540 CMR 4.00

(c) Coupling Devices.

1. Fifth Wheels.

a. Mounting to frame.

i. Any fasteners missing or ineffective.

ii. Any movement between mounting components.

iii. Any mounting angle iron cracked or broken.

b. Mounting plates and pivot brackets.

i. Any fasteners missing or effective.

ii. Any welds or parent metal cracked.

iii. More than 3/8 inch horizontal movement between pivot bracket pin and bracket.

iv. Pivot bracket pin missing or not secured.

c. Sliders.

i. Any latching fasteners missing or ineffective.

ii. Any fore or aft stop missing or not securely attached.

iii. Movement more than 3/8 inch between slider bracket and slider base.

iv. Any slider component cracked in parent metal or weld.

d. Lower coupler.

i. Horizontal movement between the upper and lower fifth wheel halves exceeds 1/2 inch.

ii. Operating handle not in closed or locked position.

iii. Kingpin not properly engaged.

iv. Separation between upper and lower coupler allowing light to show through from side to side.

v. Cracks in the fifth wheel plate, excepting cracks in fifth wheel approach ramps and casting shrinkage cracks in the ribs of the body of a cast fifth wheel.

vi. Locking mechanism parts missing, broken, or deformed to the extent the kingpin is not securely held.

2. Pintle Hooks.

a. Mounting to frame.

i. Any missing or ineffective fasteners (a fastener is not considered missing if there is an empty hole in the device but no corresponding hole in the frame or vice versa).

ii. Mounting surface cracks extending from point of attachment (e.g. cracks in the frame at mounting bolt holes.).

iii. Loose mounting.

iv. Frame cross member providing pintle hook attachment cracked.

b. Integrity.

i. Cracks anywhere in pintle hook assembly.

ii. Any welded repairs to the pintle hook.

iii. Any part of the horn section reduced by more than 20%.

iv. Latch insecure.

3. Drawbar/Towbar Eye.

a. Mounting.

i. Any cracks in attachment welds.

ii. Any missing or ineffective fasteners.

b. Integrity.

i. Any cracks.

ii. Any part of the eye reduced by more than 20%.

4. Drawbar/Towbar Tongue.

a. Slider (power or manual).

i. Ineffective latching mechanism.

ii. Missing or ineffective stop.

iii. Movement of more than 1/4 inch between slider and housing.

iv. Any leaking, air or hydraulic cylinders, hoses, or chambers (other than slight oil weeping normal with hydraulic seals).

b. Integrity.

i. Any cracks.

ii. Movement of 1/4 inch between subframe and drawbar at point of attachment.

5. Safety Devices.

a. Safety devices missing.

b. Unattached or incapable of secure attachment.

c. Chains and hooks.

i. Worn to the extent of a measurable reduction in link cross section.

ii. Improper repairs including welding, wire, small bolts, rope and tape.

d. Cable.

i. Kinked or broken cable strands.

ii. Improper clamps or clamping.

6. Saddle-Mounts.

a. Method of attachment.

i. Any missing or ineffective fasteners.

ii. Loose mountings.

iii. Any cracks or breaks in a stress or load bearing member.

iv. Horizontal movement between upper and lower saddle-mount halves exceeds 1/4 inch.

(d) Exhaust System.

1. Any exhaust system determined to be leaking at a point forward of or directly below the driver/sleeper compartment.

2. A bus exhaust system leaking or discharging to the atmosphere:

a. Gasoline powered. In excess of six inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus. See 540 CMR 7.00 for school buses.

b. Other than gasoline powered. In excess of 15 inches forward of the rear most part of the bus. See 540 CMR 7.00 for school buses

c. Other than gasoline powered forward of a door or window designed to be opened, excepting emergency exits.

3. No part of the exhaust system of any motor vehicle shall be so located as would be likely to result in burning, charring, or damaging the electrical wiring, the fuel supply, or any combustible part of the motor vehicle.

4. The exhaust system, exhaust manifold(s), exhaust pipe(s), muffler(s), and tailpipe(s), if designed to be so equipped, shall be tight and free of leaks. System components shall be securely fastened with fasteners in place and undamaged.

5. A gas or diesel vehicle will be rejected if, at normal operating temperature, and at any constant speed over 15 MPH. (approximately 1,000 to 1200 RPM's) visible black or blue exhaust emissions are evident.

(e) Fuel System.

1. A fuel system with a visible leak at any point.

2. A fuel tank filler cap missing.

3. A fuel tank not securely attached to the motor vehicle by reason of loose, broken or missing mounting bolts or brackets (some fuel tanks use springs or rubber bushings to permit movement).

(f) Lighting Devices. All lighting devices and reflectors required by Section 393 shall be operable. (See Part 393. in Reference Section).

(g) Safe Loading.

