwise provided in this section, every school vehicle driver shall put in operation alternately flashing amber lights not less than 100 feet before bringing the vehicle to a full stop for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, and place into operation the alternately flashing red lights upon stopping. (e) (1) This subsection applies only to a school vehicle being driven on the same roadway as another school vehicle in the act of loading or unloading passengers. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, every school vehicle driver shall put in operation the alternately flashing lights when approaching from the rear or the front, within 100 feet of another school vehicle in the act of loading or unloading passengers on the roadway. (f) (1) In this subsection, “loading zone” means an area: (i) That is: 1. On a highway, but not on the roadway, for use in receiving or discharging passengers residing on the same side of the highway as the loading zone; or 2. Not on a highway; and (ii) Whose location has been designated and approved by either the superintendent of schools in the local school system in which the loading zone is located, the Department of State Police, or the local police department, in cooperation with the State Highway Administration or local traffic engineering agency, as applicable. (2) It is the policy of this State to encourage the establishment and use of loading zones for school vehicles. (3) Where a loading zone is available, a school vehicle driver, unless otherwise required for safety, may not stop on the roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, but shall use the loading zone for this purpose. (g) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, a driver of a school vehicle shall stop on the roadway to: (1) Receive passengers when transporting them to school; or (2) Discharge passengers when transporting them from school.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-230

(a) A person may not have for sale, sell, or offer for sale for use on or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer any headlamp, auxiliary or fog lamp, rear lamp, signal lamp, or reflector, which reflector or lamp is required under this title, or parts of any of the foregoing, which tend to change the original design or performance. (b) A person may not use on a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer a headlamp, auxiliary or fog lamp, rear lamp, signal lamp, or reflector, which reflector or lamp is required under this title, or parts of any of the foregoing, which tend to change the original design or performance. (c) A person may not use on any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer any lamp or reflector that tends to change its original design or performance in violation of regulations adopted by the Administrator.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-232

(a) When the Administrator has reason to believe that an approved device, as being sold commercially, does not comply with the requirements of this title, after giving 30 days’ previous notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for the device in this State, he may conduct a hearing on the question of compliance of the approved device. After the hearing, the Administrator shall determine whether the approved device meets the requirements of this title. If the device does not meet the requirements of this title he shall give notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for the device in this State. (b) If, at the expiration of 90 days after the notice, the person holding the certificate of approval for the device has failed to satisfy the Administrator that the approved device as thereafter to be sold meets the requirements of this title, the Administrator shall suspend or revoke the approval issued for the device until the device is resubmitted to and retested by an authorized testing agency and is found to meet the requirements of this title, and the Administrator may require that all the devices sold since the notification following the hearing be replaced with devices that do comply with the requirements of this title. The Administrator may, at the time of the retest, purchase in the open market and submit to the testing agency one or more sets of the approved devices, and, if the device on the retest fails to meet the requirements of this title, the Administrator may refuse to renew the certificate of approval of the device.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-301

(a) “Driveaway or towaway operation” means any operation in which any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, singly or in combination, new or used, is the commodity being transported, when one set or more of wheels of the vehicle are on the roadway during the transportation, whether or not the vehicle furnishes the motive power. (b) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and any combination of these vehicles, while operating on a highway in this State, shall be equipped with brakes in compliance with the requirements of this title. All the vehicles and combinations of vehicles shall be equipped with service brakes complying with the performance requirements of § 22-302 of this subtitle and, except as provided in subsection (l) of this section, adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle under all conditions of loading, and on any grade incident to its operation. (c) (1) All the vehicles and combinations of vehicles, except motorcycles, shall be equipped with parking brakes adequate to hold the vehicle on any grade on which it is operated, under all conditions of loading, on a surface free from snow, ice, or loose material. (2) The parking brakes shall be capable of being applied in conformance with the foregoing requirements by the driver’s muscular effort or by spring action or by equivalent means. Their operation may be assisted by the service brakes or other source of power, provided that failure of the service brake actuation system or other power assisting mechanism will not prevent the parking brakes from being applied in conformance with the foregoing requirements. (3) The parking brakes shall be so designed that when once applied they shall remain applied with the required effectiveness despite exhaustion of any source of energy or leakage of any kind. (4) The same brake drums, brake shoes and lining assemblies, brake shoe anchors and mechanical brake shoe actuation mechanism normally associated with the wheel brake assemblies may be used for both the service brakes and the parking brakes. If the means of applying the parking brakes and the service brakes are connected in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part does not leave the vehicle without operative brakes. (d) Every vehicle shall be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels, except: (1) Trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers of a registered gross weight not exceeding 3,000 pounds, provided that: (i) The total weight on and including the wheels of the trailer or trailers does not exceed 40 percent of the gross weight of the towing vehicle when connected to the trailer or trailers; and (ii) The combination of vehicles, consisting of the towing vehicle and its total towed load, is capable of complying with the performance requirements of § 22-302 of this subtitle; (2) Trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers of a registered gross weight exceeding 3,000 pounds and not exceeding 10,000 pounds that: (i) Have 2 or more axles; (ii) Are equipped with brakes acting on all wheels of at least 1 axle; and (iii) As part of a combination of vehicles, consisting of the towing vehicle and the total load, is capable of complying with the performance requirements of § 22-302 of this subtitle; (3) Any vehicle being towed in driveaway or towaway operations, provided that the combination of vehicles is capable of complying with the performance requirements of § 22-302 of this subtitle; (4) Trucks, truck tractors, and special mobile equipment manufactured before July 24, 1980 with three or more axles need not have brakes on the front wheels. However, the trucks and truck tractors must be capable of complying with the performance requirements of § 22-302 of this subtitle; (5) The wheel of a sidecar attached to a motorcycle or to a motor-driven cycle, or the front wheel of a motor-driven cycle need not be equipped with brakes, provided that the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is capable of complying with the performance requirements of § 22-302 of this subtitle; and (6) Any vehicle equipped with at least 2 steerable axles need not have brakes on the wheels of 1 of the axles. However, the vehicle must be capable of complying with the performance requirements of § 22-302 of this subtitle. (e) (1) Every trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer equipped with air or vacuum actuated brakes, and every trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer with a registered gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1970, shall be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels and of a character to be applied automatically and promptly, and remain applied for at least 15 minutes on breakaway from the towing vehicle. (2) Every trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer with a registered gross weight of more than 3,000 pounds and not more than 10,000 pounds, manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1970, shall be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels of at least 1 axle and of a character to be applied automatically and promptly, and remain applied for at least 15 minutes on breakaway from the towing vehicle. (f) Every motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1970, and used to tow a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer equipped with brakes, shall be equipped with means for providing that, in case of breakaway of the towed vehicle, the towing vehicle will be capable of being stopped by the use of its service brakes. (g) Air brake systems installed on trailers manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1970, shall be so designed that the supply reservoir used to provide air for the brakes is safeguarded against backflow of air from the reservoir through the supply line. (h) (1) Air Brakes. After June 1, 1971, every towing vehicle, when used to tow another vehicle equipped with air controlled brakes, in other than driveaway or towaway operations, shall be equipped with two means for emergency application of the trailer brakes. One of these means shall apply the brakes automatically in the event of a reduction of the towing vehicle air supply to a fixed pressure, which shall be not lower than 20 pounds per square inch nor higher than 45 pounds per square inch. The other means shall be a manually controlled device for applying and releasing the brakes, readily operable by a person seated in the driving seat, and its emergency position or method of operation shall be clearly indicated. In no instance may the manual arrangement be arranged to permit its use to prevent operation of the automatic means. The automatic and the manual means required by this section may be, but are not required to be, separate. (2) Vacuum Brakes. After June 1, 1970, every towing vehicle used to tow other vehicles equipped with vacuum brakes, in operations other than driveaway or towaway operations, shall have, in addition to the single control device required by subsection (i) of this section, a second control device that can be used to operate the brakes on towed vehicles in emergencies. The second control shall be independent of brake air, hydraulic, and other pressure, and independent of other controls, unless the braking system is so arranged that failure of the pressure on which the second control depends will cause the towed vehicle brakes to be applied automatically. The second control is not required to provide modulated braking. (i) Except as provided in subsection (l) of this section, after June 1, 1971, every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and every combination of these vehicles, except motorcycles, equipped with brakes shall have the braking system so arranged that one control device can be used to operate all service brakes. This requirement does not prohibit vehicles from being equipped with an additional control device to be used to operate brakes on the towed vehicles. This regulation does not apply to driveaway or towaway operations unless the brakes on the individual vehicles are designed to be operated by a single control on the towing vehicle, nor does it apply to the operation of electric trailer brakes. (j) (1) Air Brakes. Every bus, truck, or truck tractor with air operated brakes shall be equipped with at least one reservoir sufficient to insure that, when fully charged to the maximum pressure as regulated by the air compressor governor cut-out setting, a full service brake application may be made without lowering the reservoir pressure by more than 20 percent. Each reservoir shall be provided with means for readily draining accumulated oil or water. (2) Vacuum Brakes. After June 1, 1971, every truck with three or more axles equipped with vacuum assistor type brakes and every truck tractor and truck used for towing a vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes shall be equipped with a reserve capacity or a vacuum reservoir sufficient to insure that, with the reserve capacity or reservoir fully charged and with the engine stopped, a full service brake application may be made without depleting the vacuum supply by more than 40 percent. (3) Reservoir Safeguarded. All motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers, when equipped with air or vacuum reservoirs or reserve capacity as required by this section, shall have reservoirs or reserve capacity so safeguarded by a check valve or equivalent device that, in the event of failure or leakage in its connection to the source of compressed air or vacuum, the stored air or vacuum is not depleted by the leak or failure. (k) (1) Air Brakes. Every bus, truck, or truck tractor using compressed air for the operation of its own brakes or the brakes on any towed vehicle, shall be provided with a warning signal, other than a pressure gauge, readily audible or visible to the driver, which will operate at any time that the air reservoir pressure of the vehicle is below 50 percent of the air compressor governor cut-out pressure. In addition, the vehicle shall be equipped with a pressure gauge visible to the driver, which indicates in pounds per square inch the pressure available for braking. (2) Vacuum Brakes. After June 1, 1971, every truck tractor and truck used for towing a vehicle equipped with vacuum operated brakes and every truck with three or more axles using vacuum in the operation of its brakes, except those in driveaway or towaway operations, shall be equipped with a warning signal, other than a gauge indicating vacuum, readily audible or visible to the driver, which will operate at any time the vacuum in the vehicle’s supply reservoir or reserve capacity is less than 8 inches of mercury. (3) Combination of Warning Devices. When a vehicle required to be equipped with a warning device is equipped with both air and vacuum power for the operation of its own brakes or the brakes on a towed vehicle, the warning devices may be, but are not required to be, combined into a single device that serves both purposes. A gauge or gauges indicating pressure or vacuum is not an adequate means of satisfying this requirement. (l) (1) In this subsection, “surge brakes” means a braking system designed to activate the brakes of a vehicle being towed as a result of the forward pressure of the vehicle against the towing vehicle during deceleration. (2) A trailer or semitrailer may be equipped with surge brakes if: (i) The trailer or semitrailer has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating, or registered weight, whichever is less, of 10,000 pounds or less; (ii) The combined gross vehicle weight rating, combined registered weight, and the gross combination weight of the trailer or semitrailer and the towing vehicle is 26,000 pounds or less; (iii) The vehicle or combination of vehicles is not designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver of the towing vehicle; (iv) The actual gross weight of the trailer or semitrailer and load does not exceed the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating or registered weight, whichever is less; (v) The actual gross weight of the towing vehicle and load does not exceed the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating or registered weight, whichever is less; (vi) The trailer or semitrailer brakes are designed and connected in such a manner that in case of accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle, the brakes will apply automatically; (vii) The vehicle or combination of vehicles is not used to transport hazardous materials of a type and quantity that requires placarding; (viii) The vehicle or combination of vehicles is not used to transport liquids or gases contained in packaging that exceeds a capacity of 119 gallons; (ix) The trailer or semitrailer has a gross weight rating, registered weight, or gross weight, whichever is greater, that is not more than one and one-half times the gross weight rating or registered weight, whichever is less, of the towing vehicle; and (x) For vehicles used for commercial purposes, the trailer or semitrailer is used only in intrastate commerce.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-302

