Lift Laws You Need To Know

This custom Econoline is likely limited to 27-to-30-inch bumper heights in Missouri. Who determines GVWR on vehicles with heavier-than-stock axles and other hardcore modifications?

This custom Econoline is likely limited to 27-to-30-inch bumper heights in Missouri. Who d

Missouri
(Missouri revised statutes, chap. 307)
Summary: Missouri follows the common trend of setting bumper heights and allowing those to determine lift and tire size. Light heights are also specified; the state limits street-legal vehicles to three auxiliary driving lights.

Headlamps (§307.045): Must have at least two, mounted at the same level, with at least one per side. Mounting height isn't specified.
Taillamps (§307.075): Mounted not higher than 72 inches nor lower than 15.
Auxiliary Lamps (§307.075): Mounted not higher than 42 inches nor lower than 12.
Mudflaps (§307-015): Required for commercial vehicles over 24,000 pounds that don't have rear fenders.

Source
Missouri Revised Statutes
www.moga.mo.gov/STATUTES/C307.HTM

Nebraska
(Nebraska revised statutes, chap. 60) SUMMARY: Like Kansas, Nebraska is laissez-faire. Aftermarket equipment stipulations are minimal; auxiliary light heights are one of the few defined modifications.
Auxiliary Lights (§60-6,225): Mounting heights range between 42 and 12 inches depending on light function.

Source
Nebraska Legislature
uniweb.legislature.ne.gov

North Dakota wheelers likely trailer their rigs. The state has some of the nation's most restrictive laws. This CJ-7 appears to possess an ND plate.

North Dakota wheelers likely trailer their rigs. The state has some of the nation's most r

North Dakota
(North Dakota Century Code, Title 39)
Summary: Unlike its southerly neighbors, North Dakota spells out maximum limits. Vehicles that weigh 7,000 pounds and under are limited to 4 inches of lift, 44-inch tires, and bumpers 27 inches off the ground. Also, modifying the steering system on a vehicle lighter than 7,000 pounds is unlawful.
Allowable Modifications For Vehicles That Weigh 7,000 Pounds Or Less (§39-21-45.1)
(1) Front and rear bumpers are required.
(2) Maximum body height from the ground to the floor of the cargo area is 42 inches.
(3) Maximum bumper height is 27 inches.
(4) Drop bumpers are allowed if at least 3 inches tall, full body width, and attached to the vehicle to transfer impact.
(5) Maximum outside tire diameter is 44 inches.
(6) Maximum suspension lift is 4 inches.
Headlamps (§39-21-03.2): Mounted not higher than 54 inches nor lower than 24. Taillamps (§39-21-04.2): Mounted not higher than 72 inches nor lower than 15.
Auxiliary Lamps (§39-21-17): Mounted not higher than 42 inches nor lower than 12 inches depending on function (fog or driving).

Source
North Dakota Century Code
www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t39.html

Ohio limits body lifts and bumper heights. This truck apparently complies with the state's vehicle code.

Ohio limits body lifts and bumper heights. This truck apparently complies with the state's

Ohio
(Ohio Administrative Code, CHAP. 4501)
SUMMARY: Ohio is specific yet liberal concerning suspension modifications. It defines truck as any vehicle "designed and used to carry property and having a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less." Suspension stipulations are directed primarily toward "low-brow" trucks: "No person shall modify any motor vehicle registered in this state in such a manner as to cause the vehicle body or chassis to come in contact with the ground, expose the fuel tank to damage from collision, or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body under normal operation, and no person shall disconnect any part of the original suspension system of the vehicle to defeat the safe operation of that system including the installation of inverted, altered, or modified suspension system component parts which results in elevation of the height of the vehicle bumper or frame unit which is not in compliance with this chapter" [§4501-43-03(B)]. Body lifts are limited to 4 inches. Additionally, bumper parameters are defined. §4501-43-03(C) specifies that all vehicles originally equipped with bumpers must retain same in order to be licensed.

Shot at a Summit event in Ohio, this CJ-5 looks show-only. Its pristine primp hints that it travels more on a trailer than under its own power.

Shot at a Summit event in Ohio, this CJ-5 looks show-only. Its pristine primp hints that i

Further, "The horizontal bumper shall be at least 4.5 inches in vertical height, centered on the vehicle's centerline, and extend no less than the width of the respective wheel track distances. Bumpers shall be horizontal load-bearing bumpers and attached to the vehicle frame to effectively transfer impact when engaged" [§4501-43-04(A)]. Finally, Ohio uses bumper heights to determine allowable modifications.
Body Lifts [§4501-43-03(D)]: "No person shall operate upon a street or highway any passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle, or truck registered in this state if the difference in height between the body floor and the top of the frame exceeds four inches."

Source
Ohio Administrative Code
codes.ohio.gov/oac/4501-43