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An Act To Amend the Motor Vehicle Laws Governing Requisite Tire Size and Frame Height
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1917, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2009, c. 251, §8, is further amended to read:
 
2. Safe tires required.   A motor vehicle may not be operated on a public way unless it is equipped with tires in safe operating condition. A tire mounted on a motor vehicle is not considered to be in safe operating condition unless it meets the visual and tread depth requirements set forth in subsections 3 and 4, the overall diameter of the properly mounted and inflated tire is within 2 inches of the range of sizes recommended by the manufacturer for the model vehicle and the vehicle is in compliance with the frame height requirements provided in section 1920.
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §1920, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2005, c. 276, §2, is further amended to read:
 
1. Minimum and maximum frame end heights.   A motor vehicle may not be operated on a public way or receive a certificate of inspection with a frame end height of less than 10 inches or with the frame end height lower than the vehicle was originally manufactured if originally manufactured to be less than 10 inches. A motor vehicle may not be operated on a public way or receive a certificate of inspection with a maximum frame end height based on the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating that is greater than:
 
B. For a vehicle of 4,500 pounds and less, 24 inches in the front and 26 inches in the rear;
 
C. For a vehicle of 4,501 pounds to 7,500 pounds, 27 inches in the front and 29 inches in the rear; and
 
D. For a vehicle of 7,501 pounds to 10,000 pounds, 28 inches in the front and 30 inches in the rear.; and
 
E.  For a vehicle of 10,001 pounds to 11,500 pounds, 29 inches in the front and 31 inches in the rear.
 
Measurements must be taken from a level surface to the bottom of the frame end. For the purposes of this subsection, "frame end" means the point at which the frame rail terminates at the bumper assembly.
 
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 126th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.