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03-25-2004, 01:41 PM
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#1 |
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Geared for Collision
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 683
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Lift Laws by State
Im always seeing questions about legal heights for each state. maybe someone could make this sticky.
ALABAMA There aren't codes dealing specifically with the suspension components; rather, you'll have to base your mods on the reflectors. They can't be more than 60 inches above the ground. and 13.5' max. height of vehicle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ALASKA 26" max Bumper Height and OEM bumpers Required. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ARIZONA It's all about mudflaps. The rear fender's spashguards can't be more than 8 inches from the ground and must be wide enough, of course, to actually cover the full tread of the tires. However, 3/4-ton or lighter pickups are exempt, unless you've increased the OE bumper height. So, in other words, lift it, and you're stuck following the mudflap rules. Leave your pickup stock, and you can skip the flaps. Also keep in mind that empty or loaded, your truck can't be taller than 13 feet 6 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ARKANSAS There's no law governing suspension upgrades, but there is a statute that restricts the height of headlights. They can't be lower than 24 inches or higher than 54 inches from the ground. However, overall height restriction is 13 feet 6 inches without permit, thereby limiting all those dreams you just had. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CALIFORNIA What you can do is dependent on the GVWR. If your truck's is 4,500 pounds, the maximum frame height is 27 inches. If the GVWR is 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 30 inches, and for 7,501- to 10,000 pounders, it's 31 inches. Also keep in mind that the lowest portion of the body floor can't be more than 5 inches above the top of the frame. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COLORADO Lights not more 54" From ground nor less than 24". Tail lights not more than 72" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONNECTICUT Modifying the factory bumper height is OK, as long as you keep it at 30 inches from the ground, or lift the vehicle no more than 4 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DELAWARE Don't let more than 30 inches get between the ground and the bottom of the bumper and 27" between Frame and ground. no more than 3" body Lift. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA The headlamps on every motor vehicle (and that means your motorcycle too if you've got on) must stay below 54 inches, and each taillamp must not be higher than 72 inches. The low for the front is 24, and for the rear 15 - but we would hope you'd be altering your truck in the other direction. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FLORIDA Goes by GVWR 3000-5000 GVWR=24" front, 26" rear 4501-7500 GVWR=27 front, 30 rear Headlights no more than 54" from ground. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GEORGIA Bumper no more than 22" from the gound and frame to ground distance no more than 27" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HAWAII Hawaii also determines what's OK based on the GVWR. If your truck is 4,500 pounds or less, the from and rear bumpers' maximum height is 29 inches. If you're looking at 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 33 inches for both. And 7,501 to 10,000 pounds? Don't make them higher than 35 inches at either end. Also be aware that the allowable distance between the body and the framerail tops off at 3 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IDAHO Lift laws here depend on GVWR - 4,500 pounds or less, the front bumper cab be up to 24 inches and the rear 26 inches. For 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 27 inches in front and 29 out back, and for 7,501 to 10,000 pounds, it's 28 and 30 inches. Interestingly enough, 4x4's and dual-wheel trucks with 10,000-pound or lighter GVWR can have 30-inch-tall bumpers up front and 31 in back. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ILLINOIS You can't lift the body from the chassis more than 3 inches. In terms of bumper height, a 4,500 pound GVWR or less and your front bumper can't go higher than 24 inches, and the rear must be no more than 26 inches. GVWRs between 4,501 and 7,500 mean 27 inches at the front and 29 at the rear. Finally. if your truck is between 7,501 and 9,000, the allowable altering is 28 and 30 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INDIANA Simply put, that bumper needs to stay within 30 inches or less. Keep those headlights at 54 inches while your at it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IOWA Bumpers no more than 5" higher than original. The height cannot exceed 13 feet 6 inches, and the width can't go beyond 8 feet. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KANSAS There aren't laws specifically about the suspension, but rather about headlight, taillamp, and reflectors. Headlights should be no higher than 54 inches (no lower than 24 inches), and the taillamps can't reach higher than than 72 inches (or below 15). Reflectors must be present front and rear (out back they can be incorporated into the light or stand alone) and can't be higher than 60 inches or lower than 15. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KENTUCKY Currently, there are no restrictions on terms of bumper height. The Kentucky General Assembly has addressed the issue before but, lo and behold, no one could agree on anything. Just keep it at what most mortals would call safe. