<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 11.15.27.05" title_num="11" subtitle_num="15" chapter_num="27" heading="Lift Axle and Vehicle Design Requirements.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>New Vehicle.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The lift axle installed on a vehicle shall have a manufacturer's, second-stage manufacturer's, or authorized dealer's certification to carry a minimum axle load of 13,500 pounds, with a maximum tolerance of minus 1,500 pounds, or higher if the load imposed by design is greater.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The lift axle shall be designed to ensure sufficient air pressure which will maintain a minimum axle load capacity of 13,500 pounds, with a maximum tolerance of minus 1,500 pounds, when fully engaged on an evenly loaded vehicle with a GVW of 70,000 pounds.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>All components on the vehicle shall be certified by the manufacturer, second-stage manufacturer, or authorized dealer that they are of a design and type capable of safely carrying the load induced by a four or more axle vehicle with a minimum load capacity of 13,500 pounds, with a maximum tolerance of minus 1,500, pounds on the lift axle when fully engaged at 70,000 pounds.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The lift axle shall be designed so that when in the down position the axle can only be fully engaged.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Switches and Controls.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A switch capable of only fully engaging or disengaging the lift axle may be located in the cab of the vehicle.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>An air pressure adjustment control may not be located in the cab of the vehicle.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>A standard automotive air pressure valve for the lift axle shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Be supplied on each vehicle that uses a lift axle;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Have an external valve stem;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Be located on the outside of the passenger side of the vehicle towards the rear of the cab; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Be readily accessible and visible for examination.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>A vehicle shall be certified by a manufacturer, second-stage manufacturer, or authorized dealer to be in compliance with the provisions of this section.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Existing Vehicles.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>All components including a lift axle added on a retrofitted vehicle shall meet the design requirements specified in §A of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The owner of a retrofitted vehicle shall comply with the provisions of COMAR 11.15.20.05.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>