Lifted Vehicle Laws

[SinCityKnights]

This was sent to me today. I know it's not a land issue.
Post subject: Final Approved Legislation for Lifted Vehicles

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FYI...a must read.

Purposed act, or recommendation by the AAMVA Task Force - their final approved document. We just want to make you aware of it.

This was done for both the United States and Canada.

More info Here
http://www.aamva.org/aamva/DocumentDisplay.aspx?id={8D54C034-0CBC-4874-9933-F64039B9C6EA}
May 17, 2007

Model Legislation for Excessively Raised Vehicles

Section 1. Short Title. This Act may be cited as the Excessively Raised Motor Vehicle
Safety Act.

Section 2. Statement of Intent and Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the
operation on any public highway of a motor vehicle that has been altered to excessively
increase the original height of its frame or bumper, or that has been equipped with
oversized replacement tires to a degree that creates safety hazards to the occupants of
such vehicle and to other motor vehicles using the public highway. The Act further
directs the [title of chief motor vehicle official] not to issue or renew a motor vehicle
registration that authorizes the highway operation of an unsafe, excessively raised
vehicle, as defined in the Act.

Section 3. Statement of Findings. [This Section to be completed by jurisdictions that
require legislation to include a factual statement of findings, concerning the basis and
the need for the creation of new legal rights, remedies or obligations contained in the
Act]/

Section 4. Definitions. As used in this Act, the following words and phrases have the
following meanings:

(a) “Bumper” means the horizontal assembly made of aluminum, metal, rubber or
plastic that is fastened to the front and rear of a vehicle and extends as a shield away
from and across the full width of the vehicle body;

(b) “Bumper height” means the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest
point at the bottom of an original bumper manufactured entirely of metal measured
when the vehicle is unladen on a flat surface with the tires at the proper tire inflation
pressure. If the bumper is absent, or if a section of the bumper is composed of rubber
or plastic material, or if the original bumper has been modified, or if the vehicle has
been equipped with an aftermarket bumper then the bumper height shall be measured
with the vehicle on a level surface from the ground to the bottom of the frame at the
most forward or rearward points of the frame rail;

(c) “Excessively raised vehicle” means a raised motor vehicle, as defined in sub-
Section (m) of this Section, to which modifications have been made that could
degrade braking performance, compromise fuel system integrity, create a mismatch in
the geometric alignment of energy-absorbing structures between excessively raised
vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles and passenger vehicles, increase roll-over
propensity, and change handling characteristics by altering the designed integration of
the original tires, and the steering, braking and suspension systems, to an extent
determined by reference to the standards contained in Section 8 of this Act, and as
may be further specified in regulations adopted pursuant to the authority granted by
Section 7 of this Act.

(d) “Frame” means the main longitudinal structural members of the chassis of the
vehicle or, for vehicles with unitized body construction, the lowest main longitudinal
structural members of the body of the vehicle;




(e) “Frame height” means the vertical distance between the ground and the bottom of
the frame at the most forward or rearward points of the longitudinal frame rail with the
vehicle unladen on a level surface with the tires at the proper inflation pressure. The
measurement on vehicles with unitized body/frame construction shall be taken at the
lowest point of the front jacking location as manufactured;

(f) “Gross vehicle weight rating” means the value specified by the manufacturer as the
maximum loaded weight of the motor vehicle as it appears on the manufacturer’s
certificate of origin and/or on the federal motor vehicle safety certification label;

(g) “Loaded static tire diameter” means the maximum overall diameter when
measured horizontally at the wheel hub and adjacent to the outboard sidewall of a
tire/wheel assembly with the vehicle unladen on a level surface and the tires at the
proper tire inflation pressure;

(h) “Multipurpose passenger vehicle” means a motor vehicle with motive power,
except a trailer, designed to carry 10 or fewer persons which is constructed either on
a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road operation;

(i) “Oversize replacement tire/wheel assembly” means tires or wheels that differ in
overall diameter, width and height of original tires and wheels or optional tires or
wheels recommended by the original equipment manufacturer;

