In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Equipment” includes all mechanisms that form part of or relate to vehicle equipment. “Hazardous materials inspector” means a person who is assigned by the Department of the Environment and certified by the Department of State Police to perform an inspection authorized under this subtitle. “Preventive maintenance technician” means a person who can provide evidence of a demonstrated understanding of the preventive maintenance inspection criteria provided in regulations adopted under this subtitle through: A minimum of 1 year experience in performing work to bring commercial motor vehicles into compliance with the requirements of the preventive maintenance program; or Participation in, and successful completion of, a commercial motor vehicle training program that is: Sponsored by a commercial motor vehicle manufacturer; or Designed to train students in commercial motor vehicle operation and maintenance. “Public Service Commission inspector” means a person who is assigned by the Public Service Commission and certified by the Department of State Police to perform an inspection authorized under this subtitle. “State Police officer” means: Any uniformed law enforcement officer of the Department of State Police; or Any civilian employee of the Department of State Police assigned to enforce any rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle, but only while acting under written authorization of the Secretary of State Police. “Vehicle” means, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any vehicle registered in this State as: A Class E (truck) vehicle with a registered, operating, or rated gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 pounds; A Class F (tractor) vehicle; A Class G (trailer or semitrailer) vehicle with a registered, operating, or rated gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds; A Class P (passenger bus) vehicle; or A Class M (multipurpose) vehicle that: Is used primarily to transport passengers; and Is designed to transport 16 passengers or more, including the driver; or Was previously registered under § 13–932 or § 13–933 of this article. “Vehicle” does not include: A farm truck as defined in § 13–921 of this article; A farm truck tractor as defined in § 13–924 of this article; or A Class K (farm area) vehicle.

Except as provided in paragraphs (2) through (4) of this subsection, an owner of a vehicle shall have the vehicle inspected, maintained, and repaired by a preventive maintenance technician at least every 25,000 miles or at least every 12 months, whichever occurs first. An owner of a vehicle registered under § 13–919 of this article that has been in operation for at least 18 years from the vehicle’s model year or first registration date, whichever is later, shall have the vehicle inspected, maintained, and repaired by a preventive maintenance technician at least every 12,500 miles or at least every 6 months, whichever occurs first. An owner of a vehicle registered under § 13–923 of this article that has been in operation for not more than 5 years from the vehicle’s model year shall have the vehicle inspected, maintained, and repaired by a preventive maintenance technician at least every 35,000 miles or at least every 12 months, whichever occurs first. An owner of a vehicle registered under § 13–916 or § 13–919 of this article that has been in operation for not more than 5 years from the vehicle’s model year shall have the vehicle inspected, maintained, and repaired by a preventive maintenance technician at least every 50,000 miles or at least every 12 months, whichever occurs first, if the vehicle is: A zero–emission electric vehicle; or A fuel cell electric vehicle. A vehicle shall meet or exceed the standards and requirements set under the regulations adopted under this subtitle. A vehicle may not be operated unless at all times it is appropriately registered and the owner is in compliance with this section.

In cooperation with the Department of State Police, the Administration shall adopt rules and regulations required for purposes of implementation, administration, regulation, and enforcement of the provisions of this subtitle. The following shall be subject to the rules and regulations adopted under this section: Every vehicle; Every person that owns, operates, maintains, or repairs a vehicle; Every motor carrier and its officers and employees; and Every person employed under contract by a motor carrier. The Department of State Police shall enforce this subtitle in each of the counties of the State. During regular business hours, a State Police officer, a hazardous materials inspector, or a Public Service Commission inspector may enter the premises and inspect equipment and review and copy records related to a preventive maintenance program. This subtitle does not limit or supersede any other provision of law concerning vehicle equipment or the means of enforcing the laws relating to that equipment.

The Department of Transportation and the Department of State Police shall conduct public education and awareness programs to inform and assist owners of vehicles in the preventive maintenance program.

The Administration may suspend the registration of any vehicle that does not meet the requirements established under this subtitle.