Md. Code Regs. 11.14.02.10
A. General Lamp and Reflector Inspection. This includes all original equipment, exterior lighting plus whatever lights are authorized. Figures 20—22.
(3) Preparation for Headlamp Aim Inspection. Preparation for headlamp and aim inspection to be done by owner of vehicle before inspection. Frame leveling is done at the station. Any one of the items listed below can affect the inspection results causing rejection of the vehicle. To prevent this and reduce inspection time, the inspector should have the first four of these items checked before inspection.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| (a) Remove excessive ice and mud from under fenders. | (a) Headlamps, when lit, are equipped with any cover or ornamentation. |
| (b) Inflate tires to recommended pressures. | (b) Headlamps have no aiming capability. |
| (c) Be sure that lenses are clean; check for burned out bulbs and proper beam switching. | (c) Headlamps are mounted lower than 24 inches or higher than 54 inches. |
| (d) Check for faulty wheel alignment or improper tracking of the rear axle. | |
| (e) Headlamps may only be mounted between 24 and 54 inches. If mounting height of headlamps appears to be lower than 24 inches or higher than 54 inches, measure from the center of the headlamp to the level surface on which the vehicle stands. |
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| (1) Visual Check of Lamp Function. Turn on the night driving lights and visually check the following: (Check (a) and (b) with ignition switch on, engine should not be running.) | |
| (a) Actuate turn signal level to right and left, and observe function of turn signal lights. (62 or newer model vehicles must be so equipped). | (a) Any required or permitted bulb or sealed beam unit fails to light. |
| (b) Place vehicle in all forward gears and check back-up lamps (if vehicle is so equipped). Back-up lamps are required to function when vehicle is in reverse but may not function when vehicle is in any forward gear. | (b) Turn signals do not properly indicate right or left when so switched. |
| (c) If vehicle is so equipped, actuate the following and observe lamps: (i) Hazard warning lamps (68 or newer model vehicles shall be so equipped). (ii) Brake system warning lamps. (iii) Indicator lamps for: hazard warning flashers, turn signals, high beam headlamps and school vehicle flashing warning lamps. (iv) Stop lamps (68 or newer model vehicles shall have two red or amber—67 or older model vehicles shall have at least one red or amber). Passenger vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 1985, shall also have a red high mounted stop lamp mounted with its center on the vertical centerline of the vehicle as the vehicle is viewed from the rear. The lamp may be mounted at any position on the centerline, including the glazing. If the lamp is mounted inside the vehicle, means shall be provided to minimize reflections from the light of the lamp upon the rear window glazing that might be visible to the driver when viewed directly, or indirectly, in the rearview mirror. If the lamp is mounted below the rear window, no portion of the lens may be lower than 6 inches below the rear window on convertibles or 3 inches on other passenger vehicles. High mounted stop lamps on vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 1985, but before September 1, 1986, may flash when the hazard warning system is activated (v) Headlamps—upper and lower beam. | (c) Turn signals do not stay in position and self-cancel if so equipped (if, because of age of the vehicle, parts are not available, this defect may be certified). (d) Back-up light system functions when the vehicle is in any forward gear, or back-up light system fails to function when vehicle is in reverse. (e) Any lamp shows color contrary to law (red or blue to the front, white light to the rear) except license plate lamp and back-up lamp when vehicle is in reverse gear; (tail lamp shall be red; stop lamps red or amber; turn signals white or amber to the front and red or amber to the rear; and head lamps white). (f) Any lamp fails to light proper filament when switched. (g) Any required lamp, lens, or reflector is obscured by any object or shield by a nontransparent material, or any headlamp equipped with aftermarket clear, tinted, or screen-typed cover. (h) Any lamp or reflector is not mounted to properly direct or reflect light. (i) Any lamp assembly or reflector is loose or improperly mounted. (j) Any tail lamp has a cracked or broken lens which emits a white light to the rear or any headlamp (sealed beam) contains a crack or hole, even if still functioning. (k) Any lamp, lens or reflector is not approved type. (l) Equipped with any unauthorized emergency or warning lamp. (m) Headlamp output is less then 5,000 candlepower on high beam or less then 3,500 candlepower on low beam. (n) Indicator lamps (if equipped) fail to function. (o) Dash lamps do not illuminate fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, alternator gauge, temperature gauge, speedometer, and odometer. |
