Source: http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techarticles/suspension/131_1011_lift_laws_you_need_to_know/viewall.html
Timestamp: 2013-05-23 14:19:17
Document Index: 79923362

Matched Legal Cases: ['§46', '§46', '§46', '§46', '§17', '§17', '§17', '§17', '§17', '§17', 'art=1']

Last month we covered lift-law basics and listed regulations for the Northeast. Without recovering too much territory (search for the Oct. '10 article at 4wheelandoffroad.com), we'll reiterate measurement methodology: Nearly all states calculate bumper and frame measurements from the ground to the bottom surface of those components. Light height is measured from the ground to the lense's center point. This month the South rises in a big way. Confederate states are some of the least regulated on bumper and frame heights; many don't even specifically address suspension modifications. On the other hand, light location is often mandated. Codes typically define visible distances for headlights and taillights, and some even mention light intensity, defining it in terms of candlepower. In general, lights with DOT stamps on them likely comply with the various states' regulations. Remember that the laws below pertain to street-driven, licensed vehicles. Once your 4x4 becomes a trailered, trail-only machine, these rules don't necessarily apply. Also, some 4x4s might fit the "farm use" definitions in their states, permitting them to run agricultural plates. We're limiting this series to regulations that cover lift-related equipment: suspension, steering, fender coverage, and heights of bumpers/frames and lights. We aren't addressing other common reasons 4x4s get pulled over, such as license-plate problems (a lack of front plate in some states, no rear illumination in others). One other issue we plan to address later in this series is reciprocity among states. Coming up next time, we cover the Heartland. Virginia
Virginia is somewhat thorough-its code even addresses "smoke projectors" and "flame throwers." Maximum bumper height varies by GVWR. BUMPER HEIGHT (§46.2-1063): 4,501 lb GVWR or less 28 in. front, 28 rear 4,501-7,500 lb GVWR 29 in. front, 30 rear 7,501-15,000 lb GVWR 30 in. front, 31 rear At Virginia's Crozet Park, this '88 YJ on 38-inch Swampers is likely too high for street use. Depending on GVWR (Wranglers with automatic transmissions and 4.11 axle gears can be over 4,500 pounds), the YJ could be street-legal if its bumper heights are between 28 and 30 inches.At Virginia's Crozet Park, this '88 YJ on 38-inch Swampers is likely too high for street u Body Lift (§46.2-1063):
"No vehicle shall be operated on a public highway if it has been modified by any means so as to raise its body more than 3 inches, in addition to any manufacturer's spacers and bushings, above the vehicle's frame rail or manufacturer's attachment points on the frame rail." Lift Blocks (§46.2-1064):
"No motor vehicle whose front-end suspension has been modified by the use of lift blocks shall be driven on any highway in the Commonwealth." Steering (§46.2-1065): "No Virginia-registered motor vehicle shall be issued a safety inspection approval sticker or be operated on a highway in the Commonwealth if equipped with a repair kit or preventive maintenance kit installed on a tie-rod end, idler arm, ball joint or any other part of the vehicle's steering gear." Source
leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+TOC46020000010000000000000 West Virginia
SUMMARY: Front lift blocks are verboten, and the state limits body lifts to 3 inches. A "modified vehicle" inspection sticker is required for "any motor vehicle which has been altered from the manufacturer's specification with respect to bumper height for that vehicle make and model but within the allowable limits." Maximum Bumper/Frame Height (§17C-15-48):
10,000-pound GVWR or less: 31 inches. Bumper must also be at least 3 inches in vertical width and "not less than the width of the wheel track distance." Headlights (§17C-15-4):
Mounted not higher than 54 inches nor lower than 24. Body Lift (§17C-15-48):
"The maximum distance between the vehicle body to the vehicle frame may not exceed three inches." Lift Blocks (§17C-15-48):
"Modification of the front end suspension by the use of lift blocks is expressly prohibited." Suspension (§17C-15-48):
"No part of the original suspension system may be disconnected to defeat the safe operation of the suspension system. ... Nothing contained in this section prevents the installation of heavy-duty equipment, including shock absorbers and overload springs." TIRE SIZE (§17C-15-48):
No modified-vehicle inspection is required for "a vehicle modified solely by the installation of tires not larger than two sizes beyond the maximum specified by the manufacturer." Source
www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE/Code.cfm?chap=17&art=1 "Normal" vehicles in North Carolina are limited to 6 inches of lift. Exceptions are made for passenger vehicles constructed on a truck chassis that have special features for occasional off-road operation."Normal" vehicles in North Carolina are limited to 6 inches of lift. Exceptions are made f North Carolina
michie.lexisnexis.com/tennessee/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp This Toyota's license plate indicates that it complies with Kentucky's light-height regulations.This Toyota's license plate indicates that it complies with Kentucky's light-height regula Kentucky
codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/TN/7 See all 10 Photos By Tom Morr