(j) “Passenger car” means a motor vehicle with motive power, except a multipurpose
passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or trailer designed for carrying 10 or fewer persons;

(k) “Primary frontal energy-absorbing structure height” means the distance between
the ground and bottom of the frame;

(l) “Public highway” means any state or other highway, limited access highway, road,
street, avenue, alley, driveway, parkway or place, under the control of the state or
province or any political subdivision of the state or province, dedicated, appropriated
or open to public travel or other use.1

(m) “Raised motor vehicle” means a multipurpose passenger vehicle, passenger car,
truck as these types of motor vehicles are defined in this Section,2 with a gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) of less than 11, 500 pounds (5,216 kg) in which the original
equipment has been modified, augmented or replaced by the installation of
aftermarket parts or materials, including lift kits and oversize replacement tires, that
increase its ride height, including the original height of its bumpers, frame, loaded
static tire diameter and lighting equipment;

(n) “Ride Height” means the measured distance between the ground and a fixed
reference point on the vehicle;

(o) “Truck” means a motor vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed
primarily for the transportation of property or special purpose equipment.


1 A jurisdiction may wish to reference its existing definition of highway or public highway as contained in its motor vehicle code.
2 These definitions are identical to those found in Title 49, Section 571.3 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, which apply to the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

Section 5. Operation prohibited. No person shall operate an excessively raised vehicle
on any public highway of this state.

Section 6. Registration not permitted. The [title of chief motor vehicle official] shall not
issue or renew a registration that authorizes the operation of a motor vehicle on a public
highway if such motor vehicle is known to be an excessively raised vehicle.

Section 7. Inspection standards. The [title of chief motor vehicle official] is authorized to
adopt regulations to implement any of the provisions of this Act, including regulations
that contain inspections standards, guidelines and criteria, to determine if, during the
course of performing any administrative safety inspection, authorized by [reference to
statute that establishes inspection program] or any inspection performed by a law
enforcement officer, as authorized by [reference to statute that authorizes roadside or
other inspections by law enforcement personnel] the motor vehicle is an excessively
raised vehicle, or otherwise fails to comply with any provision of [reference to statutory
sections or part of State’s motor vehicle code that contains standards for required
equipment and condition for highway use and operation].

Section 8. Excessively Raised Vehicles, Description and Measurements. A motor
vehicle is deemed to be an excessively raised vehicle for the purpose of this Act if it
meets the definition contained in Section 4 of this Act, and is observed to have any of
the characteristics, or to exceed any of the tolerances or dimensions described in
regulations adopted pursuant to the authority granted in Section 7 of this Act. The
regulations address the vehicle characteristics of body lift, brake system, bumpers,
bumper height, frame height, fuel system, lighting equipment, tire/wheel assembly,
steering system, and suspension system.

(a) With respect to body lift;

(b) With respect to the brake system;

(c) With respect to bumpers;

(d) With respect to bumper height;

(e) With respect to frame height;

(f) With respect to the fuel system;

(g) With respect to lighting equipment;

(h) With respect to tire/wheel assembly;

(i) With respect to the steering system;

(j) With respect to the suspension system.





3 A model regulation is attached to the model law, which contains the standards for these vehicle characteristics.

Section 9. Penalties for Violation. Any person who operates an excessively raised
vehicle on a public highway in violation of this act notwithstanding that the vehicle is
currently registered by [type in jurisdiction] shall be guilty of [category of offense] and
shall be fined in an amount not to exceed $___. Any person who commits a second or
subsequent violation of this act shall be guilty of [category of offense] and shall be fined
not more than $___, or imprisoned not more than ___ days, or both. In any case where
the [name of motor vehicle agency] receives a report of a conviction under this Section,
the [name of chief motor vehicle official] may require that the motor vehicle involved be
presented for an official inspection. If the motor vehicle is not presented within the time
required, or if it fails inspection, the registration shall be suspended, and no new
registration shall be issued until such time as the owner demonstrates that the motor
vehicle is in compliance with the standards of this Act.

