Transportation (GTR) — Title 22. Vehicle Laws -- Equipment of Vehicles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

In this title, “police officer” means:

Vehicles of federal, State, or local agencies;

Vehicles of public service companies; and

Vehicles of persons performing governmental functions under a contract with any federal, State, or local government.

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.

A violation of this section is not considered a moving violation for purposes of § 16–402 of this article.

A person who is convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this section is subject to a fine not to exceed $25.

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.

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.

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.

In this section, the term “motorcycle” includes Class M (multipurpose) vehicles that are designated by the Administrator.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Every tail lamp on every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches.

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.

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The rear reflectors on a pole trailer may be mounted on each side of the bolster or load.

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.

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.

When rear identification lamps are mounted at the extreme height of the vehicle, rear clearance lamps may be mounted at an optional height.

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.

Clearance lamps on truck tractors shall be so located as to indicate the extreme width of the truck tractor cab.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Loads projecting beyond sides of motor vehicles shall be marked as follows:

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:

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.

Every flag shall be so mounted or constructed that its full dimensions are visible at all times.

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.

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.

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.

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.

All lighted headlamps on a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.

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.

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.

Tail lamps meeting the requirements of § 22-204 of this subtitle; and

Stop lamps and turn signals meeting the requirements of § 22-206 of this subtitle.

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.

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.

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.

The restrictions and limitations of this section do not apply to emergency vehicles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The sign shall be constructed to permit it to be folded down out of vision when not in use.

The warning device may be used only during the discharge of a rural letter carrier’s official duties.

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.

The warning device may not be installed or operated until an application has been submitted to and approved by the Administration.

The application shall be made by the individual rural letter carrier on forms furnished by the Administration.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No lamp may project a glaring or dazzling light.

Turn signal lamps may, but need not, be incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.

Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lamps that:

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.

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.

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.

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.

These warning lights shall be visible from a distance of not less than 1,500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions at night.

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.

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.

These lamps shall be mounted as specified in § 22–208(c) of this subtitle.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flashing lights are prohibited except as required or permitted in the Maryland Vehicle Law.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, a driver of a school vehicle shall stop on the roadway to:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

Every vehicle shall be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels, except:

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

The following table sets forth the tabulations referred to in subsection (a) of this section:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hydraulic brake fluid shall be distributed and serviced with due regard for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the public.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Operated by mechanical or electrical means or by any means other than manually;

Amplified by any electrical or electronic means;

Capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of more than 400 feet;

Used for any purpose between the hours of 10 o’clock p.m. and 8 o’clock a.m.; or

Used as an ordinary warning signal at any time.

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.

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.

In this section, “muffler” means a device designed for and effective in reducing noise while permitting the flow of gases.

All mufflers and exhaust pipes carrying exhaust gases from the motor shall be of leakproof construction.

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.

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.

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.

In this section, “dealer” has the meaning stated in § 15-101 of this article.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Where the view through the inside rearview mirror is obstructed, two outside rearview mirrors are required.

This section does not apply to:

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.

Every windshield wiper on a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order.

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.

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.

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:

This section does not apply to the following if operated intrastate only:

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.

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.

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.

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.

A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine of $250.

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.

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.

A person may operate on a highway a motor vehicle equipped with a power booster if:

Every motor vehicle equipped with a power booster system shall be identified with a decal that:

The Office of the Fire Marshal may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

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.

A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A person may not sell or offer for sale any tire that has been regrooved or recut unless:

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.

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.

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.

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.

A person may not drive on any highway any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer having any metal tire in contact with the roadway.

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:

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.

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.

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;

The motor vehicle is equipped with a factory–installed temporary tire repair and inflation system; or

Technological improvements, consistent with applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, become available.

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.

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.

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.

A tire shall be considered unsafe if it:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to:

Air–conditioning equipment shall be manufactured, installed, and maintained with due regard for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the public.

In a motor vehicle of model year 2011, or any model year thereafter, the air–conditioning equipment may contain only a refrigerant that:

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.

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.

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.

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.

The maximum transverse distance from the widest part of the vehicle at the rear to the frame may not exceed 18 inches.

The frame shall be constructed so as not to interfere with lights or other warning devices.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A person may not sell or offer for sale any vehicle in violation of this section.

For the purpose of this section only, “motor vehicle” does not include any motorcycle other than an autocycle, bus, or truck.

For the purpose of this section only, “seat belt” means any belt, strap, harness, or like device.

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.

Is a Type I school vehicle; or

Was formerly registered as a Type I school vehicle.

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.

This section applies to the transportation of a child in:

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:

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.

A child safety seat or seat belt may not be used to restrain, seat, or position more than one individual at a time.

A violation of this section is not contributory negligence and may not be admitted as evidence in the trial of any civil action.

A violation of this section is not considered a moving violation for purposes of § 16–402 of this article.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A certification under subsection (d) of this section shall state:

The provisions of this section do not apply to U.S. Postal Service and contract carriers while delivering mail to local box routes.

A violation of this section is not considered a moving violation for purposes of § 16–402 of this article.

The Administration and the Department of State Police shall establish prevention and education programs to encourage compliance with the provisions of this section.

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.

Any person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine of not more than $50.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This section does not prevent:

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.

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.

This section does not apply to equipment on a vehicle used by a public service company.

It is unlawful for any person to:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Administrator may issue regulations for a phase-in of compliance with this section.

A person may not knowingly:

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.

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.

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.

An electric bicycle shall operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function:

A Class 3 electric bicycle shall be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed of the electric bicycle in miles per hour.

The new tire fee on the sale of a new tire dealer is $5 per tire.

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.

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.

The Comptroller shall forward all new tire fees, less the costs of administration, to the Transportation Trust Fund.

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.

The Comptroller:

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.

In establishing limits under this section, the Administrator shall:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

These regulations shall include the establishment of test procedures to be used to establish compliance with the limits adopted. The procedures shall be:

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.

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.

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.

In this section, “engine brake” means an add–on engine compression brake for diesel engines.

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.

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.

A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to:

This section applies only in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.