| (2) Observe function of: | |
| (a) Tail lamps (red; two on 72 or newer models; all others one). (b) Parking lamps (white or amber to the front, red to the rear) (c) Side marker lamps (68 models: amber front, red rear. 69 models: amber reflector front, red reflector rear. 70 and newer models: amber lamp and reflector front; red lamp and reflector rear). (d) Reflectors: 72 or newer models shall be equipped with at least two red reflectors on the rear. All other models shall have one. Reflectors may be part of the tail lamps or separate. (e) Clearance lamps: when required or permitted two amber front and two red rear to indicate overall width of the vehicle. One on each side of the vertical centerline of the vehicle at the same height and as near the top of the vehicle as possible. If the vehicle is equipped with three red identification lamps on the rear, the rear clearance lamps may be mounted at the top or bottom of the vehicle. (f) Permitted type II school vehicles. Required trucks and buses 80 inches or more in overall width. (g) Identification lamps. When required or permitted three amber front and three red rear grouped in a horizontal row with lamp centers spaced not less than 6 inches or more than 12 inches apart and mounted on a permanent structure of the vehicle as close as possible to the vertical centerline of the vehicle. Permitted type II school vehicles. Required front all 72 or newer models. Trucks or buses 80 inches or more in overall width. Rear all trucks and buses 80 inches or more in overall width. (h) License plate lamp(s)White. (i) Emergency/Warning Lamp when Required, School vehicles manufactured before January 1985 shall be equipped with two front and two rear alternately flashing red warning lamps unless approved otherwise. School vehicles manufactured after December 1984 shall be equipped with two front and two rear alternately flashing amber warning lamps in addition to the two front and two rear alternately flashing red warning lamps. After January 1, 1984, all school vehicles shall be equipped with two front and two rear alternately flashing amber and two front and two rear alternately flashing red warning lamps. (j) Red and/or Blue; Law enforcement vehicles. Red and/or White; Emergency, Fire Department, rescue vehicles, ambulances, state vehicles used for hazardous material spills. Amber; Service, maintenance, tow-trucks, escort, slow moving farm and rural letter carrier vehicles. Rural letter carrier vehicles two bi-directional lights at each side of the vehicle on the roof. Green; Taxicab emergency hold up light. (k) Dash lamps. (l) All interior lights (type II school vehicle only): (i) Six interior lamps to illuminate aisle; (ii) Stepwell lamp; (iii) Red identification lamp for emergency door (if equipped); (iv) Indicator lamp or signal for operation of flashing warning lamps; (v) Indicator lamps to monitor warning, stop, back-up, turn signal, tail and hazard lamps. |
B. Headlamps. Vehicle shall be equipped with either a dual headlighting system consisting of four 5-3/4 inch diameter units, two of which shall be No. 1 and two of which shall be No. 2; or four 6-1/2 × 4-1/4 inch rectangular units, two of which shall be No. 1A and two of which shall be No. 2A; or four 5.93 × 3.64 inch rectangular-type F units, two of which shall be LF units and two of which shall be UF units; or a single headlighting system consisting of two 7 inch units; or two 8 × 5 inch rectangular units; or an approved bulb and reflector-type system. All units bearing the marking No. 2 shall be inspected and aimed on low beam. All bearing the marking No. 1 or no number will be inspected and aimed on high beam. Headlamp inspection and aiming by the photoelectric-optical method requires a level area sufficient for the vehicle and test equipment. The test equipment shall be accurately calibrated to the floor and accurately aligned to the vehicle. Additional lighting information is contained in §§F, G, and H (limits are in inches at 25 feet). Labeling requirements for sealed beam headlamps manufactured on or after July 1, 1979: 5-3/4 inch type 1-1C1, type 2-2C1; 6-1/2 inch × 4-1/4 inch type 1A-1A1, type 2A-2A1; 7 inch type 2-2D1; 8 inch × 5 inch type 2B-2B1; type F 5.93 inch by 3.64 inch—low beam—LF, high beam—UF. Type F units require special aimer adapter and must be aimed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedures. Bulb and reflector-type headlamps currently approved contain a 9004 Sylvania bulb in a normal reflector unit or an H-4 bulb in a sealed reflector unit. Sealed reflector units contain a glass bubble which encases the bulb when in place, which can be detected by removing the bulb and determining if the bubble exists.
