Sec. 11.14.09.06. Wheels and Tires

A. This inspection requires the vehicle to be raised on an approved lift.

Procedures:	Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Inspect for tire wear. (a) Tires with tread wear indicators will be inspected using the tire's tread wear indicators. (b) Tires not equipped with tread wear indicators will be measured using an approved tire tread depth gauge at the thinnest point in any major tread groove. (c) Inspect for cord or belting exposure.	(1) Inspect for tire wear. (a) Tire is worn so that the tread wear indicators are flush with the tread at any place on the tire. (b) Tire is worn so that less than 2/32 inch tread remains when measured in any major tread groove. (c) Tire has a worn spot that exposes the cord or belting material through the tread.
(2) Inspect for tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks.	(2) Tire has tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks in any direction and deep enough to expose cord or belting material.
(3) Inspect for bumps, bulges, or knots.	(3) Tire has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating partial failure or separation of the tire structure.
(4) Inspect for fabric breaks, and exposed or damaged body cords.	(4) Tire has unrepaired fabric break, or sidewall has damaged body cords.
(5) Inspect for regrooved or recut tires.	(5) Tire has been regrooved or recut below original groove depth, except as authorized by Transportation Article, §22-405.1, Annotated Code of Maryland, and can be readily identified as regroovable.
(6) Visually inspect for mismatching of tires.	(6) (a) Tires are not the same type of construction or size on the same axle of the vehicle. (Difference in brand or tread design is not cause for rejection.) Tire construction types are mismatched. (b) If vehicle is equipped with radial-type tires, all four shall be radials. (c) If vehicle is equipped with conventional-type tires, bias ply, or bias belted, all four shall be conventional, bias ply, or bias belted.
(7) Visually inspect tire placard, federal motor vehicle safety certification label, or vehicle owner's/operator's manual for information regarding tire size, inflation pressure, and any required speed rating and load carrying capacity. Inspect tires.	(7) Tire size, speed rating, or load carrying capacity is not the same as originally installed by the vehicle manufacturer, a vehicle manufacturer's upgrade, or an acceptable substitute by tire industry standards. Tires may not be of a size which cause tire and vehicle contact during different vehicle attitudes.
(8) Visually inspect tires for the symbol "DOT" (Department of Transportation). Visually inspect for restricted usage marking on tires.	(8) Tire is: (a) Not labeled with the symbol "DOT" (Department of Transportation); (b) Marked "For farm use only"; (c) Marked "Off highway use only"; (d) Marked "For racing use only"; (e) A metal studded snow tire in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties during period when prohibited, April 1 thru October 31; reject in other areas at any time.
(9) Inspect wheel bolts, studs, nuts, and lugs.	(9) Wheel bolts, studs, nuts, or lugs are loose, missing, damaged, or of improper design to properly secure the type of wheel.
(10) Inspect valve stems for leaks, damage, or cracks.	(10) Valve stem is leaking, cracked, or damaged, or shows evidence of wear.
(11) Inspect wheels.	(11) Any wheel is not the original or equivalent, or a manufacturer's upgrade when applicable. Any part of the wheel is visibly cracked, rewelded, or has elongated bolt holes. Any part of the wheel is bent or otherwise damaged to affect safe operation of the vehicle.