(a) Every motor vehicle and combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, on application of the service brake, shall be capable of: (1) Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated in subsection (c) of this section for its classification; (2) Decelerating to a stop from not more than 20 miles per hour at not less than the feet per second tabulated in subsection (c) of this section for its classification; and (3) Stopping from a speed of 20 miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated in subsection (c) of this section for its classification, this distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or control begins. (b) Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus 1 percent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material. (c) The following table sets forth the tabulations referred to in subsection (a) of this section: 1 2 3 4 Brake system application and Braking force distance in as a percentage feet from of gross vehicle Deceleration an initial Classification of or combination in feet per speed of 20 vehicle weight second m.p.h A Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 people or less including driver, not having a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating…… 52.8% 17 25 B–1 All motorcycles…………… 43.5% 14 30 B–2 Single unit vehicles With a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less…………………… 31% 10 20 C–1 Single unit vehicles With a manufacturer’s gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds………………… 43.5% 14 40 C–2 Combination of a two– axle towing vehicle and a trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less…………………… 43.5% 14 40 C–3 Buses, regardless of the number of axles, not having a manufacturer’s weight rating…………………… 43.5% 14 40 C–4 All combination of vehicles in driveaway– towaway combinations… 43.5% 14 40 D All other vehicles and combinations of vehicles …………………………… 43.5% 14 50

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-303

All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be adjusted to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-304

(a) The Administrator is authorized to require an inspection of the braking system on any motorcycle and to disapprove any braking system on a vehicle that he finds will not comply with the performance ability standard set forth in § 22-302 of this subtitle or that, in his opinion, is equipped with a braking system that is not so designed or constructed as to insure reasonable and reliable performance in actual use. (b) The Administrator may refuse to register or may suspend or revoke the registration of any vehicle referred to in this section when he determines that the braking system on it does not comply with the provisions of this section. (c) A person may not operate on any highway any vehicle referred to in this section if the Administrator has disapproved the braking system on the vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-305

(a) In this section, “hydraulic brake fluid” means the liquid medium through which force is transmitted to the brakes in the hydraulic brake system of a vehicle. (b) Hydraulic brake fluid shall be distributed and serviced with due regard for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the public. (c) After public hearing following due notice, the Administrator shall adopt and enforce regulations for the administration of this section and shall adopt and publish standards and specifications for hydraulic brake fluid. (d) A person may not distribute, have for sale, offer for sale, or sell any hydraulic brake fluid unless it complies with the requirements of this section.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-401

(a) Every motor vehicle when operated on a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet, but no horn or other warning device may emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. (b) The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation, give audible warning with his horn, but may not otherwise use the horn when on a highway. (c) No vehicle may be equipped with nor may any person use on a vehicle any siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise permitted in this section. (d) It is permissible, but not required, that any vehicle be equipped with a theft alarm signal device that is so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal. (e) Every emergency vehicle shall be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet. However, the siren may not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which latter events the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach of the vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-401.1

§22–401.1. A vehicle from which ice cream products and similar products are sold may be equipped with, and the driver of the vehicle may use, a bell not exceeding 3 1/2 inches in diameter, or a set of bells, provided that no bell or set of bells may be: (1) Operated by mechanical or electrical means or by any means other than manually; (2) Amplified by any electrical or electronic means; (3) Capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of more than 400 feet; (4) Used for any purpose between the hours of 10 o’clock p.m. and 8 o’clock a.m.; or (5) Used as an ordinary warning signal at any time.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-402

(a) Every motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine shall be equipped with an exhaust muffler system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person may use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device on a motor vehicle on a highway. Noise levels in excess of those adopted by the Administrator under § 22-601 of this title are excessive. (b) A person may not use on the exhaust or “tail pipe” of a motor vehicle any extension or other device to cause excessive or unusual noise. (c) (1) No motor vehicle may be operated, nor may the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle permit it to be operated, on any highway in this State unless the engine power and exhaust mechanism is equipped, adjusted, and operated to prevent: (i) The discharge of clearly visible smoke (comparable to smoke equal to or darker in shade than that designated as No. 1 of the Ringelmann Chart as published by the U.S. Bureau of Mines) in the exhaust emissions within the proximity of the exhaust outlet for more than 10 consecutive seconds; and (ii) The discharge of smoke from any other part of the engine in such amounts and of such opacity as to partially obscure persons or objects from view. (2) In this subsection, “smoke” means small gasborne and airborne particles, exclusive of water vapor, from a process of combustion in sufficient numbers to be observable. (3) A motor vehicle engine may not be allowed to operate for more than 5 consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion, except as follows: (i) When a vehicle is forced to remain motionless because of traffic conditions or mechanical difficulties over which the operator has no control; (ii) When it is necessary to operate heating and cooling or auxiliary equipment installed on the vehicle; (iii) To bring the vehicle to the manufacturer’s recommended operating temperature; or (iv) When it is necessary to accomplish the intended use of the vehicle. (4) For a period of 1 year from July 1, 1971, this subsection shall be enforced by issuance of a warning. One year from July 1, 1971, it shall be enforced in the same manner as other violations of this section. (5) This subsection does not apply to Class L (historic) vehicles. (d) In this section, “muffler” means a device designed for and effective in reducing noise while permitting the flow of gases. (e) All mufflers and exhaust pipes carrying exhaust gases from the motor shall be of leakproof construction.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-402.1

§22–402.1. (a) A person may not willfully or intentionally remove, alter, or otherwise render inoperable except for a bona fide repair or replacement, any exhaust emission control device that has been installed by a manufacturer of motor vehicles on a motor vehicle manufactured as a 1968 or later model, if the motor vehicle is factory equipped with this device as required by federal law or by rule or regulation adopted by the Administrator. (b) A person may not willfully or intentionally remove, alter, or otherwise render inoperable except for a bona fide repair or replacement, any gasoline tank filler inlet device that has been installed by a manufacturer of motor vehicles on a motor vehicle manufactured as a 1968 or later model, if the motor vehicle is factory equipped with this device as required by federal law or by rule or regulation adopted by the Administrator. (c) A person may not willfully or intentionally remove, alter, or otherwise render inoperable except for a bona fide repair or replacement, any crankcase ventilation device that has been installed by a manufacturer of motor vehicles on a motor vehicle manufactured as a 1968 or later model, if the motor vehicle is factory equipped with this device as required by federal law or by rule or regulation adopted by the Administrator.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-402.2

