Chapter 03. Safety Standards for Motorcycles
Regulation .01 Applicability — Motorcycles.LinkCopy Citation
A.
The standards, requirements, and procedures set forth in this chapter are applicable to equipment installed by the manufacturer or required by federal or State requirement for motorcycles and sidecars, if equipped. Questions regarding motorcycle standards or specifications shall be referred to the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division of the Maryland State Police. A person constructing or reconstructing a motorcycle shall assure that the vehicle meets or exceeds all applicable federal or State safety standards.
B.
Three-wheel multipurpose vehicles having one wheel in the front and two in the rear and not having an enclosed driver or occupant compartment shall meet all established minimum standards for the front of motorcycles and all established minimum standards for the rear of four-wheel multipurpose vehicles.
Regulation .02 Steering, Alignment, and Suspension.LinkCopy Citation
Steering and alignment items should be checked visually and adjusted according to the manufacturer's specifications. Check for condition, adjustment, wear, or broken and defective parts.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| A. Swing arm bushing, bearing or rubber mount. Place motorcycle on jack or stand with rear wheel raised and inspect for wear or looseness. Check for lateral movement of swing arm by applying side to side force against rear wheel. Rubber mounted swing arms are designed to flex. |
A. There is noticeable lateral movement of the swing arm or rubber mounts are cracked, broken, or torn. |
| B. Steering head bearings or bushings. Place the motorcycle on a stand or block with front raised. Grasp both fork legs and apply fore and aft force. Inspect for loose adjustment or play in steering head bearings or bushings. Turn handle bars from side to side and inspect for roughness or galling in bearings or bushings and location of stops. |
B. (1) There is noticeable play or roughness in the steering head bearings or bushings. Drag from a steering damper is not cause for rejection. (2) Stops are missing or do not adequately prevent forks from excessive travel or contact with the tank, etc. |
| C. Wheel Alignment. Inspect front to rear wheel alignment and front wheel to fork tube alignment. For ease of inspection, three reference lines 1 inch apart on the floor may be used. Center the front tire on the center line and observe tracking of rear wheel as motorcycle is moved along the lines. |
C. Front to rear wheel misalignment exceeds 1 inch or front wheel is not vertical and parallel to front fork tubes. Front fork tubes are bent or damaged preventing full travel and free action of front forks. |
| D. Handlebars. (1) Inspect handlebars for cracks, deformation, excessive flexure, proper alignment, mounting heights, width, and handgrips. |
D. Handlebars. (1) The handlebars are: (a) Cracked; (b) Deformed; (c) Show excessive flexure other than flexure from rubber mounts; (d) Improperly aligned; (e) Not constructed of adequate material; (f) Less than 18 inches in overall width; (g) Not equipped with grips. |
| (2) Inspect handlebars for type of material used and proper thickness. |
(2) Handlebars will not withstand up and down force. |
| (3) Apply up and down force to handlebars. | (3) Handlebars are more than 15 inches above the lowest portion of the occupied operator's seat. |
| (4) Inspect for unobstructed rotation of forks from stop to stop. | (4) Handlebars prevent front fork from rotating from stop to stop. |
| E. Shock Absorbers (if equipped) and front fork tubes— check dampening effects. Inspect for leaks. Check for rebound. | E. Shock absorbers, mounting bolts, or mounts are missing, broken, or loose. Severe leakage (not slight dampness) of shock absorber or front fork tube seal. |
| F. Wheel Bearings — grasp tire at top and bottom and rock it in and out. Rotate wheels and check for roughness and galling. |
F. There is noticeable play or roughness when wheel is rotated. |
Regulation .03 Frame.LinkCopy Citation
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| Inspect the motorcycle frame in all areas which would not require the disassembly of any components | Cracks, welds, fatigue points, work hardening, flexure is discovered which would indicate that the motorcycle frame has suffered structural damage which is hazardous to the rider or any passenger, or if frame is bent causing wheel alignment to exceed limits in Regulation .02C. |
Regulation .04 Brakes.LinkCopy Citation
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| A. (1) At a speed of 20 mph on a smooth level, dry surface which is free from loose material, the brakes are required to stop the motorcycle within 30 feet. (2) If vehicle is equipped with both front and rear brakes, determine if there is adequate braking action at both wheels. |
