Lift laws

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 10:42 am

Yeah, the laws about lift kits, bumper heights, etc, is the one that really scares me off. I don't know what Virginia has for laws regarding lift kits but whatever they are, they don't seem to enforce them. Well, not yet anyway.

I split this topic so the other didn't get too far off-HJ

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 7:00 pm

GaryH wrote:Yeah, the laws about lift kits, bumper heights, etc, is the one that really scares me off. I don't know what Virginia has for laws regarding lift kits but whatever they are, they don't seem to enforce them. Well, not yet anyway.

Some laws that I have heard, but check to make sure:

Trucks can be lifted much higher than SUV's (that's another great benifit!)

If you change bumpers, the reference point changes for measuring.

Can go a couple inches beyond the fender.

Brake lines cannot be stressed.

I checked with an inspector, and lifts are no biggy, just make sure you are not going to be stressing anything.

I've heard some Jeepers getting busted, cause they are considered SUV's and the lift limit is less for those.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 7:24 pm

Afew of the loosely enforced laws around here (Oregon)

Bottom of rear bumper max. 20 inches with no mud flaps.

Mud flaps no more than 10" above the ground.

No radial tread groove may extend outside the fender.

There is a maximum head light height, I think it is 36" , but I'm a little fuzzy on that one.

Steven · Post by **Steven** » Mon Mar 03, 2003 9:43 am

In Pa, there is a law that states, If's its not factory, its not legal. They don't enforce it much, but If you piss off an officer, they can use it. I know a guy personally that spent about $4000 bucks on a lift, suspension, and tires, and got lippy with an officer, ....

Needless to say, He wrote him up for a modified truck, bumper heigth, tire width, and heigth, body lift, lights on his push bar to high and a few other things on a long list of violations and had to remove it all within 30 days of the violation, or loose his vehicle registration. He did comply, but put it back on later. He had to have it inspected at station so he didn't have the fine to pay or loose his registration.

Check it out sometime., stop by your local State Police station and see what they have to say.

I wouldn't be afraid to modify or lift it, but I just wouldn't get lippy at the wrong time.

barch97 · Post by **barch97** » Mon Mar 03, 2003 10:26 am

New Jersey Laws

The following is information obtained from the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles which was submitted by loyal viewers of CustomTruckShowcase.com. Updated on 06.29.00.

Law guidelines and regulations are as follows:

An examination of your vehicle indicates that it has been raised more than 4 inches beyond its manufactured height. Under the provisions of N.J.A.C. 13:20-37.3, such a vehicle must undergo a geometric stability test.

These tests are being conducted by appointment only at these specialty inspection locations:

Asbury Park Specialty Site

1010 Comstock Street

Asbury Park, NJ 07712

(732) 869-8328

Morristown Specialty Site

101 Ridgedale Avenue

Morristown, NJ 07960

(973) 631-6578

Winslow Specialty Site

250 Spring Garden Road

Ancora, NJ 08037

(609) 567-0646

A comprehensive examination of the steering and suspension will be conducted. There is no charge for this inspection. Please call the location of your choice as soon as possible, since the test must be completed prior to the expiratio date of your inspection sticker.

Conditions for the motor vehicles with elevated chassis heights are:

(1) Steering gear ratios and steering wheel left stop to right stop turns must be within 1/2 turn of the original manufacturers specifications.

(2) Headlights shall be mounted no lower than 22" nor more than 54" above the ground.

(3) Taillights shall be mounted no lower than 15" nor more than 72" above the ground.

(4) Off road lights must be covered while operating on public roads.

(5) License plates must be mounted no less than 12" nor more than 48" above the ground.

(6) Brake lines and hoses must be protected from excess heat and vibration. They must be mounted in a manner to prevent chafing, undue wear, stress, or unintentional disconnection.

(7) Vehicles originally equipped with bumpers must have them securely fastened, no less then 16" from the ground to the bottom of the bumper, and shall extend the full width of the vehicle.

(8) Maximum tire diameter allowed will be 38" or 6" over stock, whichever is less.

(9) All tires must be the same size. Maximum tire pressure as stated on tire is recommended. Front tires must be at least 60% of the thread width of the rear tires.

(10) Front fenders must extend over the full width of the tire tread. Rear tires that are not covered by the fender or other body parts must be equipped with metal protectors or flexible flaps that prevent dirt, debris and water from being thrown.

(11) Exposed fuel tanks must be encased. Side mounted tanks must have a protective bar to prevent rupture.

(12) Exposed exhaust system components and moving parts must be shielded.