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOUISIANA It's a headlight state. No matter what kind of motor vehicle you drive, the lights can't be higher than 54 inches. Alter the suspension however you deem fit, as long as the lights are up to code. FYI, foglights can't be higher than 30 inches from the ground. More info. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MAINE Headlights: Don't even think about going higher than 54 inches. However, keep in mind that the original suspension cannot be "disconnected," but don't let that stop you from bolting on heavy-duty shocks and overload springs. Other need-to-knows: Don't remove or disconnect the ABS, and the tires can only be two sizes larger than the manufacturer's recommendation. Spring-shackle extensioins and rear blocks are also a no-no. frame to ground as follows: 4500 GVWR=24" front, 26" rear 4501-7500 GVWR=27" front, 29" rear -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARYLAND No trucks or multipurpose vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less can be taller than 28 inches to Bumper. A truck beyond 10,000 pounds - but not more that 18,000 pounds - can go beyond 30 inches (you Excursions owners just made it into that first grouping under the wire). Lift more than those 30, and you'll be ticketed and/or given a Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO) to fix the violation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MASSACHUSETTS Get your calculator: The maximum allowable mechanical lift (as well as what's acceptable in terms of bigger rubber) can be determined by this formula: Maximum Lift = Wheelbase x Wheel Track divided by 2200 For example, if you did the formula and came up with 2 inches, then a 2 inch lift and a 2 inch increase in tire size is allowable, equaling a total lift of 4 inches over stock. More info. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MICHIGAN Lift blocks between the front axle and springs, or lift blocks that exceed 4 inches in height between the rear axle and springs, are not allowed. Shackle replacements cannot exceed OE length by more than 2 inches, and ixnay on the coil spring spacers. In terms of acceptable height, less than 4,501 GVWR, and your frame height cannot exceed 24 inches, and the bumper height can't go beyond 26 inches. For GVWR's between 4,501 and 7,500, those numbers are 24 and 28 inches. For 7,501 and 10,000-pound vehicles, keep the height at 26 and 30 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MINNESOTA The maximum legal height for bumpers is 25 inches from the bottom of the bumper to the ground. If you attach something to the bumper to make it conform to the legal height, it must be just as strong as the factory bumper or meet SAE standards. Simply bolting on pieces of wood or metal isn't gonna cut it folks. If you slap on a lift kit, you might actually be required to register your truck as a "reconstructed" vehicle, and that would mean you'll have to pay additional road-use tax and need an inspection where a new VIN would be applied. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISSISSIPPI No vehicle can be modified in any way that will put it over the state's 8-inch total-lift limit, and the maximum suspension lift front and rear is 6 inches (so make sure your big tires won't be over the limit if you raise the suspension that much). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISSOURI Here's another state that use GVWR as the bumper-height guideline. For vehicles 4,500 pouinds and under, the front bumper can't be taller than 24 inches and the rear must see no more than 26 inches. For 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 27 inches in front and 29 rear, and for 7,501 to 9,000 pounds, it's 28 and 30 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MONTANA No laws here, but your truck will need the lighting requirement, which is that the headlights are no higher than 72 inches or lower than 15 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEBRASKA There aren't any specific laws concerning lift kits, but mudflaps get all the attention. They must block the entire width of the tires. More info. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEVADA We'll cut to the chase. The bumper height, be it front or rear, cannot go beyond 24 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW HAMPSHIRE No vehicle's height (and we're talking loaded too), may be taller than 13 feet 6 inches. Don't change the height or alter the bumper in any way that would make it farther than 20 inches from the ground. More info. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW JERSEY You can raise the suspension only 4 inches above stock height. Go any higher and your truck becomes classified as a "High Rise" and it must undergo a stability test at a state facility. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW MEXICO The restrictions this state has are that headlamps can't be higher than 54 inches, and taillamps can't be higher than 72 inches. However, it's no-holds-barred on the type of lift used. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW YORK All '90 and newer commercial vehicles and trucks can't go crazy and get that bumper above 24 inches from the ground. Also keep in mind tht headlights must not be more than 54 inches above the cement, and taillights can't be higher than 72 inches. Turn-signal lights can't exceed 83 inches. More info. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTH CAROLINA Don't even think about going higher than 6 inches from the factory height - unless, of course, you get a written OK from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. You don't need a permission slip if yours is a multipurpose ride atop a truck chassis that sees some dirt. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTH DAKOTA A height of 14 feet, loaded or unloaded, is the limit. Keep in mind that if your tires poke out from the body, you're best advised to stick on fender flares to keep the police at bay. