Unsafe tires

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    (a)    A person may not sell or offer for sale, at the point of final retail sale to the consumer, an unsafe tire, for use on a highway, that does not meet or exceed the requirements set forth in subsection (b) of this section or in regulations promulgated under § 22-405(c) of this subtitle.

    (b)    A tire shall be considered unsafe if it:

        (1)    Has tread wear indicators and the tire is worn to the point that the tread wear indicators are flush with the tread at any place on the tire;

        (2)    Does not have tread wear indicators and the tire is worn so that less than 2/32 of an inch tread remains when measured in any groove at three locations spaced approximately equally around the outside of the tire; provided that motorcycle tires shall be allowed to be worn down to 1/32 of an inch, if measured under this paragraph;

        (3)    Has a worn spot that exposes the cord through the tread;

        (4)    Has tread cuts, snags, or sidewall cracks in any direction which are deep enough to expose body cords;

        (5)    Has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating partial failure or separation of the tire structure;

        (6)    Has unrepaired fabric breaks or the sidewall has damaged body cords;

        (7)    Has been regrooved or recut except as authorized in § 22-405.1 of this subtitle; or

        (8)    Is marked:

            (i)    For farm use only;

            (ii)    For off-highway use only; or

            (iii)    For racing use only.

    (c)    A tire failing to meet the requirements of subsection (b) of this section may be sold for off-highway use only if the tire has permanently inscribed on its sidewall the letters “OH” at least 3/4 of an inch in height.


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