Section 10. Warning of Violation. In any case in which a law enforcement officer has
reason to believe that a motor vehicle operated on a public highway is an excessively
raised vehicle, in apparent violation of Section 9 of this Act, but circumstances do not
permit an inspection to be performed with sufficient detail or accuracy to make a
determination of compliance or noncompliance with the standards adopted pursuant to
Section 7 and 8 of this Act, such law enforcement officer may issue a written warning to
the operator of such motor vehicle. The warning shall be in such form and contain such
information as shall be prescribed by the [name of chief motor vehicle official],
and shall contain a notice to the operator that the motor vehicle is required to be
presented for an official inspection by the [name of motor vehicle agency]. If such motor
vehicle is not presented for inspection within the time required by the notice, or if such
motor vehicle fails such inspection, the registration shall be suspended, and no new
registration shall be issued until such time as the owner demonstrates that the motor
vehicle is in compliance with the standards of this Act.

Section 11. Right to Bring Civil Action. Any person who claims to have suffered bodily
injury or to have sustained property damage in an amount in excess of $___ as a result
of any collision on any public highway with an excessively raised vehicle may bring a
civil action in the [name of trial court of primary jurisdiction] for the [name of county or
other geographical area] where such person resides against the operator or the owner,
or both, of such excessively raised vehicle to recover actual damages, statutory
damages of not more than $___, court costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees. If the
owner is not the operator of the excessively raised vehicle, the liability imposed by the
provisions of this Section shall be joint and several. It shall not be an affirmative defense
to any action brought under this Section that the collision was caused by the negligence
of the plaintiff, but such negligence, if determined to exist by the trier-of-fact, shall be
considered to reduce the amount of actual damages, court costs and attorney’s fees that
the plaintiff is entitled to recover.”

Section 12. Effective Date.



May 17, 2007

Regulation Concerning Excessively Raised Motor Vehicles

The following is adopted as an official regulation of [name of agency or department] by
[title of chief motor vehicle official].

Section 1. Characteristics and Maximum Tolerances and Dimensions for Raised Motor
Vehicles.

(a) With respect to body lift,

ß (i) a body that has been elevated more than 3 inches (76mm) above the frame,
ß or (ii) a body with unitized body construction that has been elevated above the
frame, regardless of the amount of elevation;
ß or (iii) a body that has been elevated by the use of multiple spacers, regardless
of the amount of elevation;
ß or (iv) aftermarket materials and fasteners that are not equivalent or greater in
quality than original equipment (i.e. diameter, strength, grade of bolt);
ß or (v) alterations that interfere or displace the safety features of the energy-
absorbing steering column; affect the operation of the transmission, clutch, or
accelerator controls; or mitigate the effectiveness of occupant restraint systems.

(b) With respect to the brake system,

ß (i) brake lines do not display a DOT marking symbol (49 C.F.R. 571.106) or
which are not contained in the Handbook of Automotive Safety Devices
published by the Automotive Manufacturers Equipment Compliance Agency;
ß or (ii) brake lines do not accommodate the full extension of the suspension
without binding or being stretched;
ß or (iii) brake lines and hoses that are not protected from excessive heat and
vibration, chafing and undue wear, stress or unintentional disconnection during
operation of the vehicle;
ß or (iv) loss of brake fluid;
ß or (v) minimum stopping distance requirement cannot be achieved in jurisdictions
that conduct dynamic braking tests with the aid of a portable decelerometer or
performance-based brake testing equipment.

(c) With respect to the bumper,
ß (i) absence of the front or rear bumper with the exception of when a recognized
vehicle manufacturer did not supply and install a rear bumper as original
equipment;
ß or (ii) bumpers that are not oriented or fastened in the original mounted position;
ß or (iii) aftermarket bumpers that do not provide equivalent or superior protection
as the original bumper;
ß or (iv) bumpers with sharp or unwarranted protruding edges,