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OHIO This state keeps an eye on the GVWR for bumper height. For 4,500 pounds and under, 24 inches is the max at front, 26 at the rear, and 4,501 to 7,500 is 27 to 29. For 7,501 to 10,000, it's 28 and 31 inches. If the body or truck-bed height is altered, the difference in height between the body floor and/or the bed floor to the top of the framerail can be no more than 4 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OKLAHOMA Before you pick out that lift kit, keep in mind that headlights can be no more than 54 inches from the ground, and the taillights can't exceed 72 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OREGON Oregon doesn't have a maximum bumper-height law, but headlights can be only 54 inches from the center of the headlight to the asphalt. Also, maximum height of a vehicle, with anything on top or loaded is 14 feet. More info. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PENNSYLVANIA Be aware that increasing the wheel track by using spacers or similar doodads thicker than 1/4 inch is a very bad move. On medium and heavy duty trucks, the rear bumper must be within 30 inches of the ground when the truck is unloaded. More info. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHODE ISLAND For all vehicles with a 10,000-pound GVWR or less, you can raise the chassis or body no more than 4 inches from the OE height. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTH CAROLINA You can't modify either up or down by more than 6 inches from the original height. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTH DAKOTA There aren't regulations for suspensions, per se, but the taillights can be no higher than 72 inches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TENNESSEE There can be no more than 4 inches between the body floor and the top of the frame. The distance between the bumper and the ground is 24 inches for GVWRs of 4,500 and less; 26 inches for 4,501 tto 7,500; and 28 inches for 7,501 to 10,000. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEXAS Laws concern lighting but not bumper height or even lift blocks. The headlamps must be mounted between 24 and 54 inches from the ground, the taillamps between 15 and 72, and foglamps between 12 and 30. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UTAH After being told it's a "mathmatical nightmare" to figure out by one local trooper, we got the scoop from another trooper: If your vehicle's wheelbase is 100 inches or less, the most you can lift can be determined by: Maximum Lift = Wheelbase x Wheel Track divided by 2200 For 4x4 wheelbases beyond 100 inches, you can lift a total of 8 inches, but you'll have to remember your new tires do that equation (so if you lift 4 inches, you can go up in tire size that much too). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VERMONT For trucks and multipurpose vehicles, the allowable bumper-height increase for front bumpers and rear bumpers depends on the GVWR. For 4,500 pounds and under, it's 24 inches front and 26 inches rear. For 4,501 to 7,500, it's 27 and 29, and for 7,501 to 10,000, it's 28 and 31. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VIRGINIA Don't even think about driving on these highways if there is more than 28 inches between the bumpers and the road if your truck falls in the 4,500-pound GVWR rating. For 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, the front bumper must stay lower than 29 inches and the rear 30 inches; for 7,501 amd 15,000 pounds, it's 30 at the front and 31 at the rear. More info. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WASHINGTON Here's Yet another state that use GVWR as the bumper-height guideline. 4500 GVWR=24" front 26" rear 4501-7500 GVWR=27" front 29" rear 7501-10000=28" front 30" rear -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WEST VIRGINIA The most space you can have between the body and frame are 3 inches, while the acceptable gap between the bumpers and the ground is 31 inches for a 10,000-pound or less GVWR or less. More weight than that, you're free and clear. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WISCONSIN Wisconsin law says that vehicles with an 8,000 pound GVWR can be pushed 5 inches above the OE height, and the tires can be increased by up to 4 inches in radius over the factory size, equaling an acceptable 9-inch lift. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WYOMING There are no official statutory gidelines for bumper height, frame height, rear blocks, or shakle lifts - all laws refering to these alterations say the vehicle must simply be in "safe" working condition. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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MEMBER OF THE 4 WHEEL DISK BRAKE CLUB 1970 C/K20 3/4 Ton 1996 Collectors Edition Corvette 1977 Corvette Coupe Last edited by Budweis; 03-25-2004 at 07:15 PM. |
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03-25-2004, 02:50 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: spokane wa
Posts: 2,189
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How long agao where these written..
Because I don't think Washington State troopers follow it.. With 8 1/2 " of lift and 36's I have been measured 4 times by state police. and as always if I was an inch taller they would fine me big or tow my blazer.. I'll have to check on this.. Thanks
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03-25-2004, 06:51 PM
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#3 |
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Geared for Collision
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 683
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yeah it seems your right, i tried to track this info down but it seems every site that has it posted has conflicted info, i edited and corrected some of the info. any other mistakes just let me know.