§22–402.2. (a) In this section, “dealer” has the meaning stated in § 15-101 of this article. (b) A dealer may not sell or offer for sale a vehicle on which an exhaust emission control, gasoline tank filler inlet, or crankcase ventilation device described under § 22-402.1 of this subtitle is removed or altered.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-403

(a) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least one mirror located to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. (b) Every motor vehicle registered in this State shall be equipped with an outside mirror on the driver’s side located to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle and along the driver’s side of the vehicle. This subsection does not apply to motorcycles, which are governed by subsection (c) of this section. (c) Every motorcycle shall be equipped with two rearview mirrors, one each attached to the right and left handlebars, which shall meet applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. (d) Where the view through the inside rearview mirror is obstructed, two outside rearview mirrors are required.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-404

(a) (1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, card, sticker, or other nontransparent material on the front windshield, sidewings, or side or rear windows of the vehicle other than a certificate or other paper either required to be so displayed by law or authorized by the Administrator. (b) This section does not apply to: (1) Nontransparent material placed on the windshield of a motor vehicle above the AS1 line or not lower than 5 inches from the top of the windshield, whichever is less, if the materials are placed so as not to interfere with the driver’s clear view of traffic; (2) Materials placed on the windshield or rear window, within a 7 inch square area in the lower corner, if the materials are placed so as not to interfere with the driver’s clear view of traffic; (3) Materials placed on the side windows of a Class A (passenger) vehicle to the rear of the driver, if the materials are placed so as not to interfere with the driver’s clear view of traffic; (4) Materials placed on the side or rear windows of a Class M (multipurpose) vehicle or Class E (truck) vehicle provided that the vehicle is equipped with two outside rearview mirrors, one each attached to the right and left side of the vehicle; (5) Materials placed on the windshield in compliance with security measures required by a federal or State government agency, provided that the decal is affixed to the vehicle in accordance with the issuing agency’s guidelines; (6) Direction, destination, or termini signs on any passenger common carrier motor vehicle; or (7) An electronic toll collection device placed on the windshield of a vehicle in accordance with the guidelines established by the Maryland Transportation Authority. (c) The windshield on every motor vehicle, except motorcycles, shall be equipped with a device for clearing and cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be constructed to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. (d) Every windshield wiper on a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order. (e) (1) If a motor vehicle was originally equipped with windshield washers, the washers shall be operational and capable of containing washer fluid and distributing washer fluid onto the windshield. (2) A windshield washer shall be constructed to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-404.1

§22–404.1. (a) A person may not display on a motor vehicle the insignia or emblem of any motor vehicle club or similar organization, or of a fire company, unless he is entitled to use the same under the constitution, bylaws, rules, or regulations of the club or organization. (b) A person may not display on a motor vehicle any sign that, in the judgment of the Administration, may tend to create a hazard to safety.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-404.2

§22–404.2. A person may not display in any manner on a motor vehicle the great seal or emblem of the State of Maryland, or any facsimile of it, in any form, unless the person is the Governor, the State Comptroller, the Attorney General, the State Treasurer, the Secretary of State, the head of a State department, or an elected official.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-404.3

§22–404.3. (a) Every truck, truck tractor, and bus operated on highways in this State, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, shall be identified with the name or trade name of its owner, operator, or lessee and shall display: (1) A United States Department of Transportation number; or (2) The number issued by a State agency. (b) This section does not apply to the following if operated intrastate only: (1) Vehicles registered as: (i) Farm trucks under § 13-921 of this article; (ii) Farm truck tractors under § 13-924 of this article; or (iii) Farm area motor vehicles under § 13-935 of this article; (2) Trucks registered at 10,000 pounds capacity or less; (3) Emergency vehicles; (4) Vehicles used primarily to transport money or commercial paper; (5) Vehicles owned or operated by the State or any political subdivision of the State; or (6) Vehicles operating within 15 days from the date of purchase. (c) The display of identification required by this section shall comply with the regulations promulgated by the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration relating to vehicles operating interstate, as codified in 49 C.F.R., Part 390.21. (d) This section does not prohibit the display of any additional identification required by other laws of this State or any other state, or by any agency or department of the federal government.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-404.4

§22–404.4. (a) A person who operates on any public road a motor vehicle that is registered in this State is subject to the provisions of this section. (b) (1) Each motor vehicle that is operated on any public road and powered by propane fuel shall be identified by vehicle identification decals issued by the Office of the Fire Marshal or from a propane industry source. (2) The vehicle identification decal required by this section shall be a diamond shaped design consisting of the word “propane” in silver scotchlite letters 1 inch high on a black background with a silver scotchlite border. (3) The vehicle identification decal shall be attached to the left front and right rear bumper of the vehicle. (c) The Office of the Fire Marshal or propane industry source that issues the vehicle identification decal shall charge a fee for the issuance of a vehicle identification decal not to exceed the reasonable cost of preparation and distribution. (d) A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine of $250.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-404.5

§22–404.5. (a) In this section, “power booster system” means any device installed in a motor vehicle which allows liquid nitrous oxide to combine with gasoline for the purpose of increasing engine power. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may not operate on a highway a motor vehicle equipped with a power booster system. (c) A person may operate on a highway a motor vehicle equipped with a power booster if: (1) The vehicle is enroute to or from a track where the vehicle is used for racing and the power booster system is inoperative; or (2) The container of nitrous oxide has been removed from the vehicle. (d) Every motor vehicle equipped with a power booster system shall be identified with a decal that: (1) Is a diamond shaped design consisting of the words “Compressed Gas D.O.T. No. 1070” in silver scotchlite letters 1 inch high on a black background with a silver scotchlite border; (2) Is issued by the Office of the Fire Marshal or from a nitrous oxide industry source; and (3) Is attached to the left front and right rear bumper of the vehicle. (e) The Office of the Fire Marshal may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. (f) The Office of the Fire Marshal or nitrous oxide industry source that issues the vehicle identification decal may charge a fee for the issuance of a vehicle identification decal not to exceed the reasonable cost of preparation and distribution. (g) A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-405

(a) A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway unless the motor vehicle is equipped with tires in safe operating condition, in accordance with requirements approved by the Administrator. (b) A person may not drive a trailer on any highway unless the trailer is equipped with tires in safe operating condition, in accordance with requirements approved by the Administrator. (c) The Administrator shall adopt rules of safe operating conditions capable of being employed by a police officer for visual inspection of tires maintained on vehicles, including visual comparisons with simple measuring devices. The requirements shall encompass effects on tread wear and depth of tread. (d) If a police officer, at any time, has reasonable cause to believe that a vehicle is unsafe or equipped with tires in violation of the provisions of this section, the police officer may require the driver of the vehicle to stop and submit the vehicle tire to an inspection. If the inspection discloses the vehicle to be in violation, the officer may issue a summons for the violation.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-405.1

§22–405.1. (a) A person may not sell or offer for sale any tire that has been regrooved or recut unless: (1) The tire is specifically designed to be regrooved or recut; and (2) Following such procedure, the tire complies with standards established by the United States Department of Transportation. (b) A person may not sell or transfer any vehicle that is equipped with regrooved or recut tires, unless the tires comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section. (c) A person may not drive or otherwise move on any highway in this State any vehicle that is equipped with regrooved or recut tires, unless the tires comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section. (d) A person may not sell, offer for sale, or have in his possession with intent to sell, any motor vehicle tire or motorcycle tire that has had its tread regrooved without the fact being plainly shown by a marking or label in the English language on the shoulder sidewall of the tire. (e) A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-405.2

§22–405.2. (a) A person may not drive on any highway any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer having any metal tire in contact with the roadway. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a tire on a vehicle driven on a highway may not have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, or spike or any other protuberance of any material, other than rubber, that projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that: (1) It is permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances that will not injure the highway; (2) It is permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions on any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid; (3) It is permissible for a vehicle not registered or required to be registered in this State to use tires as described in this subsection; and (4) Except in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties, a person may not sell or offer for sale in this State any tire which is not permitted to be used in this State under this subsection. (c) From November 1 through March 31, owners of vehicles registered in Allegany County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Garrett County, or Washington County are exempt from the prohibition of the use of tires described in subsection (b) of this section. (d) The State Highway Administration and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions, in their discretion, may issue special permits authorizing the operation on a highway of traction engines or tractors having movable tracks with transverse corrugations on the periphery of the movable tracks or farm tractors or other farm machinery, the operation of which on a highway otherwise would be prohibited under this section.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-405.3

§22–405.3. If a new Class A (passenger) or Class M (multipurpose) motor vehicle is sold in this State, the manufacturer shall equip the motor vehicle with a spare tire that conforms with the requirements in § 22–405 of this subtitle, unless: (1) The tire–wheel system of the motor vehicle provides a run–flat capability by which a partially inflated driving surface becomes available in the event of a tire failure; (2) The motor vehicle is equipped with a factory–installed temporary tire repair and inflation system; or (3) Technological improvements, consistent with applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, become available.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-405.4

§22–405.4. (a) A person may not drive any motor vehicle weighing 73,000 pounds or more unless the rear axle of the tractor is equipped with original first line tires or with recaps approved by the Administrator and the Department of State Police. (b) A person may not drive any trailer weighing 73,000 pounds or more unless the rear axle of the tractor and the rear axle of the trailer are equipped with original first line tires or with recaps approved by the Administrator and the Department of State Police.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-405.5