(d) With respect to bumper height, 4
ß (i) if the original bumper is not composed entirely of steel and the vehicle frame
exceeds the frame heights denoted in Section (1)(e)(i) of this regulation.
ß or (ii) when the FRONT bumper height of vehicles manufactured through
September 30, 2009 is greater than 22 inches (559 mm) for passenger cars; 24
inches (610 mm) for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating 4,500 pounds
(2,041 kg) or less; 27 inches (686 mm) for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight
rating between 4,501 pounds (2,042 kg) and 7,500 pounds (3,402 kg); 28 inches
(711 mm) for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating between 7,501 pounds
(3,403 kg) and 11,500 pounds (5,216 kg);
ß or (iii) when the REAR bumper height of vehicles is greater than 22 inches (559
mm) for passenger cars; 26 inches (660 mm) for vehicles with a gross vehicle
weight rating less than 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg); 29 inches (737 mm) for vehicles
with a gross vehicle weight rating between 4,501 pounds (2,042 kg) and 7,500
pounds (3,402 kg); 30 inches (762 mm) for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight
rating between 7,501 pounds (3,403 kg) and 11,500 pounds (5,216 kg);,
ß or (iv) when the height of the primary frontal energy-absorbing structure of
vehicles manufactured after October 1, 2009 exceeds 18 inches (457 mm) from
the ground or the lower edge of a secondary energy-absorbing structure is
greater than 16 inches (406 mm) from the ground.

(e) With respect to frame height,5

• (i) shall not exceed:
• 22 inches (559 mm) for passenger cars;
• or (ii) 24 inches (610 mm) for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of
less than 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg);
• or (ii) 26 inches (660 mm) for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating
between 4,501 pounds (2,042 kg) and 7,500 pounds (3,402 kg);
• or (iii) 28 inches (711 mm) for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating
between 7,501 pounds (3,403 kg) and less than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg);
• or (iv) 29 inches (737 mm) for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating
between 10,001 pounds (4,537 kg) and less than 11,500 pounds (5,216
kg).
• or (ii) if a raised vehicle manufactured after October 1, 2009 does not comply
with Option 1 or Option 2 of the Vehicle Compatibility Commitment for enhancing
the geometric alignment of front energy-absorbing structures of light trucks with
passenger cars.6


4 “Bumper height” means the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest point at the bottom of an original bumper manufactured entirely
of steel measured when the vehicle is unladen on a flat surface with the tires at the proper tire inflation pressure. If the bumper is absent, or if a
section of the bumper is composed of rubber or plastic material, or if the original bumper has been modified, or if the vehicle has been equipped
with an aftermarket bumper then the bumper height shall be measured with the vehicle on a level surface from the ground to the bottom of the
frame at the most forward or rearward points of the frame rail.

5 “Frame height” means the vertical distance between the ground and the bottom of the frame at the most forward or rearward points of
the longitudinal frame rail with the vehicle unladen on a level surface with the tires at the proper inflation pressure. The measurement
on vehicles with unitized body/frame construction shall be taken at the lowest point of the front jacking location as manufactured.
6 OPTION 1: The light truck’s primary frontal energy-absorbing structure (frame rails) shall overlap at least 50 percent of the 49 C.F.R. Part 581
zone AND at least 50 percent of the light truck’s primary frontal energy-absorbing structure shall overlap the 49 C.F.R. Part 581 zone if the
primary frontal energy-absorbing structure of the light truck is greater than 8 inches tall, engagement with the entire 49 C.F.R. Part 581 zone is
required, OR OPTION 2: there must be a secondary energy-absorbing structure, connected to the primary structure, whose lower edge shall be
no higher than the bottom of the 49 C.F.R. Part 581 zone.

(f) With respect to the fuel system,

ß (i) loss of flammable liquid;
ß or (ii) fuel filler hose is loose, damaged or excessively extended or retracted;
ß or (iii) fuel tank from aftermarket modifications or a change in original location
makes it more exposed and susceptible to being punctured in a crash;
ß or (iv) the fuel tank/s is loose or not equipped with fasteners, mounts or straps
that are equivalent or greater in strength as original equipment (i.e. diameter,
strength or grade of material).