A. (1) The motorcycle fails to stop within 30 feet. (2) There is inadequate brake action on either wheel. (3) There is obvious vibration, wobble, or bounce caused by warped brake rotor or brake drum out of round. |
| B. Mechanical Brake System. Inspect linkage, cables, pivots, and bearings for high friction, wear, and broken or missing parts. Motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 1974, shall have brakes on all wheels. |
B. (1) Brake adjustment changes under any steering or loading conditions. (2) Cotter pins are missing. (3) Pins or clevises worn more than 25 percent of the original diameter. (4) The cam operating lever has been repositioned on the shaft as a means of avoiding replacement of worn cam, shoes, or lining. (5) Any cables are frayed (two or more broken strands). (6) Any brake adjustment mechanism which will not maintain an adjusted position or is adjusted to its maximum extent. (7) Front brake cable is routed so as to be pinched between fork and frame. (8) There is any roughness, binding, or jamming in levers or pedals. (9) Less than 1/3 travel remains in hand or foot brake when brakes are applied. (10) Modifications make the pedal inaccessible for adequate leverage or operation. (11) Manufactured after January 1, 1974, and not equipped with brakes on all wheels. |
| C. Condition of Mechanical Components in Hydraulic or Mechanical Systems. (1) Inspect for worn pins and missing or defective cotter pins. (2) Inspect for broken or missing springs and worn cables, clevises, couplings, rods, and anchor pins. (3) Inspect for frozen, rusted, inoperative connections, missing spring clips, and defective grease retainers. (4) Inspect pedal shaft and bearings for high friction, wear, and misalignment. (5) Inspect for restriction of shoe movement at backing plate and for bind between brake shoes and anchor pins. (6) Inspect actuating cam for excessive wear, camshaft for looseness in backing plate bushing and determine that springs are of sufficient strength to return and hold shoes against cam. |
C. (1) Mechanical parts are missing, broken, or badly worn. (2) There is excessive friction in pedal and linkage or in brake components. (3) Pedal or levers are improperly positioned or misaligned. (4) Grease seals are defective, dripping, or slinging grease. |
| D. Hydraulic System. Motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 1974, shall have brakes on all wheels. (1) Visually inspect condition of hydraulic system. (2) Inspect hydraulic hoses and tubes for leaks, cracks, chafing, flattened or restricted sections, and improper support. (3) Inspect master cylinder for leakage and fluid level. (4) Inspect master cylinder push rod for improper adjustment. (5) Inspect wheel cylinders or hydraulic brake actuating systems. |
D. (1) Hoses or tubing leaks or they are cracked, chafed, flattened, restricted, or are improperly fastened. (2) Master cylinder leaks or the reservoir is less than 1/2 full. (3) There is any leakage in the braking system. (4) The push rod is improperly adjusted. (5) Wheel cylinder or caliper leaks or fails to function. (6) Manufactured after January 1, 1974, and is not equipped with brakes on all wheels. |
At least one rear wheel and drum assembly shall be removed (for inspection of linings on vehicles equipped with drum brakes) from a three-wheeled multipurpose vehicle for lining, drum, and component inspection. Removal of a wheel on any other motorcycle shall be required only if any malfunction of braking is discovered during a road test. 1974 and newer motorcycles have a means of inspecting brake lining thickness without removing a wheel.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| E. Condition of Linings and Pads. (1) Bonded—Measure the lining thickness at the thinnest point. (2) Riveted—Measure lining thickness at thinnest point. (3) Wire-backed—Inspect for wire showing on the friction surface of the lining. (4) All Linings or Pads—Inspect for broken or cracked linings, and parts of linings not firmly attached to shoe. Also inspect for contamination and excessively uneven lining or pad wear. Circumferential head cracks on bonded linings are not reason for rejection if the lining is securely attached to the shoe. |
E. (1) Brake lining wear reference mark indicates unsafe or replacement. (2) Thinnest point of bonded lining is less than 2/32 inch. (3) Any rivets are loose or missing. Lining is worn less than 2/32 inch above any rivet head. (4) Wire backing is visible on the friction surface. (5) Lining is broken, cracked, or not firmly and completely attached to shoe. (a) Friction surface is contaminated with brake fluid, oil, or grease. (b) Lining wear is extremely uneven. |
| F. Brake Drums. (1) Inspect condition of the drum friction surface for substantial cracks extending to the open edge of the drum. Short hairline heat cracks should not be considered. (2) Inspect for cracks on the outside of the drum. (3) Inspect for mechanical damage. (4) Inspect for contaminated friction surface. |