§22–405.5. (a) A person may not sell or offer for sale, at the point of final retail sale to the consumer, an unsafe tire, for use on a highway, that does not meet or exceed the requirements set forth in subsection (b) of this section or in regulations promulgated under § 22-405(c) of this subtitle. (b) A tire shall be considered unsafe if it: (1) Has tread wear indicators and the tire is worn to the point that the tread wear indicators are flush with the tread at any place on the tire; (2) Does not have tread wear indicators and the tire is worn so that less than 2/32 of an inch tread remains when measured in any groove at three locations spaced approximately equally around the outside of the tire; provided that motorcycle tires shall be allowed to be worn down to 1/32 of an inch, if measured under this paragraph; (3) Has a worn spot that exposes the cord through the tread; (4) Has tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks in any direction which are deep enough to expose body cords; (5) Has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating partial failure or separation of the tire structure; (6) Has unrepaired fabric breaks or the sidewall has damaged body cords; (7) Has been regrooved or recut except as authorized in § 22-405.1 of this subtitle; or (8) Is marked: (i) For farm use only; (ii) For off-highway use only; or (iii) For racing use only. (c) A tire failing to meet the requirements of subsection (b) of this section may be sold for off-highway use only if the tire has permanently inscribed on its sidewall the letters “OH” at least 3/4 of an inch in height.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-406

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Aftermarket safety glass replacement” means motor vehicle safety glass replacement services that occur after the original installation by a vehicle manufacturer. (3) “Safety glass” means: (i) Any glass product that is so made or treated as substantially to prevent the glass from shattering and flying when struck or broken; or (ii) Any similar or other product that the Administration approves. (b) A person may not drive on any highway in this State any motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1937, and registered in this State, unless the vehicle is equipped with safety glass wherever glass is used in the motor vehicle in doors, windows, windshields, and wings. (c) A person may not sell any motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1937, registered or intended to be registered in this State and driven or intended to be driven on any highway in this State, unless the vehicle is equipped with safety glass wherever glass is used in the motor vehicle in doors, windows, windshields, and wings. Each sale in violation of this provision is a separate offense. (d) The owner of any motor vehicle may not have broken glass in the windshield of the vehicle replaced with any glass other than safety glass. (e) The owner of any motor vehicle may not have safety glass, broken or otherwise, in doors, windows, or wings of the motor vehicle replaced with any glass other than safety glass. (f) A person may not install in the doors, windows, windshields, and wings of any motor vehicle any glass other than glass required by subsections (d) and (e) of this section. (g) (1) (i) The Administration shall compile, maintain, and publish a list, by name, of the types of glass approved by it as conforming to the specifications and requirements of safety glass as set forth in this section. (ii) The Administration shall adopt regulations establishing standards and requirements for aftermarket safety glass replacement that: 1. Require that the products and services used meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer specifications; 2. Require the use of motor vehicle safety glass that meets American National Standards Institute Z26.1 in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 and any other applicable federal motor vehicle safety standard adopted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration; and 3. Meet or exceed the standards and requirements of the American National Standards Institute/Auto Glass Safety Council/Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard. (2) The Administration may not register any motor vehicle that is subject to the provisions of this section unless it is equipped with an approved type of safety glass and shall suspend the registration of any motor vehicle subject to this section that the Administration finds is not so equipped until the vehicle is made to conform to the requirements of this section. (h) In case of any violation of any provision of this section by any common carrier or person operating under a permit issued by the Public Service Commission of Maryland, the permit shall either be revoked or, in the discretion of the Commission, suspended until the provision is complied with to the satisfaction of the Commission. (i) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, a person may not operate a vehicle registered under § 13–912, § 13–913, § 13–917, or § 13–937 of this article on a highway in this State if: (i) In the case of a vehicle registered under § 13–912 of this article, there is affixed to any window of the vehicle any tinting materials added to the window after manufacture of the vehicle that do not allow a light transmittance through the window of at least 35%; and (ii) In the case of a vehicle registered under § 13–913, § 13–917, or § 13–937 of this article, there is affixed to any window to the immediate right or left of the driver any window tinting materials added after manufacture of the vehicle that do not allow a light transmittance through the window of at least 35%. (2) If a police officer observes that a vehicle is being operated in violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the officer may stop the driver of the vehicle and, in addition to a citation charging the driver with the offense, issue to the driver a safety equipment repair order in accordance with the provisions of § 23–105 of this article. (3) A person may not install on a window of a vehicle any window tinting material that does not comply with the light transmittance requirements specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection. (4) (i) A person who must be protected from the sun for medical reasons is exempt from the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection if the owner has, in the vehicle at the time the vehicle is stopped by a police officer, a written certification in the manner and format required by the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division of the Department of State Police that details the owner’s medical need for tinted windows with a light transmittance of less than the allowed 35%, from a physician licensed to practice medicine in the State. (ii) 1. Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, a written certification under this paragraph shall be valid for a period of time that the licensed physician determines the owner needs the enhanced tinted windows, not to exceed 2 years. 2. If the licensed physician determines that the owner’s medical condition is permanent, a written certification under this paragraph shall be valid indefinitely. (iii) This subsection does not apply to tinting materials that: 1. Are affixed in such a manner so as to be easily removed; and 2. Are being used to protect a child less than 10 years of age from the sun. (iv) Nothing in this subsection may be construed to: 1. Allow any tinting materials to be added to the windshield of a vehicle below the AS1 line or below 5 inches from the top of the windshield; 2. Prohibit a person from operating the vehicle while the person for whom the written certification is required is not present in the vehicle, provided that the written certification is in the vehicle; or 3. Alter or restrict the authority of the Administrator to adopt regulations regarding vehicle windows, except with respect to the light transmittance requirements specified in this section.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-407

(a) A person may not drive any truck with a registered gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, any passenger bus, any truck tractor, or any motor vehicle towing a mobile home, on any highway outside the corporate limits of municipal corporations at any time from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise unless there is carried in the vehicle the following equipment, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section: (1) At least three flares or three red electric lanterns or three portable red emergency reflectors, each of which shall be capable of being seen and distinguished at a distance of not less than 600 feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime; (2) At least three red-burning fusees having a burning period of at least 15 minutes, unless red electric lanterns or red portable emergency reflectors are carried; and (3) At least two red flags, not less than 12 inches square, with standards to support the flags. (b) A person may not drive at the time and under the conditions stated in subsection (a) any motor vehicle used to carry explosives, any cargo tank truck used to carry flammable liquids or compressed gases, or any motor vehicle using compressed gas as a fuel, unless there is carried in the vehicle three red electric lanterns or three portable red emergency reflectors meeting the requirements of subsections (a) and (d) of this section. (c) A person may not carry in a motor vehicle used to carry explosives, a cargo tank truck used to carry flammable liquids or compressed gases, or a motor vehicle using compressed gas as a fuel, a flare, fusee, or signal produced by flame. (d) (1) No flare, fusee, electric lantern, warning device, or warning flag may be used to comply with this section unless the equipment is of a type that has been submitted to and approved by the Administrator. (2) After June 30, 1974, no portable reflector warning device may be used to equip a vehicle that is required by this section to be so equipped unless it meets the requirements specified in the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. Vehicles equipped with portable reflector devices before July 1, 1974, may continue to use a device conforming to the requirements of a Type 2 device as specified in the Society of Automotive Engineers recommended standards until such time as the device is replaced. Replacement devices shall conform to the applicable federal standards.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-408

(a) Whenever any truck, passenger bus, truck tractor, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer, or any motor vehicle towing a mobile home is disabled on the roadway or shoulder of any highway outside of any municipal corporation at any time when lighted lamps are required on vehicles, the driver of the vehicle shall display the following warning devices on the highway during the time the vehicle is so disabled on the highway, except as provided in subsection (b), (c) or (e) of this section: (1) A lighted fusee, a lighted red electric lantern, or a portable red emergency reflector shall be immediately placed at the traffic side of the vehicle in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic; and (2) As soon thereafter as possible, but in any event within 15 minutes or before any fusee used for this purpose burns out, whichever occurs first, the driver shall place three liquid-burning flares (pot torches), three lighted red electric lanterns, or three portable red emergency reflectors on the roadway of the highway in the following order: (i) One, approximately 100 feet from the disabled vehicle in the center of the lane occupied by the vehicle and toward traffic approaching in that lane; (ii) One, approximately 100 feet in the opposite direction from the disabled vehicle and in the center of the traffic lane occupied by the vehicle; and (iii) One, at the traffic side of the disabled vehicle not less than 10 feet rearward or forward of it in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic, except that, if a lighted red electric lantern or a red portable emergency reflector has been placed at the traffic side of the vehicle in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, it may be used for this purpose. (b) Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this section is disabled within 500 feet of a curve, hillcrest, or other obstruction to view, the warning signal in that direction shall be placed to afford ample warning to other users of the highway, but in no case less than 100 feet or more than 500 feet from the disabled vehicle. (c) Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this section is disabled on any roadway of a divided highway during the time lights are required, the appropriate warning devices prescribed in subsections (a) and (e) of this section shall be placed as follows: (1) One at a distance of approximately 200 feet from the vehicle, in the center of the lane occupied by the stopped vehicle and in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane; (2) One at a distance of approximately 100 feet from the vehicle, in the center of the lane occupied by the vehicle and in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane; and (3) One at the traffic side of the vehicle and approximately 10 feet from the vehicle in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic. (d) Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this section is disabled on the roadway or shoulder of any highway outside of any municipal corporation at any time when the display of fusees, flares, red electric lanterns or portable red emergency reflectors is not required, the driver of the vehicle shall display two red flags on the roadway in the lane of traffic occupied by the disabled vehicle, one at a distance of approximately 100 feet in advance of the vehicle and one at a distance of approximately 100 feet to the rear of the vehicle. (e) (1) Whenever any motor vehicle used to carry explosives or any cargo tank truck used to carry any flammable liquid or compressed flammable gas, or any motor vehicle using compressed gas as a fuel, is disabled on a highway in this State at any time or place mentioned in subsection (a) of this section, the driver of the vehicle shall immediately display the following warning devices: (i) One red electric lantern or portable red emergency reflector, placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the vehicle; and (ii) Two red electric lanterns or portable red reflectors, one placed approximately 100 feet to the front and one placed approximately 100 feet to the rear of this disabled vehicle, in the center of the traffic lane occupied by the vehicle. (2) Flares, fusees, or signals produced by flame may not be used as warning devices for disabled vehicles of the type mentioned in this subsection. (f) The flares, fusees, red electric lanterns, portable red emergency reflectors, and flags to be displayed as required in this section shall conform with the requirements of § 22-407 of this subtitle applicable to them.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-409

