(a) Every trailer or semitrailer of a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, when operated on a highway, shall be equipped with a permanent metal frame attached to the underside of the rear of the trailer.
(b) The frame may not be any wider than the width of the trailer and shall be not more than 30 inches above the highway when moving and constructed of heavy gauge steel.
(c) The maximum transverse distance from the widest part of the vehicle at the rear to the frame may not exceed 18 inches.
(d) The frame shall be constructed so as not to interfere with lights or other warning devices.
(e) Any trailer or semitrailer so constructed and maintained that the body, chassis, or other parts of it afford the protection required by this section is in compliance with this section.
(f) This section does not apply to pole trailers or to vehicles where the installation of the required frame would prevent operation of the vehicle to secure its designed use.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 22 - Vehicle Laws -- Equipment of Vehicles
Section 22-401 - Horns and Warning Devices
Section 22-401.1 - Bells on Ice Cream Sales Vehicles
Section 22-402 - Mufflers; Prevention of Noise; Discharge of Smoke; Maximum Period of Idling
Section 22-402.1 - Alteration of Air Pollution Control Devices
Section 22-404 - Windshields Must Be Unobstructed and Equipped With Wipers
Section 22-404.1 - Display of Emblems and Signs
Section 22-404.2 - Display of State Seal on Vehicle
Section 22-404.3 - Identification of Certain Vehicles
Section 22-404.4 - Identification Decals for Propane Fueled Vehicles
Section 22-404.5 - Power Booster Systems Prohibited; Exceptions
Section 22-405 - Tires Generally
Section 22-405.1 - Regrooved Tires
Section 22-405.2 - Metal and Other Nonrubber Material in Contact With Road Surface
Section 22-405.3 - Spare Tires
Section 22-405.4 - Type of Tires Required on Rear Axle
Section 22-405.5 - Unsafe Tires
Section 22-406 - Safety Glazing Material in Motor Vehicles
Section 22-407 - Certain Vehicles to Carry Flares or Other Warning Devices
Section 22-408 - Display of Warning Devices When Vehicle Disabled
Section 22-409 - Transportation of Hazardous Materials
Section 22-410 - Air Conditioning Equipment
Section 22-411 - Metal Frame Required for Rear of Trailers and Semitrailers
Section 22-412 - Seat Belts Required
Section 22-412.2 - Child Safety Seats
Section 22-412.3 - Mandatory Seat Belt Use
Section 22-412.4 - Seat Belts or Restraining Devices in Emergency Vehicles
Section 22-413 - Protectors or Flaps Behind Rear Wheels of Vehicles
Section 22-414 - Transmission or Reception of Information
Section 22-414.1 - Video Display Equipment
Section 22-416 - Energy Absorption System
Section 22-417 - Seat Back Crash Pads in School Buses
Section 22-418 - Color of School Vehicles