(13) Ballast must be securely mounted.

(14) Releasing the steering wheel in a sharp turn shall result in an increase in turning radius.

(15) Spacers to increase track width are prohibited.

(16) Maximum lift heights for GVWR 4500 lbs and under... 7" above original vehicle height.

(17) Maximum lift heights for GVWR 4501 - 7500 lbs... 9" above original vehicle height.

(18) Maximum lift heights for GVWR 7501 - 10,000 lbs... 11" above original vehicle height.

(19) No blocks are allowed on the front suspension.

(20) All credentials are to be up to date.

(21) Please report to the Supervisor's Office at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment. Lateness will result in cancellation of the scheduled appointment. Do not wait in the inspection line. Stability tests are not given in inclement weather. Please call the station if questionable.

Please Note: Vehicles that have been previously approved prior to October 1, 1998 are exempt from lift restrictions. However, all other regulations must be complied with by February 1, 1999 except limitations on tire diameter which must be complied with by October 1, 2000.

Vehicles Certified Prior to 10/1/98:

All vehicles tested and approved prior to October 1, 1998 will have until October 1, 2000 to comply with the tire diameter requirements. While all vehicles approved prior to October 1, 1998 will be exempt from the maximum lift requirements, once the vehicle is retrofitted to comply with the new tire regulations, a new stability test will be required.

Effective October 1, 2000, maximum tire diameter will be no more than six (6) inches larger than the stock tire available from the manufacturer ( for that model and model year ) or thirty-eight inch diameter, whichever is LESS.

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Mon Mar 03, 2003 2:53 pm

Steven wrote:In Pa, there is a law that states, If's its not factory, its not legal. They don't enforce it much, but If you piss off an officer, they can use it. I know a guy personally that spent about $4000 bucks on a lift, suspension, and tires, and got lippy with an officer, ....

Needless to say, He wrote him up for a modified truck, bumper heigth, tire width, and heigth, body lift, lights on his push bar to high and a few other things on a long list of violations and had to remove it all within 30 days of the violation, or loose his vehicle registration. He did comply, but put it back on later. He had to have it inspected at station so he didn't have the fine to pay or loose his registration.

Check it out sometime., stop by your local State Police station and see what they have to say.

I wouldn't be afraid to modify or lift it, but I just wouldn't get lippy at the wrong time.

Yea, I've heard of what PA is doing now. I know of some lady who kept getting tickets for having after market rims on an economy car. Come on, there was nothing wrong with it.

I just glad I am not living there now. But it will probably catch up with VA some day, dunno. I just know the hospital was very gratefull that my modified truck could make it throught the deep snow when I volunteered during the blizzard!

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Mon Mar 03, 2003 3:57 pm

Steven wrote:In Pa, there is a law that states, If's its not factory, its not legal. They don't enforce it much, but If you piss off an officer, they can use it. I know a guy personally that spent about $4000 bucks on a lift, suspension, and tires, and got lippy with an officer, ....

Needless to say, He wrote him up for a modified truck, bumper heigth, tire width, and heigth, body lift, lights on his push bar to high and a few other things on a long list of violations and had to remove it all within 30 days of the violation, or loose his vehicle registration. He did comply, but put it back on later. He had to have it inspected at station so he didn't have the fine to pay or loose his registration.

Check it out sometime., stop by your local State Police station and see what they have to say.

I wouldn't be afraid to modify or lift it, but I just wouldn't get lippy at the wrong time.

Yes, I had a "run in" with one of Pennsylvania's "finest" over my '94 Wrangler with a 4" lift and 33's that stuck out of the fenders a little more than he cared for. I just played totally dumb and acted like I had no idea what he was talking about. He kept waving some book in my face that he said stated he could charge me something like $500 for each tire that stuck out of the fenders. Eventually he gave up on me and let me go but I have never set foot in Pennsylvania since with anything that wasn't showroom original.

AZS10Crew · Post by **AZS10Crew** » Mon Mar 03, 2003 4:21 pm

That PA stuff is BS. They're basically banning you from driving in their state if there's anything changed on your vehicle.

I don't think there's any lift laws in AZ. I have seen a lifted Suburban around town that was so high I could have walked under it by ducking down to about waist level. When you measure your ground clearance in feet instead of inches, that's some serious lift.

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Mon Mar 03, 2003 4:25 pm

GaryH wrote:
Steven wrote:In Pa, there is a law that states, If's its not factory, its not legal. They don't enforce it much, but If you piss off an officer, they can use it. I know a guy personally that spent about $4000 bucks on a lift, suspension, and tires, and got lippy with an officer, ....

