MARYLAND Headlights Law

MARYLAND

1. Any lighted lamp or illuminating device on a motor vehicle (other than headlamps, spot lamps, auxiliary lamps, flashing front direction signals) that projects a beam of an intensity greater than 300 candlepower (3770 lumens) shall be so directed that the beam will not strike the level of the road at a distance of more than 75 feet from thevehicle.

2. A person may not drive any vehicle on any highway with any lamp or device on it that displays a red or blue light visible from directly in front of its center. All lightingdevices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stoplight or other signal device, which may be red, amber, or yellow, and except that the light emitted by a backup lamp shall be white or amber.

3. Flashing lights are prohibited. A motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least two headlights and not more than two fog lights and two spotlights. An operator of a motorcycle may use the following auxiliary lighting: blue dot illumination; standard bulb running lights, or light-emitting diode pods and strips added to protect the driver.

LIGHTING LAWS IN MARYLAND

NOTICE! THIS PAGE CONTAINS ONLY A LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS. KENSUN DOES NOT GIVE ANY LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE BE SURE TO REFER TO A LAWYER, LOCAL DOT OR POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE.

2010 Maryland Code

TRANSPORTATION

TITLE 22 - VEHICLE LAWS - EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES

Subtitle 2 - Lamps and Other Lighting Equipment

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

22-203. Headlamps on motor vehicles and motorcycles.

(b) Equipment on motor vehicle. Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with at least two headlamps with at least one on each side of the front of the motor vehicle, which headlamps shall emit white light and comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in this title.

(c) Equipment on motorcycle. Every motorcycle shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two headlamps that comply with the requirements and limitations of this title.

§ 22-222. Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.

(a) In general.- Except as otherwise provided in the Maryland Vehicle Law, theheadlamps or the auxiliary driving lamp or combination thereof on motor vehicles, other than motorcycles, shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, and the lamps, in addition, may be so arranged that the selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:

1) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead for all conditions of loading;

2) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead; and

3) On a straight level road under any condition of loading, none of the high-intensity portion of the beam may be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.

COLORS RESTRICTIONS

§22–221. Color of lights on rear of vehicle.

(f) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stoplight or other signal device, which may be red, amber or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the registration plate shall be white and the light emitted by a backup lamp shall be white or amber.

Red or blue lights

(b) Except as required or permitted in § 22-218 of this subtitle or in the rules governing the operation of emergency vehicles and school vehicles, a person may not drive or move any vehicle or equipment on any highway with any lamp or device on it that displays a red or blue light visible from directly in front of its center.

EQUIPMENT RESTRICTED

§22–221.

(a) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fenderlamps that:

1) Emit an amber or white light without glare;

2) Are located at or near the front of the vehicle.

(b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped on each side of the vehicle with not more than one running–board courtesy lamp that emits a white or amber light without glare.

(c) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with one or more backup lamps, either separately or in combination with other lamps, but any such backup lamp may not belighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.

Flashing lights

OTHER RULES

HEADLIGHTS: 2 MINIMUM

§ minimum height: 24 inches

§ maximum height: 54 inches

TAIL LIGHTS: 2 MINIMUM

§ minimum height: 20 inches

§ maximum height: 72 inches

SPOT LIGHTS: 2 MAXIMUM

FOG LIGHTS: 2 MAXIMUM

§ minimum height: 12 inches

§ maximum height: 30 inches