(1) High Beam.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| (a) High Beam (Type 1). | Center is: |
| (i) With the vehicle in the inspection area and the test equipment properly calibrated and aligned to the vehicle, switch headlamps to high beam and observe hot spot. | (a) Horizontally: (i) More than 4 inches right, or (ii) More than 4 inches left of the vertical centerline; |
| (ii) When properly aimed, the center (hot spot) of the high intensity zone is set on the vertical and horizontal centerlines of the lamp. | (b) Vertically: (i) More than 4 inches above, or (ii) More than 4 inches below the horizontal line. |
(2) Low Beam. Inspect the low beam headlamp in the same method indicated as for high beam. Always inspect the following sealed beam units on low beam only: 5-3/4 inch diameter or 4-1/4 × 6-1/2 inch rectangular units marked type 2 or type 2A and 7 inch diameter or 8 × 5 inch rectangular marked type 2 or 2B.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| (a) Passing or Low Beam (Type 2). | (a) Beam Pattern. |
| (i) Under same procedure as high beam aim-inspection, switch headlamps on low beam and observe either the center of the high intensity zone or the left and top edges of the zone. (ii) When properly aimed: Edges of high intensity zone— Top edge centered on horizontal centerline. Left edge centered on vertical centerline. (iii) Center of high intensity zone adjust hot spot to 15 inches horizontally and 11 inches vertically. | (i) Left edge is horizontally more than 4 inches right or left of the vertical centerline; or (ii) Top edge is vertically more than 4 inches above or below the horizontal centerline. (b) Hot spot is: (i) Horizontally less than 11 inches or more than 19 inches; or (ii) Vertically less than 7 inches or more than 15 inches. |
Figure 23 HEADLAMPS.
C. Headlamp (Applicable to Type II School Vehicles Only).
(1) In order to compensate for the various conditions of loading encountered during inspection, the frame or body floor will be made level before checking. This will provide a standard condition for inspecting all vehicles and may be accomplished by using a combination of blocks under the rear wheels or a lifting device (jack) or both for the front end. A spirit level may be placed on the frame side member.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| Headlamp Aim. Attach mechanical aimer to headlamp unit according to instructions. Take readings. | (a) High Beam. (i) Horizontal aim is more than 4 inches to the left, or 4 inches to the right. |
| (a) High Beam. | (ii) Vertical aim is more than 4 inches up, or more than 4 inches down. |
| (b) Low Beam. | (b) Low Beam. |
| (i) Horizontal aim is more than 4 inches to the left, or 4 inches to the right. (ii) Vertical aim is more than 4 inches up, or more than 4 inches down. |
(2) Place vehicle in a darkened location of sufficient size for the vehicle and an additional 25 feet from lamps to screen. An approved marked screen and adequate test area are required. Level the vehicle frame as described in §C(1). The vehicle shall be located accurately in front of the screen.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| (a) High Beam. With vehicle properly located, switch headlamps to high beam and observe center of high intensity zone on the screen. | Center is: (a) Horizontally: (i) More than 4 inches right, or (ii) More than 4 inches left of vertical centerline; |
| (b) Vertically: (i) More than 4 inches above, or (ii) More than 4 inches below the horizontal centerline. |
Figure 24 AIMING SCREEN BEAM PATTERN — HIGH BEAM.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| (a) Low Beam. With vehicle properly located, switch headlamps to low beam and observe left and top edges of high intensity zone on the screen. | (a) Left edge is horizontally: (i) More than 4 inches left; or (ii) More than 4 inches right of vertical centerline. |
| (b) Top edge is vertically: (i) More than 4 inches above; or (ii) More than 4 inches below the horizontal centerline. |
Figure 25 AIMING SCREEN BEAM PATTERN — LOW BEAM.
D. Fog Lamp and Auxiliary Driving Lamps. (A spot lamp is not considered an auxiliary driving lamp and has no set mounting height by law. Therefore, they need not be inspected.) If a vehicle is equipped with either fog lamps or auxiliary driving lamps they shall be properly aimed. Fog lamps shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height not more than 30 inches or less than 12 inches above the level surface on which a vehicle stands. Only two fog lamps are allowed by law. Auxiliary driving lamps shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height not more than 42 inches or less than 16 inches above the level surface on which the vehicle stands. Only two auxiliary lamps are allowed by law. The mounting heights of auxiliary driving lamps do not apply to emergency vehicles. Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with required headlamps also is equipped with any auxiliary lamps or a spot lamp or any other lamp on its front, projecting a beam of intensity greater than 300 candlepower, not more than four of these lamps on the front of a vehicle may be lighted at any one time when on a highway.
