Md. Code Regs. 29.02.01.10

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 21, October 18, 2024

Section 29.02.01.10 - Defect 60-Bumpers, Rear Protector Frame (Not Applicable to Motorcycles)

A. Bumpers shall be inspected for broken or missing parts, abnormal protrusions, and sharp edges or conditions that could be hazardous to persons.

B. The bumpers shall be securely mounted to the vehicle and shall be capable of absorbing a reasonable degree of impact.

C. Bumpers shall be the original equipment or equivalent to it and extend to the extreme sides of the vehicle.

D. Bumper extensions or modifications to compensate for suspension changes are not acceptable on:

(1) Class A passenger vehicles;

(2) Class M multipurpose vehicles;

(3) Mandatory front bumpers of class E 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks; and

(4) Rear bumpers of class E 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks, even though rear bumpers are not required on this type of truck.

E. Each truck with a gross vehicle weight registered over 10,000 pounds, except truck tractors and vehicles engaged in drive-away/tow-away operations, and every trailer or semitrailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more to be operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a permanent metal frame or bumper attached to the underside of the rear of the vehicle. The bumper or rear protector frame may not be any wider than the width of the vehicle. It may not be more than 30 inches above the highway when moving, and shall be constructed of heavy gauge steel. The maximum transverse distance from the widest part of the vehicle at the rear to the frame or bumper may not exceed 18 inches. The frame shall be constructed so as not to interfere with lights or other warning devices.

F. Any truck, trailer, or semitrailer so constructed and maintained that the body, chassis, or other parts of it afford the protection required by this regulation shall be considered to be in compliance with this regulation.

G. The provisions of this regulation may not apply to truck tractors, pole trailers, vehicles engaged in drive-away/tow-away operations, or to vehicles where the installation of the required frame would prevent operation of the vehicle in its designed use.

H. Do not certify if:

(1) The bumpers are broken or missing;

(2) There are abnormal protrusions or conditions which could be hazardous to persons;

(3) The bumpers are not mounted securely or capable of absorbing a reasonable degree of impact;

(4) The bumpers are not the original equipment or equivalent, or do not extend the full width of the vehicle except that front bumpers on vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight registered, except school vehicles, need not extend to extreme sides of the vehicle;

(5) The bumpers are modified or extended to compensate for suspension changes or modifications (applicable to class A passenger, class M multipurpose, and class E 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks);

(6) The bumpers or the vehicle frame side rail are higher from the ground than 20 inches for class A passenger vehicles;

(7) The bumpers or the vehicle frame side rail are higher from the ground than 28 inches for class E 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks and class M vehicles (if class E 1/2 or 3/4 ton trucks do not have a rear bumper then the bottom of the frame side rails may not be higher from the ground than 28 inches);

(8) Trailers or semitrailers are not equipped with a rear protector frame as required;

(9) The bumper, rear protector frame, or the vehicle frame side rail is higher from the ground than 30 inches for trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight registered over 10,000 pounds and trailers and semitrailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more; or

(10) On a truck used for spraying agriculture crops, the bumper, rear protector frame, or the vehicle frame side rail is higher from the ground than 32 inches.

Md. Code Regs. 29.02.01.10

Regulation .10E, F, G, and H amended effective October 3, 1988 (15:20 Md. R. 2334)
Regulation .10H amended effective August 28, 1995 (22:17 Md. R. 1322)