(a) (1) The Administrator and the Secretary of the Department of the Environment jointly shall adopt such regulations as are necessary for the safe transportation of hazardous materials. (2) The regulations adopted under this subsection shall duplicate or be consistent with the hazardous materials transportation regulations contained in 49 C.F.R., Parts 107 through 180, and all amendments to those regulations. (b) (1) Any person engaged in the shipping and transporting of hazardous materials, regardless of whether the person’s functions are related to the preparation or transportation of the materials or whether the transporting involves interstate or intrastate movements, shall comply with the regulations adopted under this section. (2) All persons engaged in the manufacture, fabrication, marking, maintenance, reconditioning, repair, or retesting of packaging shall comply with the regulations adopted under this section. (c) The Administrator may exempt through regulation certain persons from the regulations adopted under this section if the Administrator determines based on the evidence presented that public and environmental safety would not be adversely affected. (d) A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to: (1) For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $1,000; (2) For a second offense, a fine not exceeding $2,000; and (3) For a third or subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $3,000.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-410

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Air–conditioning equipment” means mechanical vapor compression refrigeration equipment used to cool the driver’s or passenger compartment of any motor vehicle. (3) “Ozone–depleting refrigerant” means a refrigerant used in air–conditioning equipment that contains a substance identified in 42 U.S.C. § 7671a(a) or (b). (b) Air–conditioning equipment shall be manufactured, installed, and maintained with due regard for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the public. (c) In a motor vehicle of model year 2011, or any model year thereafter, the air–conditioning equipment may contain only a refrigerant that: (1) Is not an ozone–depleting refrigerant; or (2) Is included in the list published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a safe alternative to chlorofluorocarbon–12, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 7671k(c). (d) The Administrator, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, may adopt and enforce safety requirements, regulations, and specifications for air–conditioning equipment consistent with the requirements of this section. (e) A person may not have for sale, offer for sale, sell, or equip any motor vehicle, of model year 2011 or thereafter, with any air–conditioning equipment unless the air–conditioning equipment complies with the requirements of this section.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-411

(a) Every trailer or semitrailer of a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, when operated on a highway, shall be equipped with a permanent metal frame attached to the underside of the rear of the trailer. (b) The frame may not be any wider than the width of the trailer and shall be not more than 30 inches above the highway when moving and constructed of heavy gauge steel. (c) The maximum transverse distance from the widest part of the vehicle at the rear to the frame may not exceed 18 inches. (d) The frame shall be constructed so as not to interfere with lights or other warning devices. (e) Any trailer or semitrailer so constructed and maintained that the body, chassis, or other parts of it afford the protection required by this section is in compliance with this section. (f) This section does not apply to pole trailers or to vehicles where the installation of the required frame would prevent operation of the vehicle to secure its designed use.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-412

(a) Every motor vehicle registered in this State and manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1964, shall be equipped with two sets of seat belts on the front seat of the vehicle. (b) Every motor vehicle registered in this State and manufactured or assembled with a rear seat after June 1, 1969, shall be equipped with two sets of seat belts on the rear seat of the vehicle. (c) A person may not sell or offer for sale any vehicle in violation of this section. (d) For the purpose of this section only, “motor vehicle” does not include any motorcycle other than an autocycle, bus, or truck. (e) For the purpose of this section only, “seat belt” means any belt, strap, harness, or like device. (f) A seat belt may not be sold or offered for sale for use in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle in this State after June 1, 1964, unless it meets applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-412.1

§22–412.1. Every motor vehicle that is used by nursery schools, camps, day nurseries, or child care centers for children with an intellectual disability to transport children shall be equipped with seat belts for each seat and shall be subject to any other regulations adopted by the Administration, unless the motor vehicle: (1) Is a Type I school vehicle; or (2) Was formerly registered as a Type I school vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-412.2

§22–412.2. (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) (i) “Child safety seat” means a device, including a child booster seat, that the manufacturer: 1. Certifies is manufactured in accordance with applicable federal safety standards; and 2. Intends to be used to restrain, seat, or position a child who is transported in a motor vehicle. (ii) “Child safety seat” does not mean a seat belt or combination seat belt–shoulder harness used alone. (3) (i) “Seat belt” means a restraining device described under § 22–412 of this subtitle. (ii) “Seat belt” includes a combination seat belt–shoulder harness. (b) A child safety seat meets the requirements of this section only if it is installed and used in accordance with the directions of the manufacturer. (c) This section applies to the transportation of a child in: (1) A motor vehicle registered, or of a type capable of being registered, in this State as a: (i) Class A (passenger) vehicle; (ii) Class E (truck) vehicle; or (iii) Class M (multipurpose) vehicle; and (2) A vehicle registered in another state or Puerto Rico that is the same type of vehicle as a vehicle identified in item (1) of this subsection. (d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person transporting a child under the age of 8 years in a motor vehicle shall secure the child in a child safety seat in accordance with the child safety seat and vehicle manufacturers’ instructions unless the child is 4 feet, 9 inches tall or taller. (2) A person transporting a child under the age of 2 years in a motor vehicle shall secure the child in a rear–facing child safety seat that complies with applicable federal regulations until the child reaches the weight or height limit specified by the manufacturer of the child safety seat. (e) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, a person may not transport a child under the age of 16 years unless the child is secured in: (1) A child safety seat in accordance with the child safety seat and vehicle manufacturers’ instructions; or (2) A seat belt. (f) Notwithstanding subsection (d) of this section, if a physician, who is licensed to practice medicine in the state in which the vehicle transporting the child is registered, certifies in writing that use of a child safety seat by a particular child would be impractical due to the child’s weight, height, physical unfitness, or other medical reason, there is not a violation of this section. (g) A child safety seat or seat belt may not be used to restrain, seat, or position more than one individual at a time. (h) A violation of this section is not contributory negligence and may not be admitted as evidence in the trial of any civil action. (i) A violation of this section is not considered a moving violation for purposes of § 16–402 of this article. (j) The failure to provide a child safety seat or seat belt for more than one child in the same vehicle at the same time, as required by this section, shall be treated as a single violation. (k) (1) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, any person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine of $50. (ii) A person who violates subsection (d)(2) of this section by securing a child under the age of 2 years in a child safety seat that is not rear–facing is subject to a written warning for a first violation. (2) A judge may waive a fine under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection if the person charged with a violation of this section: (i) Did not possess a child safety seat at the time of the violation; (ii) Acquires a child safety seat prior to the hearing date; and (iii) Provides proof of acquisition to the court. (l) The Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Health shall jointly implement the Child Safety Seat Program and foster compliance with this section through educational and promotional efforts.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-412.3

