Vehicle equipment — Maryland Permit Test

All vehicles operated on Maryland roads must have functioning headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals; equipment that is broken or improperly adjusted is a citable offense on public roads and an immediate failure on the MVA road test.

Lights and signals are how a car tells other drivers what it is about to do; broken ones make it silent.

Every motor vehicle registered in Maryland and sold as a new vehicle after June 1, 1967 must be equipped with at least two stop lamps (brake lights).

Every motor vehicle registered in Maryland and sold as a new vehicle after June 1, 1961 must be equipped with electric turn signal lamps.

Vehicles must have working windshield wipers and defrosters; both are tested at Maryland safety inspection because visibility problems cause crashes.

You cannot drive around what you cannot see, and a windshield you cannot clear takes the road away in exactly the weather that needs it most.

Tires must meet minimum tread depth requirements and have intact sidewalls to be legal on Maryland roads.

Tread is what clears water out from under the tire; without it the tire floats rather than grips.

The horn, mirrors, doors and latches, and the fuel system must be in working order; all are checked at Maryland safety inspection, and inspectors also check brake pad thickness, rotor condition, and the hydraulic system for leaks.

The inspection covers the parts that fail quietly — you notice a dead headlight, but not worn pads until you need them.

Which statement about vehicle equipment in Maryland is true?

All lights and signals must work — defects are citable. Lights and signals are how a car tells other drivers what it is about to do; broken ones make it silent.