1. Part(s) of vehicle or condition of loading such that the spare tire or any part of the load or dunnage can fall into the roadway.

2. Protection against shifting cargo. Any vehicle without a front-end structure or equivalent device as required.

 (h) Steering Mechanism.

1. Steering Wheel Free Play. The engine must be running on vehicles equipped with power steering.

2. Steering Column.

a. Any absence or looseness of U-bolt(s) or positioning part(s).

b. Worn, faulty or obviously repair welded universal joint(s).

c. Steering wheel not properly secured.

3. Front Axle Beam and All Steering Components Other Than Steering Column.

a. Any crack(s) in gear box or mounting brackets.

b. Any obvious weld or repair(s).

4. Steering Gear Box

a. Any mounting bolts lose or missing.

b. Any crack(s) in gear box or mounting brackets.

5. Pitman Arm. Any looseness of the pitman arm on the steering gear output shaft.

6. Power Steering. Auxiliary power assist cylinder loose.

7. Ball and Socket Joints.

a. Any movement under steering load of a stud nut.

b. Any motion, other than rotational between any linkage member and its attachment point of more than 1/8 inch.

8. Tie Rods and Drag Links.

a. Loose clamp(s) or clamp bolt(s) on tie rods or drag links.

b. Any looseness in any threaded joint.

9. Nuts. Nut(s) loose or missing on tie rods, pitman arm, drag link, steering arm or tie rod arm.

10. Steering System. Any modification or other condition that interferes with free movement of any steering component.

11. King Pin. Reject Vehicle: if measured movement at top or bottom of tire is greater than:

KINGPIN PLAY PROCEDURE: Relative to vehicles equipped with Kingpins.

MVMA recommended procedures as noted below.

Be sure wheel bearing movement is eliminated by applying service brake during checking procedure.

Procedure: First eliminate all wheel bearing movement by applying service brake.

With front end lifted, as illustrated for inspecting wheel bearings, grasp the tire at the top and bottom and attempt to move in and out to detect looseness. A pry bar may be necessary on heavy wheels.

Measure the movement at the top or bottom of the tire at the outer circumference.

Reject vehicle if measured movement at top or bottom of tire is greater than the distances described below:

Wheel size:

16 inches or less - 1/4" (6.5mm)

17 to 18 inches - 3/8" (9.5mm)

Over 18 inches - 1/2" (13mm)

The registration of the vehicle will be suspended if thrust bearings or kingpin lock or draw keys are missing or if examination of the vehicle reveals that steering knuckles are excessively worn or cracked. Measured movement in excess of the following amounts will result in the suspension of the vehicle registration:

16 inches or less - 1/2" (13.0 mm)

17 to 18 inches - 3/4" (19.0 mm)

Over 18 inches - 1.0" (26.0 mm)

(i) Suspension.

1. Any U-bolt(s), spring hanger(s), or other axle positioning part(s) cracked, broken, loose or missing resulting in shifting of an axle from its normal position. (After a turn, lateral axle displacement is normal with some suspensions. Forward or rearward operation in a straight line will cause the axle to return to alignment.)

2. Spring Assembly.

a. Any leaves in a leaf spring assembly broken or missing.

b. Any broken main leaf in a leaf spring assembly, (include assembly with more than one main spring).

c. Coil spring broken.

d. Rubber spring missing.

e. One or more leaves displaced in a manner that could result in contact with a tire, rim, brake drum or frame.

f. Broken torsion bar spring in a torsion bar suspension.

g. Deflated air suspension, i.e., system failure, leak, etc.

3. Torque, Radius, or Tracking Components. Any part of a torque, radius or tracking component assembly or any part used for attaching the same to the vehicle frame or axle that is cracked, loose, broken or missing. (Does not apply to loose bushings in torque or track rods).

4. Shocks: Any broken, bent, missing shock absorbers orsuspension springs.

(j) Frame.

1. Frame Members.

a. Any cracked, broken, loose, or sagging frame member.

b. Any loose or missing fasteners including fasteners attaching functional component such as engine, transmission, steering gear, suspension, body parts, and fifth wheel.

2. Tire and Wheel Clearance. Any condition, including loading, that causes the body or frame to be in contact with a tire or any part of the wheel assemblies.

3. Adjustable axle assemblies (Sliding Subframes). Adjustable axle assembly with locking pins missing or not engaged.

(k) Tires.

