Maryland has a bumper and frame height restriction of 20 inches for cars and SUVs and a 28 inch limit for trucks. On the positive side, there are no suspension modification laws or tire size restrictions. So long as frame height is kept within the legal limit, drivers are allowed to install suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards.
 Code |
The Maryland Code (MC) covers the street legal laws for the state. |
MC T-22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Dimensions |
The maximum size for a vehicle in Maryland is 102 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches tall, and 45 feet long for a single vehicle. |
MC T-24-102 MC T-24-104 |
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 Tires |
Tires must be in safe operating condition, without any bulges or exposed cords. Maryland has a listed minimum tire tread depth of 1/16 inch. Only tires that are designed for grooving can be grooved. |
MC T-22-405 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Wheels |
Maryland’s code makes no reference to wheels. |
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 Brakes |
All vehicles in Maryland must have brakes on all 4 wheels that are capable of stopping the vehicle from a speed of 20 mph within 25 feet. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is also required. |
MC T-22-301 MC T-22-302 |
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 Steering |
Maryland does not have any rules for a vehicle’s steering system. |
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 Suspension |
There are no suspension laws in Maryland. |
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 Frame |
Maryland has a 20 inch maximum frame height for passenger vehicles (Class A) and a maximum frame height of 28 inches for multipurpose vehicles (Class M). ( Measured to the bottom of the frame. ) |
MC T-22-105 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Bumpers |
The maximum bumper height is 20 inches for passenger vehicles (Class A) and 28 inches for multipurpose vehicles (Class M) in Maryland. ( Measured to the bottom of the bumper. ) |
MC T-22-105 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Fenders |
Maryland only requires fenders and mud flaps on commercial vehicles. |
MC T-22-413 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Lights |
In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in Maryland are allowed to have auxiliary lighting. A limit of 4 lights can be turned on at the front of the vehicle at any time while driving.
( Measured to the center of the light. ) |
MC T-22-203 MC T-22-204 MC T-22-217 MC T-22-226 |
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 Windows |
Maryland’s code does not specifically state that windshields are required. Vehicles that are equipped with windshields must also have windshield wipers. |
MC T-22404 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Exhaust |
In Maryland, vehicles are required to be equipped with mufflers. It is unlawful to install any kind of exhaust cutout or bypass. |
MC T-22-402 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Engine |
It is unclear whether or not Maryland has any engine swap or engine performance modification rules. |
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 Emissions |
Maryland currently requires emissions testing in several counties. |