- A. Hitch Rating. Hitches shall be rated by the maximum gross trailer weight (MGTW) and the maximum vertical load on hitch (tongue weight) each is qualified to tow.
- B. Hitch Strength Requirements. Each hitch, when subjected to a static bench test, shall conform to the minimum strength requirements contained in Table 2.
- C. Attachment of Hitch. Each hitch shall be attached to the structural member or members of the towing vehicle in such a manner that the tension, compression, and traverse thrust loads shown in Table 2 are transferred to the towing vehicle without residual distortion or failure of either the attachment or the vehicle structure which would affect the safe towing of trailers, as defined in Table 2.
- D. Maximum Vertical Load on Hitch (Tongue Weight). The weight load carried by the hitch at its connection with the trailer coupling may not, when on a level surface, exceed the maximum tongue weight load recommended by the manufacturer for the hitch.
Authority: Transportation Article, §§12-104(b) and 24-107, Annotated Code of Maryland
Effective date: January 1, 1974
Regulation .01 repealed effective June 17, 1996 (23:12 Md. R. 871)
Regulation .03 amended effective June 17, 1996 (23:12 Md. R. 871)
Regulation .03B amended effective October 27, 2014 (41:21 Md. R. 1260)
Regulation .07A amended effective June 17, 1996 (23:12 Md. R. 871); October 27, 2014 (41:21 Md. R. 1260)
Regulation .08A amended effective October 27, 2014 (41:21 Md. R. 1260)
Regulation .09 amended effective June 17, 1996 (23:12 Md. R. 871)
Regulation .09 repealed effective October 27, 2014 (41:21 Md. R. 1260)
Regulation .10A amended effective October 27, 2014 (41:21 Md. R. 1260)
Regulation .11 repealed effective June 17, 1996 (23:12 Md. R. 871)