Chapter 05. Motorcycles

In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

Terms Defined.

On and after October 1, 1992, a person may not use, loan, borrow, sell, offer for sale, or distribute any protective helmets for use by the operators of motorcycles, or protective helmets for use by passengers, unless the protective helmets meet the standards established by the Administration.

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218, Motorcycle Helmets, 49 CFR §571.218 (1991), which is incorporated by reference, is adopted as the minimum standard for helmets required to be worn by operators and passengers on motorcycles in accordance with the requirements of Transportation Article, §21-1306, Annotated Code of Maryland.

The test procedures for protective helmets or headgear shall be the test procedures described in FMVSS 218.

The Administration shall accept all helmets which comply with the requirements of FMVSS 218, Motorcycle Helmets, 49 CFR §571.218 (1991).

The right is reserved to withdraw approval of a product at any time and for any cause considered reasonable by the Administration, or the Administration may require new approvals at any time it is considered necessary or reasonable.

Chin Strap.

Pursuant to the provisions of Transportation Article, §21-1306, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Administration shall adopt specifications and test procedures for face shields, goggles, and spectacles for motorcycle operators as established in the federal Food and Drug Administration regulations on impact resistance, 21 CFR §801.410(d)(2), which is incorporated by reference.

A person may not use, loan, borrow, sell, offer for sale, or distribute any face shields, goggles, or spectacles for use by operators of motorcycles or passengers unless the face shields, goggles, or spectacles are in compliance with the standard set forth in §A of this regulation as approved by the Administration.

Approval. The Administration shall accept all face shields, goggles, and spectacles which comply with the provisions of 21 CFR §801.410(d)(2), which is incorporated by reference.

All face shields, goggles, and spectacles shall be so designed as to allow the wearer an angle of vision of not less than 105 degrees and shall be worn in such a manner as not to be accidentally dislodged. Face shields, goggles, or spectacles shall be worn at all times, covering the face or eyes, or both, by both the operator and passenger of a motorcycle that is in motion. During such periods as vehicles are required to display lights, only nontinted (clear) materials shall be used in face shields, goggles, and spectacles.

The right is reserved to withdraw approval of a product at any time and for any cause considered reasonable by the Administration, or the Administration may require new approvals at any time it is considered necessary or reasonable.

The mirror shall be securely mounted and sufficiently stable to provide a readily distinguishable image to the rider under normal conditions;

The mirror shall be regular in shape (circular, oval, rectangular, or square) and may not contain sharp edges, projections, or irregular indents capable of producing injury;

The reflective surface of the mirror shall be of a size not less than 7 square inches and shall be capable of reflecting a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle on which it is mounted;

The mirror assembly shall be capable of adjustment within a range that will reflect an image that includes at least the horizon and the road surface 35 feet to the rear of the vehicle on which it is mounted.