F. (1) There is any substantial crack on the friction surface extending to open edge. Excessive wear (0.060 maximum) over original diameter or in excess of diameter embossed on drum. Grooving exists. (2) There is any external crack. (3) There is evidence of mechanical damage other than wear. (4) Friction surface is contaminated with oil, grease, or brake fluid. |
| G. Brake Discs. (1) Inspect for substantial cracks extending to edge of disc. (2) Inspect for mechanical damage. (3) Inspect for contaminated friction surface. |
G. (1) There is any substantial crack extending to the edge. Worn beyond manufacturer's tolerances for replacement. (2) There is evidence of mechanical damage other than wear. (3) Friction surface is contaminated with oil, grease, or brake fluid |
Regulation .05 Wheels and Tires.LinkCopy Citation
Reference is made to Figure 1 for visual aid in determining tire wear.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| A. Inspect for tire wear. (1) Tires without tread wear indicators. (2) Tires with tread wear indicators. (3) Inspect for cord exposure. |
A. (1) Tire is worn so that less than 1/32 inch tread remains when measured at the thinnest point in any groove. (Figure 1) (2) Tire is worn so that a tread wear indicator contacts the road in any groove. (Figure 1). (3) Tire has a worn spot that exposes the cord through the tread. |
| B. Inspect for tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks. | B. Tire has tread cuts, dry rot, snags, or sidewall cracks in any direction, and deep enough to expose cords. |
| C. Inspect for bumps, bulges, or knots. | C. Tire has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating partial failure or separation of the tire structure. |
| D. Inspect for regrooved or recut tires. | D. Tire has been regrooved or recut below original groove depth, except those which can be readily identified on the sidewall as regroovable. |
| E. Inspect for tire size. | E. Tires are smaller than manufacturer's specified minimum or of a size that causes tire and body contact during different vehicle attitudes. |
| F. Visually inspect for restricted usage marking on tire. (Such as reclassified tires) |
F. Tire is: (a) Marked “For Farm Use Only”; (b) Marked “Off Highway Use Only”; (c) Marked “For Racing Use Only”; (d) A metal studded snow tire during period when prohibited. |
| G. Inspect wheel bolts, studs, nuts, or lugs. | G. Wheel bolts, nuts, studs, or lugs are loose, missing, or damaged. |
| H. Inspect for wheel damage. | H. Any part of wheel is bent, cracked, rewelded, or damaged, so as to affect safe operation of the vehicle; loose or missing spokes on spoke-type wheels; or any wheel not at least the equivalent of original equipment. |
| I. Inspect for wheel size. | I. Any wheel is not at least the minimum size recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer. |
Figure 1—TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE TIRES.
Figure 1. Tire Tread Depth Gauge Wear Indicator — Inspection Recommendation. The tire inflation pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations (in owner's manual). Pressure lower or higher than recommended are not cause for rejection but the vehicle owner should be advised to correct this condition at the earliest opportunity.
Regulation .06 Fuel System.LinkCopy Citation
The fuel system includes fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel valve, and necessary piping to carry the fuel from the tank to the carburetor.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
|
(1) Visually inspect the fuel tank, fuel tank supporting (2) Inspect for proper operation of choke, hand throttle, or accelerator. |
(1) Any part of system is not securely fastened. (2) There is fuel leaking at any point in system. (3) Fuel tank cap is missing. (4) Physical damage caused by aging to any of the components. (5) Choke, throttle, or accelerator do not function properly, that is, binding, roughness or failure to return to released position. |
Regulation .07 Exhaust System.LinkCopy Citation
The exhaust system includes all tubing or pipe from the exhaust port of the engine to the exhaust outlet including mufflers.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| (1) Visually inspect the exhaust system for leaks, deterioration, proper mounting and general condition. (a) Rusted or corroded areas shall be given particular attention. (b) Holes in the system made by the manufacturer for drainage are not cause for rejection. |
(1) Vehicle has no muffler. (2) There are loose or leaking seams or joints. (3) There are holes caused by corrosion or temporary repairs made to the exhaust pipe, muffler, or tail pipe. Welding or brazing is considered a permanent repair if it does not leak. |