§22–412.3. (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) (i) “Motor vehicle” means a vehicle that is: 1. Registered or capable of being registered in this State as a Class A (passenger), Class E (truck), Class F (tractor), Class M (multipurpose), or Class P (passenger bus) vehicle; and 2. Required to be equipped with seat belts under federal motor vehicle safety standards contained in the Code of Federal Regulations. (ii) “Motor vehicle” does not include a Class L (historic) vehicle. (3) “Outboard front seat” means a front seat position that is adjacent to a door of a motor vehicle. (4) (i) “Seat belt” means a restraining device described under § 22–412 of this subtitle. (ii) “Seat belt” includes a combination seat belt–shoulder harness. (b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle unless the person and each occupant under 16 years old are restrained by a seat belt or a child safety seat as provided in § 22–412.2 of this subtitle. (c) (1) The provisions of this subsection apply to a person who is at least 16 years old. (2) Unless a person is restrained by a seat belt, the person may not be a passenger in an outboard front seat of a motor vehicle. (3) (i) Unless a person is restrained by a seat belt, the person may not be a passenger in a rear seat of a motor vehicle. (ii) A police officer may enforce this paragraph only as a secondary action when the police officer detains a driver of a motor vehicle for a suspected violation of another provision of the Code. (d) If a physician licensed to practice medicine in this State determines and certifies in writing that use of a seat belt by a person would prevent appropriate restraint due to a person’s physical disability or other medical reason, the provisions of this section do not apply to the person. (e) A certification under subsection (d) of this section shall state: (1) The nature of the physical disability; and (2) The reason that restraint by a seat belt is inappropriate. (f) The provisions of this section do not apply to U.S. Postal Service and contract carriers while delivering mail to local box routes. (g) A violation of this section is not considered a moving violation for purposes of § 16–402 of this article. (h) (1) Failure of an individual to use a seat belt in violation of this section may not: (i) Be considered evidence of negligence; (ii) Be considered evidence of contributory negligence; (iii) Limit liability of a party or an insurer; or (iv) Diminish recovery for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or operation of a motor vehicle. (2) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, a party, witness, or counsel may not make reference to a seat belt during a trial of a civil action that involves property damage, personal injury, or death if the damage, injury, or death is not related to the design, manufacture, installation, supplying, or repair of a seat belt. (3) (i) Nothing contained in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the right of a person to institute a civil action for damages against a dealer, manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, or other appropriate entity arising out of an incident that involves a defectively installed or defectively operating seat belt. (ii) In a civil action in which 2 or more parties are named as joint tort–feasors, interpleaded as defendants, or impleaded as defendants, and 1 of the joint tort–feasors or defendants is not involved in the design, manufacture, installation, supplying, or repair of a seat belt, a court shall order separate trials to accomplish the ends of justice on a motion of any party. (i) The Administration and the Department of State Police shall establish prevention and education programs to encourage compliance with the provisions of this section. (j) The Administration shall include information on this State’s experience with the provisions of this section in the annual evaluation report on the State’s highway safety plan that this State submits to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration under 23 U.S.C. § 402. (k) Any person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine of not more than $50.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-412.4

§22–412.4. (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Seat belt” means a restraining device described under § 22–412 of this subtitle. (3) “Vehicle” means an emergency vehicle purchased or leased by the State, a county, municipality, or volunteer fire department or rescue squad and operated by a: (i) State, county, or municipal fire department; (ii) Volunteer fire department; or (iii) Rescue squad. (b) A vehicle registered in the State and manufactured and assembled after January 1, 1990 shall be equipped with a seat belt or safety restraining device approved by the local authority having jurisdiction for each position on the vehicle that may be lawfully occupied by a passenger. (c) (1) The failure of a person to use a seat belt or restraining device required under this section may not: (i) Be considered evidence of negligence; (ii) Be considered evidence of contributory negligence; (iii) Limit liability of a party or an insurer; (iv) Diminish recovery for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or operation of a motor vehicle; or (v) Be considered a moving violation for purposes of § 16–402 of this article. (2) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, a party, witness, or counsel may not make reference to a seat belt during a trial of a civil action that involves property damage, personal injury, or death if the damage, injury, or death is not related to the design, manufacture, installation, supplying, or repair of a seat belt required under this section. (3) (i) Nothing contained in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the right of a person to institute a civil action for damages against a dealer, manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, or other appropriate entity arising out of an incident that involves a defectively installed or defectively operating seat belt. (ii) In a civil action in which 2 or more parties are named as joint tort–feasors, interpleaded as defendants, or impleaded as defendants, and 1 of the joint tort–feasors or defendants is not involved in the design, manufacture, installation, supplying, or repair of a seat belt, a court shall order separate trials to accomplish the ends of justice on a motion of any party.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-413

(a) A person may not drive any bus, truck, trailer, or semitrailer on any highway in this State, unless it is equipped with suitable metal protectors or substantial flexible flaps behind the rear-most wheels of the vehicle or combination of vehicles to prevent the projection of rocks, dirt, water, or other substances to the rear and to minimize side spray. (b) A person may not cause to be driven any bus, truck, trailer, or semitrailer on any highway in this State, unless it is equipped with suitable metal protectors or substantial flexible flaps behind the rear-most wheels of the vehicle or combination of vehicles to prevent the projection of rocks, dirt, water, or other substances to the rear and to minimize side spray. (c) A person may not permit to be driven any bus, truck, trailer, or semitrailer on any highway in this State, unless it is equipped with suitable metal protectors or substantial flexible flaps behind the rear-most wheels of the vehicle or combination of vehicles to prevent the projection of rocks, dirt, water, or other substances to the rear and to minimize side spray. (d) The protectors or flaps shall have a ground clearance of not more than one-third of the horizontal distance from the bottom edge of the protector or flap to the centerline of the axle. However, no protector or flap need be closer to the ground than 6 inches under any condition of loading. The protector or flap shall extend laterally at least the width of the tire or tires being protected. (e) If any bus, truck, trailer, or semitrailer, is so designed or constructed that the objectives in subsection (a) of the section are accomplished by reason of fender or body construction or other means of enclosure, either permanent or temporary, then the requirements of this section have been satisfied. (f) This section does not apply to any farm tractor or to any vehicle registered as a farm truck or to uncoupled truck tractors or to pole trailers or other vehicles where the construction is such that complete freedom around the wheel area is necessary to secure the designed use of the vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-414

(a) A motor vehicle driven on a highway in this State may not be equipped with television–type receiving equipment that is turned on and displaying an image visible to the driver. (b) This section does not prevent: (1) The use of television–type receiving equipment in a vehicle exclusively for safety or law enforcement purposes, as approved by the Department of State Police; (2) The use in a vehicle of equipment used exclusively for alphanumeric data and text transmission and reception; or (3) The use in a vehicle of electronic display equipment: (i) Used in conjunction with: 1. A vehicle navigation system; or 2. Broadcast and satellite radio system graphics; or (ii) Displaying information or images related to the operation or safety of a motor vehicle.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-414.1

§22–414.1. (a) In this section, “video display equipment” means equipment capable of displaying a dynamic visual image, other than text, from a digital video disc or other storage device. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a motor vehicle driven on a highway in the State may be equipped with video display equipment only if the video display equipment is turned off when the screen on the video display equipment is visible to the driver. (c) This section does not apply to equipment on a vehicle used by a public service company.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-415

(a) It is unlawful for any person to: (1) Advertise for sale, sell, use or install or cause to be installed any device which causes an odometer to register any mileage other than the true mileage driven; (2) Tamper with, damage, interfere with, disconnect, reset, or alter or cause to be disconnected, reset, or altered the odometer of any motor vehicle with intent to change the number of miles indicated; (3) Operate a motor vehicle, with intent to defraud, knowing the odometer is disconnected or nonfunctional; or (4) With intent to defraud, offer for sale or sell any vehicle in which the odometer has been changed or altered to misrepresent the actual accumulated mileage. (b) A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-416

(a) The purpose of this section is to provide additional safety standards for private passenger automobiles, not only to afford additional protection for passengers in them, but also to eliminate damage to an automobile at a specified speed by more adequate bumper protection for the chassis of the vehicle. (b) In this section, “private passenger automobile” means a four-wheeled motor vehicle designed principally for carrying passengers, for use on public roads and highways, and not designed for use principally as a dwelling or for camping. (c) Every private passenger automobile manufactured on and after January 1, 1974, and sold or titled and registered in this State, shall be sold subject to the manufacturer’s warranty that it is equipped with an appropriate energy absorption system that meets the requirements for energy absorption systems set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (d) The warranty provisions of this section are not applicable with respect to any private passenger automobile as to which the manufacturer files a written certification under oath with the Administration, on a form to be prescribed by it, that the particular make and model described in the certification complies with the applicable standards of this section.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-417

Effective September 1, 1973, all school buses operating in Maryland and used for the transportation of children to and from public or nonpublic schools shall be equipped with seat back crash pads meeting the rules, regulations, and specifications established by the Administration.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-418

(a) School vehicles shall be painted yellow, in accordance with Administration regulations, using the color known as national school bus yellow, as specified in federal standards. (b) Unless otherwise permitted or authorized by the Maryland Vehicle Law or by Administration regulation, no other vehicle designed for carrying passengers may be painted national school bus yellow or a closely approximate color. (c) The Administrator may issue regulations for a phase-in of compliance with this section.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-419

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) (i) “Airbag” means a motor vehicle inflatable occupant–restraint system that: 1. Operates in the event of a crash; and 2. Is designed in accordance with federal motor vehicle safety standards for the specific make, model, and year of the motor vehicle in which it is or will be installed. (ii) “Airbag” includes the cover, sensors, controllers, inflators, wiring, cushion material, and any other component part of an airbag. (3) “Counterfeit airbag” means a replacement airbag displaying an unauthorized mark identical or substantially similar to the genuine mark of a motor vehicle manufacturer or a supplier of parts to the motor vehicle manufacturer. (4) “Nonfunctional airbag” means: (i) A replacement airbag that: 1. Has been previously deployed or damaged; or 2. Has an electrical fault that is detected by the vehicle diagnostic system after the installation procedure is completed; or (ii) An object, including a counterfeit airbag, intended to deceive a vehicle owner or operator into believing that the object is a functional airbag. (b) A person may not knowingly: (1) Import, manufacture, distribute, sell, or offer for sale a counterfeit airbag or a nonfunctional airbag; (2) Install or reinstall a counterfeit airbag or a nonfunctional airbag in a motor vehicle; (3) Sell, offer for sale, install, or reinstall a device in a vehicle that causes the vehicle’s diagnostic system to inaccurately indicate that the vehicle is equipped with a functional airbag when a counterfeit airbag, nonfunctional airbag, or no airbag is installed; (4) Represent to another person that a counterfeit airbag or a nonfunctional airbag that is or will be installed in a motor vehicle is a functional airbag; or (5) Assist in or cause a violation of this subsection. (c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-420

