Md. Code Regs. 09.12.64.08

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 25, December 13, 2024

Section 09.12.64.08 - Design Criteria

A. Track.

(1) The go-kart track shall be designed so that paths do not cross at any location.

(2) Track Surface. The track surface shall:

(a) Be hard and smooth;

(b) Be kept free of ruts, holes, and bumps; and

(c) Except for a slick track, provide road grip sufficient to enable a kart to be driven safely at the operating speed.

(3) Loading and Unloading Area.

(a) Each track shall have a designated area for loading and unloading passengers.

(b) The owner or operator shall ensure that a passenger enters or leaves a kart only in the designated loading and unloading area.

(c) The loading and unloading area of each track shall be designed and constructed to be:

(i) Level;

(ii) Graded; and

(iii) Free from obstructions or obstacles.

(d) Except for a track where all karts start and stop at the same time, the loading and unloading area shall be:

(i) Designed and constructed to reduce the speed of an incoming kart; and

(ii) Separated from the track by a barrier as described in § A(4)(b)--(d) of this regulation.

(e) The loading and unloading area for a track where all karts start and stop at the same time shall be:

(i) Clearly marked as such; and

(ii) Located so it will not inhibit the free flow of karts on the track.

(4) Barriers.

(a) A barrier shall be installed along the entire outer and inner edge of each track.

(b) The barrier shall be designed to:

(i) Prevent a kart from overturning or running over, under, or through the barrier;

(ii) Minimize impact;

(iii) Absorb shock;

(iv) Keep a kart on the track area upon impact; and

(v) Not be a hazard in itself.

(c) The barrier shall be constructed:

(i) To ensure the requirements listed in § A(4)(b) of this regulation are met; and

(ii) Of material capable of withstanding impact, such as, but not limited to, wood, steel, or rubber tires.

(d) When tires are used as a barrier, they shall be:

(i) The same size;

(ii) Stacked not more than two high; and

(iii) Connected in such a manner to provide a continuous barrier.

(5) Fencing.

(a) Each go-kart operation shall be surrounded by a fence at least 42 inches high, with a gate and entrance and exit signs.

(b) Pedestrian access to each track shall be fenced so that a pedestrian cannot enter the track area except through a track entrance gate.

B. Karts.

(1) A kart shall be designed in accordance with COMAR 09.12.62.10B.

(2) Exposed components on a kart, including but not limited to the steering wheel hub and headrest, which the rider may come into contact with in the case of impact or rollover, shall be padded and designed to minimize the risk of injury.

(3) Engine parts that may become hot, mufflers, and all moving or rotating parts shall be shielded.

(4) The brake and throttle pedal shall:

(a) Be marked and identified;

(b) Be foot-operated; and

(c) Return to a nonoperational position when released.

(5) The fuel system shall be:

(a) Designed and mounted so that it may not be damaged from impact;

(b) Located away from the exhaust.

(6) The wheels of a kart shall be enclosed or guarded to avoid accidental contact with another kart wheel.

(7) If kart speed and track design may contribute to a roll-over situation, a kart shall be equipped with roll-over protection, such as a roll bar or head pad.

(8) Before January 1, 1991, if designed by the manufacturer, or if required by the Commissioner following such investigation as the Commissioner deems appropriate, a kart shall be equipped with an appropriate restraining device.

(9) After December 31, 1990, each kart operated within the State shall have a lap and shoulder belt which is properly mounted, installed to ensure passenger safety, and effective to retain the passenger in the kart.

Md. Code Regs. 09.12.64.08

Regulation .08 amended effective April 13, 1992 (19:7 Md. R. 745)