California regulates frame heights and body lifts. Front plates are also required for stre
California
(Vehicle Code)
Summary: The state that leads the nation in overregulation specifies maximum frame heights. Also, body lifts are limited to 5 inches.
| FRAME HEIGHTS (§24008.5) |
| 4,500 lb GVWR or less |
27 in. |
| 4,501-7,500 lb GVWR |
30 in. |
| 7,501-10,000 lb GVWR |
31 in. |
"(1) 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.
"(2) Frame height means the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest point on the frame, measured when the vehicle is unladen on a level surface at the lowest point on the frame midway between the front axle and the second axle on the vehicle.
"(3) GVWR means the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating, as defined in Section 390, whether or not the vehicle is modified by use of parts not originally installed by the manufacturer."
Body Lifts (§24008.5): "The lowest portion of the body floor shall not be more than five inches above the top of the frame."
Fenders, Mudflaps (§27600): "Adequate protection" that's "at least as wide as the tire tread" is required.
Headlights (§24400): Mounted no higher than 54 inches nor lower than 22.
Taillights (§24402): Required.
Foglights (§24404): Mounted no higher than 30 inches nor lower than 12; two lights maximum.
Driving Lights (§24405): Mounted no higher than 42 inches nor lower than 16; two lights maximum.
Passing Lights (§24411): Mounted no higher than 42 inches nor lower than 24; two lights maximum.
Source
California Department of Motor Vehicles
www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vctoc.htm
Colorado's laws are quirky. Vehicles must retain the original suspension design. No fender
Colorado
(Revised Statutes, Title 42)
Summary: For a state that has so many modified 4x4s, Colorado has a clunky code where suspensions are concerned. The applicable section, quoted below, seems open to interpretation. If "manufacturer's original design" means springs and shock absorbers, then any modification other than airbags should be OK, right? Or does it mean that IFS trucks can't be converted to solid axles? Or do pre-TJ Jeep bobtails have to run leafsprings? What are the "specifications established by the department"? If anyone knows, please email us at 4wheeloffroad@sorc.com
Suspension Alteration (§42-4-233): "No person shall operate a motor vehicle of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway with either the rear or front suspension system altered or changed from the manufacturer's original design except in accordance with specifications permitting such alteration established by the department. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of manufactured heavy-duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs, nor shall anything contained in this section prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear shall not affect the control of the vehicle."
Headlights (§42-4-205): Mounted no higher than 54 inches nor lower than 24 inches.
Taillights (§42-4-206): Mounted no higher than 72 inches nor lower than 20 inches.
Passing Lights (§42-4-212): Mounted no higher than 42 inches nor lower than 20 inches; two lights maximum.
Foglights (§42-4-214): Mounted no higher than 30 inches nor lower than 12; two lights maximum.
Driving Lights (§42-4-216): Mounted no higher than 42 inches nor lower than 16; two lights maximum.
Source
Colorado Revised Statutes
www.michie.com/colorado
Hawaii
(revised statutes, chapter 291)
Summary: Hawaii uses bumper heights, measured at the highest point on the bottom of the bumper, instead of delineating suspension lifts. (Dropped bumpers don't count.) Body lifts are defined, and headlights must be mounted within a specific height range.
Frame Heights, Body Lifts (§291-35.1): "The vehicle frame rail, measured from a level surface to the bottom of the vehicle frame rail, shall not exceed the attached bumper height. The maximum distance between vehicle body to vehicle frame rail shall not exceed three inches. The distance between the vehicle body to vehicle frame rail shall be measured from the vehicle body mount seat to the vehicle frame rail mount seat."
| BUMPER HEIGHTS (§291-35.1) |
| 4,500 lb GVWR or less |
29 in. front, 29 rear |
| 4,501-7,500 lb GVWR |
33 in. front, 33 rear |
| 7,501-10,000 lb GVWR |
35 in. front, 35 rear |
Headlights (§291-25): Mounted no higher than 54 inches nor lower than 22.
Source
Hawaii Legislature
www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/hrs/default.asp