Needless to say, He wrote him up for a modified truck, bumper heigth, tire width, and heigth, body lift, lights on his push bar to high and a few other things on a long list of violations and had to remove it all within 30 days of the violation, or loose his vehicle registration. He did comply, but put it back on later. He had to have it inspected at station so he didn't have the fine to pay or loose his registration.

Check it out sometime., stop by your local State Police station and see what they have to say.

I wouldn't be afraid to modify or lift it, but I just wouldn't get lippy at the wrong time.

Yes, I had a "run in" with one of Pennsylvania's "finest" over my '94 Wrangler with a 4" lift and 33's that stuck out of the fenders a little more than he cared for. I just played totally dumb and acted like I had no idea what he was talking about. He kept waving some book in my face that he said stated he could charge me something like $500 for each tire that stuck out of the fenders. Eventually he gave up on me and let me go but I have never set foot in Pennsylvania since with anything that wasn't showroom original.

Yes, PA is very strange state. And that is the state that has one of the finest pay to ride off-road parks. http://www.paragonap.com

And another pay to ride park will be coming soon more south of there, that will be closer to VA! Yehaaaw.

I haven't heard of anyone being busted on they're way to or from there going through PA, but if they started to, they would loose out big time. It really sucks, cause PA has some of the best hilly terrain for off-road!

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Mon Mar 03, 2003 4:58 pm

Most of my "conversations" with the cops have been over various cars I have owned in the past that in all honestly were probably more race cars than street cars (Ok, one really was a race car). Anyway, I want to play it cool with the S-10 because I really don't want to sink a bunch of money that I don't really have into it only to have to undo some of it because some cop somewhere doesn't like it. That run in up in Pa. really spooked me.

So Quickbiker, just how did your CC do stock? I read about the Walking Stick trail last March and am wondering if I can get by with just tires, skid plates and disconnect the front sway bar.

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Mon Mar 03, 2003 5:11 pm

GaryH wrote:Most of my "conversations" with the cops have been over various cars I have owned in the past that in all honestly were probably more race cars than street cars (Ok, one really was a race car). Anyway, I want to play it cool with the S-10 because I really don't want to sink a bunch of money that I don't really have into it only to have to undo some of it because some cop somewhere doesn't like it. That run in up in Pa. really spooked me.

So Quickbiker, just how did your CC do stock? I read about the Walking Stick trail last March and am wondering if I can get by with just tires, skid plates and disconnect the front sway bar.

It did very well stock. But I wasn't able to complete that particular trail when I was stock. The walking stick trail is very, very tricky. It's very off-camber and loose dirt and rocks. It is a hairy trail. Guess that is why I like it so much, lol. I know some people say they have done it stock with a TJ, but with allot of bottom scrapping. Good tires is a must for that trail. Airing down helps allot. I think a setup like Hobbies' would do that trail fine. If you don't mind doing some bottom scraping. Even with my lift I heard the frame scrape on the returning over the big hill.

Like other's have said. If you don't want to do cutting, it looks like the body lift and good tires do very well. And you wouldn't have to do all the other things I have done, like tbar relocator and such. And the swaybar could also be swung forward if it's stock.

You oughta come out on one of our stocker friendly runs! Also, check out the S-10bash: s-10 bash[/url]

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Mon Mar 03, 2003 6:12 pm

I really want to go on one of the trail runs, especially if I can talk the wife into going. She always thinks she wouldn't be interested until she actually tries something and then she usually discovers that she likes it. Old VW's and the Manassas "Bug-Outs" are a good example. I really do need to get tires on my truck first. The stock GoodYear "Wrangler" highway tread tires are bad enough off road but mine are worn down to just a 32nd or so from the wear bands. Ha! And people wonder why I had so much trouble getting out of my driveway in the last snow storm!

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Tue Mar 04, 2003 7:53 pm

Yea, I look for any excuse to get outside and in the mountains. The wifey really enjoys it, and so does the dog. She even drove one time, she enjoyed it too much, LOL

Guests are welcome on our rides anytime, same at the meetings.

Warnoffroad · Post by **Warnoffroad** » Wed Mar 05, 2003 12:04 pm

GaryH wrote:I really want to go on one of the trail runs, especially if I can talk the wife into going. She always thinks she wouldn't be interested until she actually tries something and then she usually discovers that she likes it. Old VW's and the Manassas "Bug-Outs" are a good example. I really do need to get tires on my truck first. The stock GoodYear "Wrangler" highway tread tires are bad enough off road but mine are worn down to just a 32nd or so from the wear bands. Ha! And people wonder why I had so much trouble getting out of my driveway in the last snow storm!