| Procedures: | Reject Vehicle If: |
|---|---|
| (1) Auxiliary Driving or Fog Lamp Aim—Inspection. Under the same procedures as for headlamp inspection, switch on the lamps and observe the location of the high intensity zone or hot spot on the screen. | (1) Symmetrical Beam: Center of high intensity zone if more than: (a) Horizontally: (i) 4 inches left, or (ii) 4 inches right of the vertical centerline; or (b) Vertically—Less than 4 inches below the horizontal centerline. |
| (a) Symmetrical Beam. When properly aimed, the center of the high intensity zone is set 4 inches below the horizontal centerline of the lamp and centered on the vertical centerline. | (2) Asymmetrical Beam: Same as low beam headlamps. Center of high intensity is more than: (a) Horizontally: (i) 4 inches left, or (ii) 4 inches right of the vertical centerline; or |
| (b) Asymmetrical Beam. When properly aimed, the center of the high intensity zone is set 7 inches below a horizontal centerline of the lamp and centered on the vertical centerline. | (b) Vertically—Less than 7 inches below the horizontal centerline. |
| (2) Measure height of auxiliary driving or fog lamps. | (3) Fog lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are mounted higher or lower than allowed. Auxiliary driving lamps mounted on roll bar or roof for off-road use may remain but may not be connected to an electrical source. |
| (4) Vehicle is equipped with more than two operable fog lamps. | |
| (5) Vehicle is equipped with more than two auxiliary driving lamps. |
E. Definitions.
(8) Headlamps.
(a) 5-3/4 inch Round Sealed Beam Unit.
(b) 7" Round Sealed Beam Unit.
(d) 6-1/2 × 4-1/4 inch Rectangular Sealed Beam Unit.
(e) 5.93 × 3.64 inch Rectangular Sealed Beam Units.
(11) “Indicator lamp” means a lamp visible to the operator of a vehicle that indicates:
(19) “Sealed beam headlamp assembly” means a major lighting device used to provide general illumination ahead of the vehicle. It consists of the following:
(23) “Symmetrical beam” means one in which both sides are symmetrical with respect to the median vertical plane of the beam. Lamps having symmetrical beams are:
F. SAE Identification Code (J759C SAE Handbook).
(1) The following list is an identifying code for lights and signaling devices:
| Device | SAE Identification Code Designation |
|---|---|
| Reflex Reflectors: | |
| Class A | A |
| Class B (used before 1969 only) | B |
| Motorcycle and motor driven cycle turn signal lamps | D |
| Side turn signal lamps—vehicles 30 ft. (9.1m) or more in length | E |
| Side turn signal lamps—vehicles less than 30 ft. (9.1m) in length | E2 |
| Fog lamps | F |
| Sealed beam headlamps (marking applies to housing or unit) | H |
| Turn signal lamps—Class A | I |
| Turn signal lamps—Class A spaced less than 4 in. (102mm) from headlamp | I2 |
| Turn signal flasher | J590e or J5906 |
| Hazard warning signal flasher | J945b OR J945 |
| Warning lamp alternating flasher | J1054 |
| Cornering lamps | K |
| License plate lamps | L |
| Motorcycle and motor driven cycle headlamps—motorcycle type | M |
| Motorcycle and motor driven cycle headlamps—motor driven cycle type | N |
| Spot lamps | O |
| Parking lamps | P |
| Clearance or side marker or identification lamps | P2 |
| Combination clearance and side marker lamps | PC |
| Turn signal operating units Class A | Q |
| Turn signal operating units Class B | QB |
| Vehicular hazard warning signal operating unit | QC |
| Back-up lamps | R |
| Stop lamps | S |
| Tail lamps | T |
| Supplemental high mounted stop and turn signal lamps | U |
| Liquid burning emergency flares | V |
| Warning lamps for emergency, maintenance and service vehicles | W or W1 |
| Warning lamps for school buses | W2 |
| 360-degree emergency warning lamps | W3 |
| Emergency warning device | W4 |
| Electric emergency lanterns | X |
| Driving lamps | Y |
| Auxiliary low beam lamps | Z |
G. Headlamp Testing Machines.
Authority: Transportation Article, §§12-104(b), 23-101—23-105, and 24-106.1, Annotated Code of Maryland
Effective date: November, 1965
Chapter revised effective February 22, 1980 (7:4 Md. R. 348)
Regulations .12B, F; .14A; .17B; and .20 amended effective January 23, 1981 (8:2 Md. R. 114)
Chapter revised effective October 31, 1988 (15:22 Md. R. 2557)
Regulation .01C amended effective February 1, 2012 (39:1 Md. R. 18)
Regulation .05 amended effective April 1, 1991 (18:6 Md. R. 686)
Regulation .06 amended effective April 1, 1991 (18:6 Md. R. 686); February 1, 2012 (39:1 Md. R. 18)
Regulation .08 amended effective April 1, 1991 (18:6 Md. R. 686)
Regulation .12F amended effective February 1, 2012 (39:1 Md. R. 18)
Regulation .14 amended effective April 1, 1991 (18:6 Md. R. 686); August 21, 2000 (27:16 Md. R. 1526); February 1, 2012 (39:1 Md. R. 18)
Regulation .17B amended effective February 1, 2012 (39:1 Md. R. 18)
Regulation .26 adopted effective April 1, 1991 (18:6 Md. R. 686)