Marvin Mandel, Governor                        1527

of this section shall not apply to pole trailers or to vehicles where the
installation of the required frame would prevent operation of the
vehicle to secure its designed use.

§ 12-412. Seat belts required.

(a)    Every motor vehicle registered in the State and manu-
factured or assembled after June 1, 1964, shall be equipped with two
sets of seat belts on the front seat of the vehicle. Every motor
vehicle registered in the State and manufactured or assembled with
a rear seat after June 1, 1969, shall be equipped with two sets of
seat belts on the rear seat of the vehicle. It shall be unlawful to
sell or offer for sale any vehicle in violation of this section.

(b)    For the purpose of this section only, "motor vehicle" does not
include any motorcycle or bus, truck or taxicab.

(c)    For the purpose of this section only, "seat belt" means any
belt, strap, harness, or like device. No seat belt shall be sold or
offered for sale for use in connection with the operation of a motor
vehicle in this state after June 1, 1964, unless it meets the current
standards and specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers
applicable to these belts or other standard prescribed by the commis-
sioner.

§ 12-412.1. Seat belts and other equipment for vehicles used by
nursery schools, camps, etc.

Every motor vehicle used by nursery schools, camps, day nurseries
or day care centers for retarded children to transport children which
is not regulated as a "school bus" under this Article, shall be equipped
with seat belts for each seat and shall be subject to such other regula-
tions as may be prescribed by the Department.

§ 12-413. Protectors or flaps behind rear wheels of vehicles.

(a) No person shall operate, cause, or permit to be operated on
the highways of this State any motor vehicle or combination of a
motor vehicle and one or more other vehicles unless the vehicle
or combination is equipped with suitable protectors or substantial
flexible flaps behind the rearmost wheels of the vehicle or combina-
tion. The protectors or flaps shall be of sufficient size to prevent
the projection of rocks, dirt, water, or other substance to the rear
and to minimize side spray.

(b)    The protectors or flaps shall be mounted not more than 12
inches to the rear of the rearmost part of the tire on the wheel
being protected. They shall have a vertical ground clearance under
all conditions of loading of not more than 6 inches. The protector
or flap shall extend laterally at least the width of the tire being
protected.

(c)    The protectors or flaps shall be mounted so as not to swing
rearward more than 30 degrees from the vertical plane of the pro-
tector or flap. Mounting may be in a manner to prevent damage
to the protector or flaps during any change in body position of the
vehicle.