(a) (1) Beginning January 1, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply in a prominent location a standardized label that is permanently affixed to each electric bicycle. (2) The label required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9 point type and contain for the electric bicycle: (i) The classification; (ii) The top assisted speed; and (iii) The motor wattage. (b) A person may not tamper with or modify an electric bicycle in a manner that changes the motor–powered speed capability of the electric bicycle unless the person corrects the classification on the label required under subsection (a) of this section. (c) An electric bicycle shall comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 C.F.R. § 1512. (d) An electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function: (1) When the brakes are applied; or (2) For a Class 1 or Class 3 electric bicycle, when the operator stops pedaling. (e) A Class 3 electric bicycle shall be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed of the electric bicycle in miles per hour.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-421

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “First sale” means a sale of a new tire that is not a sale to a wholesaler or out–of–state retailer. (3) “Tire dealer” means a person who sells new tires to: (i) A seller of tires in the State that is not a tire wholesaler; or (ii) A consumer of a tire on which a recycling fee has not been paid. (4) “Tire wholesaler” means a person who transfers tires to a person who is not a consumer. (b) (1) Beginning on January 1, 2026, a new tire fee shall be imposed on the first sale of a new tire in the State by a tire dealer, including new tires sold as a part of a new or used vehicle, trailer, farm implement, or similar machinery. (2) A county, municipal corporation, or any agency of a county or municipal corporation may not impose any tax, fee, or other charge on the sale of a new tire by a tire dealer. (c) The new tire fee on the sale of a new tire dealer is $5 per tire. (d) For a sale made by a tire dealer to a person who resells tires, the tire dealer shall separately state the new tire fees paid by the tire dealer on the invoice or other document of sale. (e) (1) Each tire dealer shall: (i) Pay the new tire fee; and (ii) Complete and submit, under oath, a return and remit the fees to the Comptroller on or before the 21st day of the month that follows the month in which the sale was made, and for other periods and on other dates that the Comptroller specifies by regulation, including periods for which no fees were due. (2) A tire dealer shall file a new tire fee return electronically. (f) If the amount of the new tire fee is separately stated in a retail sale, the new tire fee is not subject to any tax under Title 13 of this article or Title 11 of the Tax – General Article. (g) The Comptroller shall forward all new tire fees, less the costs of administration, to the Transportation Trust Fund. (h) Except to the extent inconsistent with this section, the provisions of Titles 1, 2, 11, and 13 of the Tax – General Article applicable to the sales and use tax shall govern the administration, collection, and enforcement of the new tire fee under this section. (i) The Comptroller: (1) Shall administer the new tire fee; and (2) May adopt regulations necessary to administer, collect, and enforce the new tire fee.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-601

(a) With the endorsement of the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Environment and after a public hearing following 60 days’ notice, the Administrator shall adopt regulations that establish maximum sound level limits for the operation on the highways in this State of each type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles. (b) In establishing limits under this section, the Administrator shall: (1) Consider any noise emission regulations established under federal law for motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce; and (2) Set the limits at the most restrictive level that, through the application of the best available technology at a reasonable cost, is consistent with attaining the environmental noise standards adopted by the Department of the Environment.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-602

(a) A person may not drive on a highway in this State any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles of a type required to be registered under Title 13 of this article, in a manner that, at any time, at any speed, or under any condition of grade, load, acceleration, or deceleration, exceeds the maximum sound level limits established under § 22-601 of this subtitle for the operation of that type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles. (b) An owner or lessee of a motor vehicle may not permit to be driven on a highway in this State any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles of a type required to be registered under Title 13 of this article, in a manner that, at any time, at any speed, or under any condition of grade, load, acceleration, or deceleration, exceeds the maximum sound level limits established under § 22-601 of this subtitle for the operation of that type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-603

(a) The Administrator and the Department of State Police jointly shall adopt regulations for the administration and enforcement of the sound level limits established under § 22-601 of this subtitle for the operation of vehicles. (b) These regulations shall include the selection of measurement sites and measurement procedures to be based on accepted scientific and professional methods for the measurement of vehicular sound levels.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-604

When an emergency vehicle is operating under the provisions of § 21-106 of this article, it is exempt from the sound level limits established under § 22-601 of this subtitle for the operation of vehicles.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-605

(a) With the endorsement of the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Environment and after a public hearing following 60 days’ notice, the Administrator shall adopt regulations that establish maximum sound level limits for each type of new motor vehicle. (b) In establishing limits under this section, the Administrator shall set the most restrictive level that, through the application of the best available technology at a reasonable cost, is consistent with attaining the environmental noise standards adopted by the Department of the Environment.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-606

(a) A person may not sell, offer for sale, distribute, or lease in this State any motor vehicle manufactured after July 1, 1974, if the vehicle has a sound level potential that exceeds the maximum sound level limits established under § 22-605 of this subtitle for that type of new motor vehicle. (b) The Administration may not register or issue a certificate of title for any motor vehicle manufactured after July 1, 1974, unless, when the vehicle is first sold for purposes other than resale, it complies with the noise level limits established under § 22-605 of this subtitle for new motor vehicles.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-607

(a) The Administrator shall adopt regulations for the administration and enforcement of the sound level limits established under § 22-605 of this subtitle for new motor vehicles. (b) These regulations shall include the establishment of test procedures to be used to establish compliance with the limits adopted. The procedures shall be: (1) Based on accepted scientific and professional standards for the measurement of sound; and (2) In substantial conformity with test procedures contained in applicable standards and recommended practices for the measurement of vehicular sound levels established by the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. and the American National Standards Institute or their respective successor bodies.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-608

The manufacturer, distributor, or designated agent of the manufacturer or distributor of each make and model of motor vehicle sold in this State shall file with the Administration a written certification that the particular make and model complies with the sound level limits established under § 22-605 of this subtitle for new motor vehicles. The certification shall be on the form that the Administration requires.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-609

(a) A person may not modify the exhaust system or any other noise abatement device of a motor vehicle driven or to be driven on any highway in this State in such a way that the noise emitted by the vehicle exceeds that emitted by the vehicle as originally manufactured. (b) A person may not drive on any highway in this State a motor vehicle with an exhaust system or noise abatement device modified in a way prohibited by subsection (a) of this section.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-610

(a) A person may not sell or offer for sale in this State for use as part of the equipment of a motor vehicle any exhaust muffler, intake muffler, or other noise abatement device that, when installed, will permit the vehicle to be operated in such a way that the noise emitted by the vehicle exceeds that emitted by the vehicle as originally manufactured. (b) (1) The manufacturer of each exhaust muffler, intake muffler, or other noise abatement device sold in this State for use as part of the equipment of a motor vehicle shall file with the Administration a written certification that the particular device, when installed for its intended application, complies with the requirements of this section. (2) The certification shall be on the form that the Administration requires.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-611

(a) In this section, “engine brake” means an add–on engine compression brake for diesel engines. (b) A person may not operate a commercial motor vehicle equipped with an engine brake unless the engine brake is connected to a properly functioning exhaust muffler system in constant operation when the vehicle’s ignition is engaged. (c) A person may not disable the exhaust muffler system of a commercial motor vehicle that is equipped with an engine brake except to make a bona fide repair or replacement. (d) A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to: (1) For a first offense, a fine of not less than $250 and not exceeding $1,000; and (2) For a second or subsequent offense, a fine of not less than $500 and not exceeding $1,000.

