Lift Laws You Need To Know

New Jersey
(NJPS Title 39; NJAC Title 13, Chapter 20)
Summary:
Unless you're on the clock (and possibly a New Jersey DMV employee with questions about benefits), reading this code isn't recommended. However, New Jersey is one of the few states that offer stability testing to certify High Rise 4x4s having more than 4 inches of lift. Lifts up to 11 inches are legal under certain circumstances. (Regular safety inspections are required for all street-licensed vehicles.) Internet chatter claims that exemptions are granted to vehicles that are on the books as having 10,000-plus GVWRs.
General Vehicle Inspection Standards (NJAC §13-20-32):
They're extensive; here's a link to the specifics: www.epa.gov/region02/air/sip/13_20-Sub32.pdf

"High-Rise" Vehicles (NJAC §13:20-37.3):
Vehicle lifted more than 4 inches above stock are classified as High Rise and must undergo stability testing at a state facility. Here are some of the inspection/test criteria for an Elevated Vehicle Approval Certificate:

• Steering gear ratios and steering wheel left stop to right stop turns must be within a half-turn of the original manufacturer's specifications.
• Headlights shall be mounted no lower than 22 inches nor more than 54 inches above the ground.
• Taillights shall be mounted no lower than 15 inches nor more than 72 inches above the ground.
• Off-road lights must be covered while operating on public roads.
• License plates must be mounted no less than 12 inches nor more than 48 inches above the ground.
• 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.
• Vehicles originally equipped with bumpers must have them securely fastened, no less than 16 inches from the ground to the bottom of the bumper, and shall extend the full width of the vehicle.
• Maximum tire diameter allowed will be either 38 inches or else 6 inches over stock, whichever is less.
• All tires must be the same size. Maximum tire pressure as stated on tire is recommended. Front tires must be at least 60 percent of the thread width of the rear tires.
• Front fenders must extend over the full width of the tire thread. 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.
• Exposed fuel tanks must be encased. Side-mounted tanks must have a protective bar to prevent rupture.
• Releasing the steering wheel in a sharp turn shall result in an increase in turning radius.
• Spacers to increase track width are prohibited.
• No blocks are allowed on the front suspension.

Source
New Jersey Legislature
lis.njleg.state.nj.us/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?clientID=5109631&Depth=2&depth=2&expandheadings=on&headingswithhits=on&hitsperheading=on&infobase=statutes.nfo&record={E2F2}&softpage=Doc_Frame_PG42

Pennsylvania
(Pennsylvania Code Title 67, Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Title 75)
Summary:
Front blocks aren't allowed. Neither are rear blocks taller than 5 inches. Otherwise, bumper height regulates lift.

A lifted Nissan Patrol definitely attracts enthusiasts' attention. With more than a 4-inch lift and a bumper height above 30, it could attract police attention in several northeastern states.

A lifted Nissan Patrol definitely attracts enthusiasts' attention. With more than a 4-inch

Suspension No-Nos:
"Spring shackle kits [that] are more than 2 inches over original equipment; blocks [that] are used on front axle to raise the vehicle; blocks used on rear axle exceed 5 inches over original equipment."

Sources
Penn. Title 67
www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/067toc.htm

Penn. Vehicle Code www.dmv.state.pa.us/vehicle_code/index.shtml