(g) With respect to lighting equipment,

ß (i) maximum height of headlamps exceeds 54 inches (1,370 mm) when
measured from the ground to the center of the lamp;
ß or (ii) alignment of headlamps do not conform to the specifications of the
Registrar;
ß or (iii) maximum height of tail lamps is more than 72 inches (1,830 mm) when
measured from the ground to the center of the lamp.

(h) With respect to tire/wheel assembly,

ß (i) absence of tire information placard installed by the original equipment
manufacturer;
ß or (ii) mud flaps do not extend across the full width of oversize replacement
tire/wheel assembly;
ß or (iii) aftermarket fender flares do not extend beyond the full width of oversize
replacement tire/wheel assembly;
ß or (iv) loaded static tire diameter of an oversize replacement tire/wheel assembly
exceeds 34 inches (864 mm) when measured horizontally at the wheel hub.

(i) With respect to the steering system,

ß (i) steering wheel is smaller in diameter than the steering wheel installed by
original equipment manufacturer;
ß or (ii) caster, camber, toe-in and toe-out settings do not conform to original
specifications or those recommended by the aftermarket lift kit manufacturer;
ß or (iii) steering components bind, interfere, or come into contact with any part of
the vehicle (except a steering stop) when the steering wheel is turned full right or
full left;
ß or (iv) the complete “full” engagement of threads cannot be observed on bolts
that are used to fasten or connect steering components.

(j) With respect to the suspension system,

ß (i) aftermarket spring shackles are longer than four inches (102 mm);,
ß or (ii) lift blocks were installed on the front axle;
ß or (iii) height of aftermarket spacer blocks on the rear axle exceed 6 inches (152
mm);
ß or (iv) rear spacer block on rear axle is comprised of multiple spacers and not a
single component;
8
ß or (v) original suspension was reconfigured, dismantled or permanently
disconnected or removed and replaced with aftermarket components that are
not equivalent or exceed the strength of original equipment;
ß or (vi) original leaf springs were repositioned from below the axle to above the
axle;
ß or (vii) shock absorbers are leaking oil or could be damaged by the full extension
of the suspension travel;
ß or (viii) bump stops were removed or mounted at a different location than
originally intended;
ß or (ix) a warning label is not attached on the left door jamb or visible within the
occupant compartment to inform drivers that the original suspension has been
modified and may change the handling characteristics of the raised vehicle;
ß or (x) warning label does not contain the following statement: “WARNING – The
suspension of this vehicle has been modified. As a result, this vehicle many
handle differently than that of a factory-equipped vehicle. As with any vehicle,
Extreme Care must be used to prevent loss of control or roll-over during sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. Always wear seat belts, and drive safely,
recognizing that reduced speeds and specialized driving techniques may be
required. Failure to drive this vehicle safely may result in serious injury or death.
Do not drive this vehicle unless you are familiar with its unique handling
characteristics and confident of your ability to maintain control under all driving
conditions. Some modifications (and combination of modifications) are not
recommended”;
ß or (xi) suspension travel is restricted or binds;
ß or (xii) suspension components contact other vehicle components;
ß or (xiii) aftermarket materials and fasteners are not equivalent or greater in
quality than original equipment (i.e. diameter, strength, grade of bolt);
ß or (xiv) the complete “full” engagement of threads cannot be observed on bolts that are used to fasten or connect suspension components.

 

[goodoleboy8700]

I was told by Donnie harrison himself (sheriff of wake county ) This does not include NC this is just something that states can go by to make their laws on regulating lifted vehicles. but he is not shure if they will adapt it

 

[Burns]

Every state pretty much has there own rules.

 

[goodoleboy8700]

and i would like to add the people who came up with this s*** needs to get out of there BMW or lexus or whatever high end car they drive and go 4wheeln in a BIG A** truck then mabe they will realize why we do what we do

 

[Burns]

No its all needed. I assure you. I am at the legal limit of the law and if i hit a passsanger car on the road there is no way that someone would make it out alive. I think TN is slacking on the bumper height.

 

[Flounder]

A model act is just that--something for a state to adopt in whole, in part or not at all. Don't sweat this until you see your state legislators kicking it around the house or senate.