| (2) The exhaust outlet shall extend beyond the rearmost seating position or mounted in such a manner that the exhaust is not directed at the operator or passenger foot rest assemblies. |
(4) Tail pipe end is pinched or obstructed or does not extend beyond the rearmost seating position. (5) The system is not properly mounted or securely fastened. (6) There are loose or removed muffler baffles; the vehicle is equipped with cutout or similar device; or the system is not original or equivalent (7) Mufflers and pipes are not shielded to prevent riders from being burned (8) Exhaust pipe, muffler, or tail pipe is not of a leak-proof construction. Flexible pipe that does not leak is acceptable. (9) It emits continuous exhaust fumes or smoke which obscures persons or objects from view at reasonable distance under normal atmospheric conditions for more than 10 consecutive seconds. |
Regulation .08 Lighting.LinkCopy Citation
General Lamp and Reflector Inspection. This includes all original exterior lighting, plus whatever lamps are authorized. On vehicles without batteries, the engine shall run at high idle speed to perform lighting tests.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| A. Switch on the night driving lamps and visually inspect the following: (Inspect (1) and (2) with ignition switch on.) (1) Actuate turn signal lever to right and left and observe function of turn signal lamps (if equipped). Motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 1973 shall have turn signals. (2) Place vehicle in all forward gears and inspect back-up lamps for function (if equipped). (3) Actuate the following and observe: indicator lamps, stop lamps, headlamps, lower and upper beam. (4) Observe the function of: (a) Tail lamps; (b) Parking lamps; (c) License Plate lamps; (d) Reflex reflectors. |
A. (1) Any bulb or sealed beam unit fails to light except back-up lamps. (2) Turn signals do not properly indicate right and left when so switched. (3) Back-up lamp system functions when vehicle is in a forward gear (if equipped). (4) Lamp shows color contrary to law (red light to the front; white light to the rear, except license plate lamp); (tail lamps shall be red; stop lamps red or amber; and headlamps shall emit white light). (5) Lamp fails to light the proper filament indicated at switch position. (6) Any lamp or reflector does not direct light properly. (7) Any lamp or lens is obscured or shielded by a nontransparent material or object. (8) Lamp assembly improperly fastened. (9) Lamp has a cracked or broken lens which emits a light contrary to law. (White light to the rear.) (10) Any lamp, lens, or reflector is not an approved type. |
| B. Headlamp Inspection. Determine if lamp is mounted properly, not less than 24 inches or more than 54 inches above the road surface; or vehicle is equipped with at least one and not more than two headlamps, sealed beam or halogen replaceable bulb with reflector. | B. Headlamp does not comply with mounting requirement. |
Additional Lighting Requirements. Inspect for safe condition, operation, wiring, and switching. All must be of an approved type.
C.
Tail Lamps — At least one required.
(1)
Shall be red in color.
(2)
Shall be visible in normal atmospheric conditions at night from 300 feet to the rear. (Vehicle manufactured after 6/1/71 shall be visible for 1,000 feet.)
(3)
Mounted height: not less than 15 inches or more than 72 inches above the road surface for vehicles manufactured after August of 1970.
D.
Stop Lamps — At least one required.
(1)
Shall be red or yellow (amber) in color.
(2)
Shall be visible in normal sunlight and night time from 300 feet to the rear.
(3)
Shall be activated by application of service brake.
(4)
May be combined with other rear lamps.
(5)
Shall be extinguished when the turn signal is operating, if combined with rear turn signals.
(6)
Mounting height: not less than 15 inches or more than 72 inches above road surface for vehicles manufactured after August of 1970.
E.
License Plate Lamp — One required.
(1)
Shall be white in color.
(2)
Shall render license plate legible from a distance of 50 feet at night.
(3)
Shall be activated by same circuit which activates the headlamps.
(4)
May be combined with other rear lamp.
F.
Rear Reflector — One required, two permitted.
(1)
In the rear vertical centerline; except if two reflectors are used on the rear, they may be symmetrically placed about the vertical centerline.
(2)
Not less than 15 inches or more than 60 inches above the road surface.
(3)
May be combined with other rear lamp.
G.
Side Reflectors (only required on vehicles manufactured after 1/1/68.)
(1)
Two red—one on each side as far to the rear as possible.
(2)
Two amber—one on each side as far forward as possible.
(3)
Not less than 15 inches or more than 60 inches above the road surface.
(4)
May be combined with other lamps.
H.
Auxiliary Driving and Fog Lamp Aim — Inspection.