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MEMBER OF THE 4 WHEEL DISK BRAKE CLUB 1970 C/K20 3/4 Ton 1996 Collectors Edition Corvette 1977 Corvette Coupe Last edited by Budweis; 03-25-2004 at 07:17 PM. |
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03-25-2004, 10:31 PM
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#4 |
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I need another Barley Pop
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Grants Pass, OR
Posts: 1,629
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I'm also curious about the source of this info. When I lifted my truck a little over 2 years ago (8" lift) I checked into Oregon state laws and there was no law regarding headlight height. At the time, the only only law was in regard to mudflaps covering the tires. They had to be no higher than 20" from the ground and fully cover the tire tread (not the actuall sidewall). No law regarding headlight height or bumper height last time I checked (about 6 months ago).
It's good reading though........
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67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness" 
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03-25-2004, 10:56 PM
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#5 |
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Land Beast
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 134
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I don't really think they enforce those laws....
justin
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90' GMC 1 Ton Suburban |
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03-25-2004, 11:22 PM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: glendale/tucson
Posts: 199
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it kinda looks like almost the same laws hear
http://www.customtruckshowcase.com/laws/StateLaws.html |
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03-25-2004, 11:22 PM
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#7 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: spokane wa
Posts: 2,189
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Quote:
Come to Washington or New Hampshire.. State police in both have a big thing for lifted rigs..especially don't fling any mud off on the streets or highways.. Your life begins to suck when you have to get your truck out of the tow yard and you know they will be looking for you to drive it so they can take it again.... Biggest reasoning ever told to me was they are to unstable or no visability to see small cars.. you know what then, they should pull over every tractor trailer or uhaul truck.. 'cause I can't see a dam thing in those for small cars
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03-25-2004, 11:34 PM
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#8 | |
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Land Beast
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 134
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Quote:
well that sucks...... justin
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90' GMC 1 Ton Suburban |
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03-26-2004, 12:05 AM
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#9 |
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Geared for Collision
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 683
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had like 6 sites that went through and tried to grab most recent info from to compile. that site you posted wasnt one but one of sites i got from copied or he copied that page looks like. i also checked the government pages on states that had it posted but most states dont have a government page with the lift info.im still going through the ones down from missouri as i decided to go through after first post from drink2 to double check but all the ones from missouri up should be accurate.
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MEMBER OF THE 4 WHEEL DISK BRAKE CLUB 1970 C/K20 3/4 Ton 1996 Collectors Edition Corvette 1977 Corvette Coupe |
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03-26-2004, 12:30 AM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: spokane wa
Posts: 2,189
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Your a good man Budweis
 Thanks for doing this..It will help a lot of future 4x4'ers and some that are already 4x4'ers .. Maybe once your done you could ask Josh to Sticky this..
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03-26-2004, 01:01 AM
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#11 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: glendale/tucson
Posts: 199
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the arizona one is right on. damn mudflaps!
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03-26-2004, 01:45 AM
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#12 |
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Geared for Collision
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 683
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thanks drink2mny ,
im leaving in the morning for weekend trip to get some truck parts out of town but ill prob finish list on monday and if dont get sticky ill put a link on my sig to dowload .pdf version or something.
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MEMBER OF THE 4 WHEEL DISK BRAKE CLUB 1970 C/K20 3/4 Ton 1996 Collectors Edition Corvette 1977 Corvette Coupe |
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03-26-2004, 04:17 AM
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#13 |
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Big Block Blazer
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Ellsworth, ME.
Posts: 509
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Maine is real good about it, we got guy's running mad lifted rig's and noone gives anyone ****.
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[1985 Chevrolet K5 Blazer][454BBC][TH400][NP241][Dana 44][GM 12 Bolt w/ Eaton LSD][Hedman HTC Hedders][Dual 2.5" Stainless Steel Exhaust][Hedman Turbo Muffler's][Dual Spal's 14" Electric Fan's][32x11.50R15 BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KO's on 15x8 Rallys] |
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03-28-2004, 11:02 AM
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#14 |
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Member Dude
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: reno,nv,usa
Posts: 191
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im over 24" easy and there are alot bigger than mine out here.
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03-28-2004, 04:18 PM
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Try spinnin 4 rear tars
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 757
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Quote:
 I had 2 different lifted vehicles (Jeep and truck) never had a prob, and many friends with lifts and they didn't have problems either. Maybe it was just my location. I bet if I had ever drove on of mine down to PHX I would have had a talk with the popo!
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SWEET7T 1970 C10, 2wd, LB, 307/TH350/3.08. PS, PB |
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04-02-2004, 06:26 AM
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#16 |
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Geared for Collision
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 683
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ill put a link to the lift laws off my sig when get it done, its on hold for bit as my dad got sick and in bad shape in hospital so been quite hectic.
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