1. Any tire on any steering axle of a power unit.

a. With less than 4/32 inch tread when measured at any point on a major tread groove.

b. Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall.

c. Has any tread or sidewall separation.

d. Has a cut where the ply or belt material is exposed.

e. Is labeled "Not For Highway Use" or displaying other marking which would exclude use on steering axle (except for farm vehicles, implements of husbandry, and off-road equipment is used on highway at restricted speeds).

f. A tube-type radial tire without radial tube stem markings. These markings include a red band around the tube stem, the word "radial" embossed in metal stems, or the word "radial" molded in rubber stems.

g. Mixing bias and radial tires on the same axle.

h. Tire flap protrudes through valve slot in rim and touches stem.

i. Regrooved tires on buses, trucks and truck tractors, except for trucks and truck tractors equipped with front tires with a load carrying capacity of less than that of 8.25-20 8 ply-rating tires.

j. Boot, blowout patch or other ply repair.

k. Weight carried exceeds tire load limit. This includes overloading tire resulting from low air pressure.

l. Tire is flat or has noticeable (e.g., can be heard or felt) leak.

m. Any bus equipped with recapped or retreaded tire(s).

n. So mounted or inflated that it comes in contact with any part of the vehicle.

2. All tires other than those found on the steering axle of a power unit:

a. Weight carried exceeds tire load limit. This includes overloaded tire resulting from low pressure.

b. Tire flat or has noticeable (e.g., can be heard or felt) leak.

c. Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall.

d. Has any tread or sidewall separation.

e. Has a cut where ply or belt material is exposed.

f. So mounted or inflated that it comes in contact with any part of the vehicle. (This includes a tire that contacts its mate.)

g. Is labeled "Not For Highway Use" or displaying other marking which would exclude use on steering axle (except for farm vehicles, implements of husbandry, and if off-road equipment is used on highway at restricted speeds).

h. With less that 2/32 inch tread when measured at any point on a major tread groove.

 (l) Wheels and Rims.

1. Lock or Side Ring. Bent, broken, cracked, improperly seated, sprung or mismatched ring(s).

2. Wheels and Rims. Cracked or broken or has elongated bolt holes.

3. Fasteners (both spoke and disc wheels). Any loose, missing, broken, cracked, stripped or otherwise ineffective fasteners.

4. Welds.

a. Any cracks in welds attaching disc wheel disc to rim.

b. Any cracks in welds attaching tubeless demountable rim to adapter.

c. Any welded repair on aluminum wheel(s) on a steering axle.

d. Any welded repair other than disc to rim attachment on steel disc wheel(s) mounted on the steering axle.

(m) Windshield Glazing.

1. Windshield Critical Viewing Area is the area covered by the sweep of the wiper(s) exclusive of the outer two inches within the perimeter of the wiper(s) sweep, provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

2. Windshields having any of the following defects will be rejected:

a. Any broken glass with sharp or jagged edges inside or outside.

b. Any stone bruise, star break, or bulls eye, damage in excess of one inch in diameter within the critical viewing area or larger than two inches outside the critical viewing areas, or multiple such damage.

c. Single line cracks which extend more than three inches into the critical viewing area.

d. Multiple cracks, having one or more which extends into the critical viewing area.

e. Wiper scrape(s) in excess of 1/4 inch wide within the critical viewing area.

f. Clouding extending more than three inches within the perimeter of the exposed glass.

g. No poster, sticker decal, etc. shall be attached to the windshield in such a manner so as to obstruct the vision of the operator.

h. i. Any tinting or reflective material applied by brush, spray, or adhesive which is below the uppermost six inches of the windshield or which may encroach upon the driver's direct forward viewing area. (All such tinting provided by the original manufacturer in compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards is acceptable.)

ii. Window Tinting. Aftermarket tinting or alterations that do not change the transparency beyond that of the standards set forth in 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 571.205 is acceptable on windows immediately adjacent to the operator and front passenger seat and the windows immediately to the rear of the operator and front passenger seat. The rear window may also be so tinted provided the vehicle is equipped with two outside rear view mirrors. The windshield may only be tinted down to the AS-1 line usually located in the uppermost six inches of the windshield.

3. 540 CMR 4.04(8)(f) shall not apply to the following:

a. All window tinting as provided by the original manufacturer that is in compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

b. Authorized vehicles used to transport K-9 teams.

c. Vehicles registered out of state.

d. Vehicles for which a medical exemption has been issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

e. All windows to the rear of the operator's seat on vehicles used for public livery, except taxicabs.

(n) Windshield Wipers.

1. Any power unit that has an inoperative wiper, or missing or damaged parts that render it ineffective.

2. Test for proper operation. If the vehicle was equipped with two wipers as furnished by the manufacturer, both must be maintained in good working order. Wiper blades must properly contact the windshield, be of the same length as those furnished as original equipment and the rubber elements must be free from damage or tears.

3. If the vehicle was equipped with windshield cleaner equipment as furnished by the manufacturer, units must be maintained in good working order.

(o) Fuel Tank Cap Visual Check. The vehicle shall fail the gas cap visual check if the cap is missing, defective, or does not properly fit the vehicle.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY
540 CMR 4.00: M.G.L. c. 90 § 7A, 7V (a), (b) and (c),7W and 31