Sec. 11.13.02.10. Studded Snow Tires

A. The purpose of this regulation is to regulate the sale and use of studded snow tires in Maryland and to establish standards for tire studs pursuant to the authority contained in Transportation Article, §22.405.2, Annotated Code of Maryland.

B. Sale and Use of Studded Snow Tires.

(1) A person may not sell or offer for sale studded snow tires in this State except in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.

(2) From November 1 through March 31, vehicles registered in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties may be equipped with studded snow tires and may be operated only in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.

C. Tire Stud Standards.

(1) Tire studs shall be constructed to employ a pin or core and a casing in such a manner as to regulate the protrusion of the tire stud beyond the tread surface of the tire. Tire stud pins or cores shall be constructed of a material with sufficient hardness characteristics to be effective in providing traction on hardpacked snow and ice. Tire studs shall be designed for maximum retention qualities when inserted in pre-molded holes in the tire tread surface.

(2) Tire studs shall be designed to regulate protrusion under all conditions of loading to a minimum of 1/32 inch (0.031 inch) and a maximum of 2/32 inch (0.062 inch). Tire stud diameters shall be limited to between 0.062 inch and 0.125 inch for the pin or core and between 0.187 inch and 0.250 inch for the casing.

(3) The maximum number of tire studs permitted to be installed into a tire shall be according to tire size and shall be calculated on the basis that the combined cross-sectional area of the stud assemblies may not exceed 1 1/4 percent (0.0125) of the total area of the tread surface, but the number of tire studs installed may not exceed 150 per tire.