Regulation .09 Electrical System.LinkCopy Citation
To save time, the inspector should develop his own plan or sequence for checking miscellaneous items, many of which can be inspected while inspecting other items.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| Inspect Electrical System. A. Horn shall be securely fastened, produce audible but not harsh or loud sound, and have a horn button readily accessible to the operator. |
A. Horn: (1) Is loose; (2) Fails to function; (3) Produces unreasonably loud or harsh sound; (4) Is not equipped with a horn button within arm's reach of operator. |
| B. Switches shall all function properly. | B. Switches fail to function. |
| C. Wiring shall be well insulated. | C. Wiring: (1) Insulation is broken or wiring is bare; (2) Shows any evidence of burning or short circuiting. |
| D. Connections shall be tight and secure. | D. Connections are loose or show evidence of excessive corrosion. |
Regulation .10 Rearview Mirrors.LinkCopy Citation
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| A. Rearview mirrors shall permit a clear view to the rear of the vehicle. Inspect for secure mounting, visibility and condition of mirror and its mounting hardware. | A. (1) The mirror is cracked or discolored. (2) Mirror is improperly installed or loosely mounted. (3) A minimum 200-foot visibility cannot be achieved. (4) Motorcycle is not equipped with two rearview mirrors meeting requirements. |
| B. Motorcycle shall be equipped with two rearview mirrors, one on left and one on right handlebar with a reflective area or at least 7 square inches each. Mirrors on 1978 or newer motorcycles with a plane surface shall have at least 12.5 square inches of reflective surface or, if convex, at least 10 square inches of reflective surface. (1) The mirror shall be securely mounted and sufficiently stable to provide a readily distinguishable image to the rider under normal conditions. (2) 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. |
Regulation .11 Windshield or Windscreen.LinkCopy Citation
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Glazing. Windshields or windscreens are not required, but if installed, they shall be free of cracks, discoloration, or scratches which create any vision obstruction. They shall be an approved type and be mounted so that the driver's vision is not obstructed. |
(1) Windscreen obstructs or obscures the driver's vision. (2) Any support or stiffener device is mounted in the driver's forward line of vision. |
Regulation .12 Passenger Safety Items.LinkCopy Citation
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| A. Passenger Hand Hold Device. If a passenger is to be transported, a properly attached hand hold device shall be provided on the motorcycle and shall be of sufficient strength and size to provide adequate support to any passenger. A strap or bar device is acceptable. |
A. When a passenger can be transported and a hand hold is not present. |
| B. Foot Rest Assemblies. For each designated seating position or if a passenger is to be transported, the motorcycle shall be equipped with a foot rest assembly on each side of the motorcycle. Passenger foot rests may be retractable or permanent. However, 1975 or newer shall be retractable. |
B. (1) When a passenger can be transported and foot rests are not present. (2) Passenger foot rests are permanently attached and extend more than 1 inch beyond the widest part of the motorcycle excluding handlebars. (3) 1975 or new motorcycle is not equipped with retractable passenger foot rests. |
Regulation .13 Body Items.LinkCopy Citation
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| A. Check for required body items, defective or dislocated parts, and parts projecting from the vehicle. | A. (1) Seat is improperly or insecurely attached. Seat locking device does not function where applicable. (2) Engine mounting, frame, or brackets are cracked or broken. |
| B. Side and Center Stand. | B. (1) The side or center stand will not remain in the stored position. (2) The side or center stand is cracked, or broken, or apparent structural weakness is present, which would not support the motorcycle. (3) Side or center stand is held in the stored position by: (a) Wire; (b) Rubber band; (c) Other method which would not insure that the stand would remain secured in stored position. |
| C. Chain Adjustment. | C. Chain is not adjusted to manufacturer's specifications. If specifications are unavailable the following shall apply: “Rigid frame models”: minimum of 1/2 inch to maximum of 1 inch total up and down movement measured on the lower section of the chain midway between the sprockets. “Swing arm models”: minimum of 1/2 inch to maximum of 2 inches total up and down movement measured on the lower section of the chain midway between the sprockets. |
| D. Chain guard. Motorcycles, if originally equipped, shall be provided with a chain guard, or other suitable device, which is original or equivalent. | D. The chain guard, or other device, is missing (if originally equipped), broken, cracked, or is not the original or equivalent. |
| E. Fenders. Inspect to determine if the fenders are properly mounted and there are no cracks, broken areas, or sharp edges. Front fender is not required. | E. (1) Fenders are improperly mounted, cracked, or have sharp edges. (2) Rear fender is missing. |
Regulation .14 Speedometer/Odometer.LinkCopy Citation
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| Visually inspect speedometer and odometer for operation and legibility. Speedometer shall register speed in miles or kilometers per hour and odometer shall register in miles or kilometers. | (1) Speedometer and/or odometer disconnected or inoperable. (2) Dial and calibrations not legible. (3) Speedometer does not register speed in miles or kilometers. (4) Odometer does not register in miles or kilometers. |
Chapter annotations
Authority: Transportation Article, §§12-104(b), 23-103, and 23-104, Annotated Code of Maryland
History: Effective date: November, 1973
History: Chapter revised effective December 14, 1979 (6:25 Md. R. 1981)
History: Chapter revised effective October 31, 1988 (15:22 Md. R. 2557)