Md. Code, Transportation § 22-612

§22–612. IN EFFECT // EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 712 OF 2025 // (a) This section applies only in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. (b) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Agency” means a county law enforcement agency that is authorized to issue a citation for a violation of the Maryland Vehicle Law or of local traffic laws or regulations. (3) “Noise abatement monitoring system” means a mobile or fixed vehicle sensor that works in conjunction with a noise measuring device, such as a decibel reader, that automatically produces two or more photographs, two or more microphotographs, a videotape, or other recorded images of a motor vehicle at the time the motor vehicle is operated during the commission of a violation. (4) “Noise abatement monitoring system operator” means a representative of an agency or a contractor that operates a noise abatement monitoring system. (5) “Noise measuring device” means an electronic device that: (i) Uses automated equipment that activates when the sound level exceeds the maximum sound level limits established under § 22–601 of this subtitle by at least 5 decibels; (ii) Records audio when activated; (iii) Records decibel levels when activated; and (iv) Allows a noise abatement monitoring system operator to manually review recorded audio to ensure a violation has occurred. (6) (i) “Owner” means the registered owner of a motor vehicle or a lessee of a motor vehicle under a lease of 6 months or more. (ii) “Owner” does not include: 1. A motor vehicle rental or leasing company; or 2. A holder of a special registration plate issued under Title 13, Subtitle 9, Part III of this article. (7) “Recorded image” means an image recorded by a noise abatement monitoring system: (i) On: 1. A photograph; 2. A microphotograph; 3. An electronic image; 4. Videotape; or 5. Any other medium; and (ii) Showing: 1. The rear of a motor vehicle; 2. The decibel level recorded for the motor vehicle at the time of recordation; and 3. On at least one image or portion of tape, a clear and legible identification of the entire registration plate number of the motor vehicle. (8) “Violation” means a violation of § 22–602 of this subtitle by at least 5 decibels. (c) (1) (i) A county may use not more than three noise abatement monitoring systems under this section if the use is authorized by the county governing body by local law enacted after reasonable notice and a public hearing. (ii) A county may deploy a noise abatement monitoring system at multiple locations at different times. (iii) Before activating a noise abatement monitoring system, the county shall: 1. Publish notice of the location of the noise abatement monitoring system on its website; and 2. Ensure that each noise abatement monitoring system is proximate to a sign that: A. Indicates that noise abatement monitoring systems are in use in the area; and B. Is in accordance with the manual and the specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices adopted by the State Highway Administration under § 25–104 of this article. (iv) 1. A county that authorizes a program of noise abatement monitoring systems shall designate an official or employee to investigate and respond to questions or concerns about the county’s noise abatement monitoring system program. 2. A. The local designee shall review a warning notice or citation generated by a noise abatement monitoring system if the person who received the warning notice or citation requests review before the deadline for contesting liability under this section. B. If the local designee determines that the warning notice or citation is an erroneous violation, the local designee shall void the warning notice or citation. C. If the local designee determines that a person did not receive notice of a warning notice or citation issued under this section due to an administrative error, the local designee may resend the warning notice or citation in accordance with subsection (e) of this section or void the warning notice or citation. D. A local designee that takes any action described under subsubsubparagraph C of this subsubparagraph shall notify the Administration of the action for the purpose of rescinding any administrative penalties imposed under subsection (h) of this section. E. A local designee may not determine that a warning notice or citation is an erroneous violation based solely on the dismissal of the warning notice or citation by a court. F. A local designee may waive a warning notice or citation if the person alleged to be liable under this section provides sufficient evidence that the person has made any alterations to the motor vehicle necessary to avoid future violations. 3. A local designee may not be employed by a noise abatement monitoring system contractor or have been involved in any review of a noise abatement monitoring system warning notice or citation, other than review of a warning notice or citation under this subparagraph. 4. On receipt of a written question or concern from a person, the local designee shall provide a written answer or response to the person within a reasonable time. 5. A local jurisdiction shall make any written questions or concerns received under this subparagraph and any subsequent written answers or responses available for public inspection. (v) If a county moves or places a noise abatement monitoring system to or at a location where a noise abatement monitoring system had not previously been moved or placed, the county may not issue a citation for a violation recorded by that noise abatement monitoring system: 1. Until signage is installed in accordance with subparagraph (iii)2 of this paragraph; and 2. For at least the first 15 calendar days after the signage is installed. (2) (i) A noise abatement monitoring system operator shall complete training by the manufacturer of the noise abatement monitoring system in the procedures for setting up and operating the noise abatement monitoring system. (ii) The manufacturer shall issue a signed certificate to the noise abatement monitoring system operator on completion of the training. (iii) The certificate of training shall be admitted as evidence in any court proceeding for a violation. (3) A noise abatement monitoring system operator shall fill out and sign a daily set–up log for a noise abatement monitoring system that: (i) States that the noise abatement monitoring system operator successfully performed or reviewed and evaluated the manufacturer–specified daily self–test of the noise abatement monitoring system before producing a recorded image; (ii) States the date and time when, and the location where, the noise abatement monitoring system was set up each day; (iii) Shall be kept on file; and (iv) Shall be admitted as evidence in any court proceeding for a violation. (4) (i) A noise abatement monitoring system shall undergo an annual calibration check performed by an independent calibration laboratory that is: 1. Selected by the county; and 2. Unaffiliated with the manufacturer of the noise abatement monitoring system. (ii) The independent calibration laboratory shall issue a signed certificate of calibration after the annual calibration check that shall be: 1. Kept on file; and 2. Admitted as evidence in any court proceeding for a violation. (5) A county that establishes a noise abatement monitoring system program shall bear the cost of implementing the program. (d) (1) Unless the driver of the motor vehicle received a citation from a police officer at the time of the violation, the owner of a motor vehicle is subject to a civil penalty if the motor vehicle is recorded by a noise abatement monitoring system while being operated during the commission of a violation. (2) (i) A person liable for a violation enforced by a noise abatement monitoring system is subject to: 1. For a first offense, a warning notice; and 2. For a second or subsequent offense, a civil penalty not exceeding $75. (ii) A county may not issue a citation applicable to a motor vehicle during the first 30 days after a warning for a first offense applicable to the motor vehicle is mailed under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph. (3) For purposes of this section, the District Court shall prescribe: (i) A uniform citation form consistent with subsection (e)(1) of this section and § 7–302 of the Courts Article; and (ii) A civil penalty, which shall be indicated on the citation, to be paid by persons who choose to prepay the civil penalty without appearing in District Court. (4) A person may not be issued more than one citation by a county per day for a violation enforced by a noise abatement monitoring system. (e) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) through (4) of this subsection, an agency shall mail to an owner liable under subsection (d) of this section a warning notice or citation that shall include: (i) The name and address of the registered owner of the motor vehicle; (ii) The registration number of the motor vehicle involved in the violation; (iii) The violation charged; (iv) The location where the violation occurred; (v) The location of the noise abatement monitoring system; (vi) The date and time of the violation; (vii) The recorded decibel level; (viii) A copy of the recorded image; (ix) The amount of the civil penalty imposed and the date by which the civil penalty should be paid, if applicable; (x) A signed statement by a duly authorized law enforcement officer employed by or under contract with an agency that, based on inspection of recorded images, the motor vehicle was being operated during the commission of a violation; (xi) A statement that recorded images are evidence of a violation; (xii) Information advising the person alleged to be liable under this section to make any necessary alterations to the motor vehicle to avoid future violations; (xiii) Information advising the person alleged to be liable under this section of the manner and time in which liability as alleged in the citation may be contested in the District Court; and (xiv) Information advising the person alleged to be liable under this section that failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability in a timely manner, if applicable: 1. Is an admission of liability; 2. May result in the refusal by the Administration to register the motor vehicle; and 3. May result in the suspension of the motor vehicle registration. (2) An agency may mail a warning notice instead of a citation to the owner liable under subsection (d) of this section. (3) An agency may not mail a citation to a person who is not an owner. (4) Except as provided in subsection (c)(1)(iv)2C of this section, a citation issued under this section shall be mailed not later than 2 weeks after the alleged violation if the vehicle is registered in this State, and 30 days after the alleged violation if the vehicle is registered in another state. (5) A person who receives a citation under paragraph (1) of this subsection may: (i) Pay the civil penalty, in accordance with instructions on the citation, directly to the county; or (ii) Elect to stand trial in the District Court for the alleged violation. (f) (1) A certificate alleging that the violation occurred and the requirements under subsection (c) of this section have been satisfied, sworn to, or affirmed by a duly authorized law enforcement officer employed by or under contract with an agency, based on inspection of recorded images produced by a noise abatement monitoring system, shall be evidence of the facts contained in the certificate and shall be admissible in a proceeding alleging a violation without the presence or testimony of the noise abatement monitoring system operator who performed the requirements under subsection (c) of this section. (2) If a person who received a citation under subsection (e) of this section desires the noise abatement monitoring system operator to be present and testify at trial, the person shall notify the court and the agency in writing not later than 20 days before trial. (3) Adjudication of liability shall be based on a preponderance of evidence. (g) (1) The District Court may consider in defense of a violation: (i) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, that the motor vehicle or the registration plates of the motor vehicle were stolen before the violation occurred and were not under the control or possession of the owner at the time of the violation; (ii) That the noise abatement monitoring system was malfunctioning at the time of the violation; or (iii) Any other issues and evidence that the District Court deems pertinent. (2) To demonstrate that the motor vehicle or the registration plates were stolen before the violation occurred and were not under the control or possession of the owner at the time of the violation, the owner shall submit proof that a police report regarding the stolen motor vehicle or registration plates was filed in a timely manner. (h) If a person liable under this section does not pay the civil penalty or contest the violation, the Administration may refuse to register or reregister the motor vehicle cited for the violation. (i) A violation for which a civil penalty is imposed under this section: (1) Is not a moving violation for the purpose of assessing points under § 16–402 of this article; (2) May not be recorded by the Administration on the driving record of the owner of the vehicle; (3) May be treated as a parking violation for the purposes of § 26–305 of this article; and (4) May not be considered in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage. (j) (1) In consultation with the appropriate county agencies, the Chief Judge of the District Court shall adopt procedures for the issuance of citations, the trial of civil violations, and the collection of civil penalties under this section. (2) The standards and requirements for the use, processing, and disposal of recorded images and associated data established under § 12–113.1 of this article apply to citations issued under this section. (k) (1) An agency or an agent or contractor designated by the agency shall administer and process civil citations issued under this section in coordination with the District Court. (2) If a contractor in any manner operates a noise abatement monitoring system or administers or processes warning notices or citations generated by a noise abatement monitoring system on behalf of a county, the contractor’s fee may not be contingent on a per–ticket basis on the number of warning notices or citations issued or paid.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatutesFetched: 10/16/2026