Get some swampers

kf6kmx · Post by **kf6kmx** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 5:50 am

Steven wrote:In Pa, there is a law that states, If's its not factory, its not legal. They don't enforce it much, but If you piss off an officer, they can use it.

They have the same thing on the books here in CA... Its a 'catch all' to get around the 'reasonable cause' to stop a vehicle, in my opinion.. When I worked at a school dist. as a computer support tech, the campus cop and I used to discuss it alot (he's a hot rodder too)..
Basically the way they have it written, by the 'letter of the law', ANYTHING not from the FACTORY or dealer installed "FACTORY option' is not legal.. He said they dont(cant really) enfore it 100%, BUT it is used to pull over anyone they want to 'check' (read: harass) if they dont have annything else specific to start with..

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 6:57 am

Damn Yankees.

I drive past both Superlift and Skyjacker's factories on my to work - big lifted trucks are a way of life around here.

You won't find too may cops pulling someone like that over without a reason in these parts.

barch97 · Post by **barch97** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 7:55 am

kf6kmx wrote:
Steven wrote:In Pa, there is a law that states, If's its not factory, its not legal. They don't enforce it much, but If you piss off an officer, they can use it.
They have the same thing on the books here in CA... Its a 'catch all' to get around the 'reasonable cause' to stop a vehicle, in my opinion.. When I worked at a school dist. as a computer support tech, the campus cop and I used to discuss it alot (he's a hot rodder too)..
Basically the way they have it written, by the 'letter of the law', ANYTHING not from the FACTORY or dealer installed "FACTORY option' is not legal.. He said they dont(cant really) enfore it 100%, BUT it is used to pull over anyone they want to 'check' (read: harass) if they dont have annything else specific to start with..

So, license plates are illegal?

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 7:58 am

an apparently in that state, once a set of tires wears out, you have to move to a state that allows you to replace those tires legally

barch97 · Post by **barch97** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:17 am

and once that first tank of gas runs out...

malkavian · Post by **malkavian** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:32 am

lift laws for all states

adrenalnjunky · Post by **adrenalnjunky** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:44 am

Gotta love the Louisiana law -- Truck must be no higher than 13.5 feet tall, maximum light height of 54 inches.

kf6kmx · Post by **kf6kmx** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 10:01 am

barch97 wrote:So, license plates are illegal?

The opposite.. they require front and rear, even on vehicles that do not have ways to mount front (vette's etc) they make the owners (to be legal) drill holes in the car and mount one..

kf6kmx · Post by **kf6kmx** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 10:11 am

adrenalnjunky wrote:an apparently in that state, once a set of tires wears out, you have to move to a state that allows you to replace those tires legally

Almost.. they way they have it written (you have to dig around in the big book of 'vehicle code' to find it.. its not even on the web site I dont think.. becuase pretty much everyone including the cops knows its bunk)..
The way its written, to be strickly 'legal' under that provision, if you have 205 75r15, you best use 205 75r15 (whatever is on the door sticker from the factory) to replace it..

its beyond stupid
if it wasnt for the fact that at some point some "we're the govt, we know better than you do" type actually got that into the wording.. it would be laughable..
Its the same as the laws that are still on the books that say you cant cross the street on Sunday.. no one inforces them, BUT they are still there either becuase no one bothered to get the bad laws out, or they are kept back as an 'in case'..
I have a police scanner running at my house to monitor the CDF fire (I'm a communications volunteer for the Tulare Ranger Unit) and it also has our local city PD in it.. One night a few weeks ago they had a call right down the street from me.. There was a suspected reckless driver, they thought they found the (lowered fullsize chevy) in the driveway.. When they went to the house they were told the owner was "in the shower and wouldnt come out".. They had no reporting party so they couldnt charge with the driving violation (no witness to sign paper), so over the radio the duty Sgt told the officer, "if you're pretty sure thats him ,look through the vehicle code until you find something on that truck that you can tow it for..." Hows that for ridiculous.. They are 'pretty sure' , but not sure, and they flat told the other officer to go through his V.C. book in the trunk until he found something obscure to tow the truck for..
I guess he gave up on finding something, the truck was there the next morning..

camelott112 · Post by **camelott112** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 5:57 pm

well at dinner tonight i was talking to my dad who happens to be the head man at penndot for those of you who dont know that is pennsylvania department of transportantion and i was asking him about certian things and i asked about the parks for riding and he said that most laws are very unclear and bendable keep your cool and always play stupid