State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles

The following document is a collection of available state-specific vehicle height statutes and regulations. A standard system for regulating vehicle and frame height does not exist among the states, so bumper height and/or headlight height specifications are also included. The information has been organized by state and is in alphabetical order starting with Alabama. To quickly navigate through the document, use the 'Find' (Ctrl+F) function.

Information contained herein is current as of October 2014, but these state laws and regulations are subject to change. Consult the current statutes and regulations in a particular state before raising or lowering a vehicle to be operated in that state.

These materials have been prepared by SEMA to provide guidance on various state laws regarding altered height vehicles and are intended solely as an informational aid. SEMA disclaims responsibility and liability for any damages or claims arising out of the use of or reliance on the content of this informational resource. State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Height of head Height of tail Max. loaded vehicle lamps must be at lamps must be at height not to exceed 13' least 24" but no least 20" but no 6". higher than 54". higher than 60".

Alabama Height of reflectors must be at least 24" but no higher than 60". Height of Height of Body floor may not be headlights must taillights must be raised more than 4" be at least 24" at least 20". above top of frame. but no higher than 54". Max. frame and body floor height for a vehicle Alaska with a GVWR of: • 4,500 lbs or less - 24"; • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 26"; • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - 28". Height of head Height of tail Rear fender splashguards lamps must be at lamps must be at required on vehicles and least 22" but no least 15" but no pickup trucks with a higher than 54". higher than 72". GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less if the pickup has been modified from the Arizona original bumper height design to raise the center of gravity.

Max. loaded vehicle height not to exceed 13' 6". State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Height of Height of tail Max. vehicle height headlamps must lamps must be at loaded or unloaded not Arkansas be at least 24" least 20" but no to exceed 13' 6". but no higher higher than 72". than 54". Height of Height of Body floor may not be Max. loaded vehicle headlamps must taillamps must be raised more than 5" height not to exceed 14'. be at least 22" at least 15" but above top of frame. but no higher no higher than than 54". 72". Max. frame height for passenger vehicles - 23".

California Max. frame height for all other vehicles with a GVWR of: • 4,500 lbs or less - 27"; • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 30"; • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - 31". Height of head Height of tail Max. vehicle height lamps must be at lamps must be at loaded or unloaded not least 24" but no least 20" but no to exceed 13'. higher than 54". higher than 72". Colorado

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Height of head Height of tail No modifications Max. vehicle height lamps must be at lamps must be at permitted that raise the loaded or unloaded not least 22" but no least 15" but no sprung portion of the to exceed 13' 6". higher than 54". higher than 72". vehicle in excess of 4" Connecticut above vehicle's unladen height as established by the vehicle manufacturer.

Max. bumper height for Height of head Height of tail Body may not be raised Max. vehicle height passenger vehicles - 22". lamps must be at lamps must be at more than 3" above top loaded or unloaded not least 24" but no least 20" but no of vehicle frame rail. to exceed 13' 6". Max. bumper height for higher than 54". higher than 72". all other vehicles - 30". Vehicle frame rail may not be higher than the Delaware attached bumper.

Height of head Height of tail Max. vehicle height lamps must be at lamps must be at loaded or unloaded not least 24" but no least 15" but no to exceed 13' 6". higher than 54". higher than 72". D.C.

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Max. bumper height for Height of Max. vehicle height automobiles with a headlamps must loaded or unloaded not GVWR of: be at least 24" to exceed 13' 6". • less than 2,500 lbs - but no higher 22"; than 54". • 2,500 to 3,499 lbs - 24" front and 26" rear; • 3,500 lbs or more - 27" front and 29" rear.

Florida Max. bumper height for trucks with a GVWR of: • less than 2,000 lbs - 24" front and 26" rear; • 2,000 to 3,000 lbs - 27" front and 29" rear; • 3,000 to 5,000 lbs - 28" front and 30" rear.

Height of Height of Max. frame height for Private passenger vehicle headlights must taillights must be trucks with a GVWR of: suspension may not be be at least 24" at least 20" but • 4,500 lbs or less - 27"; modified to increase but no higher no higher than • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - height more than 2" than 54". 60". 30"; above factory Georgia • 7,501 to 14,000 lbs - recommendation. 31". Max. vehicle height loaded or unloaded not to exceed 13' 6".

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Max. bumper height for Height of Body mount seat may Max. vehicle height passenger vehicles - 22". headlights must not be more than 3" loaded or unloaded not be at least 24" above vehicle frame rail to exceed 14'. Max. bumper height for but no higher mount seat. all other vehicles with a than 54". Hawaii GVWR of: • 4,500 lbs or less - 29"; • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 33"; • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - 35". Max. bumper height for Height of Height of tail Max. vehicle height passenger cars - 22". headlamps must lamps must be at loaded or unloaded not be at least 24" least 20" but no to exceed 14'. Max. bumper height for but no higher higher than 72". trucks and multipurpose than 54". vehicles with a GVWR of: • 4,500 lbs or less - 24" front and 26" rear; • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 27" Idaho front and 29" rear; • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - 28" front and 30" rear.

Max. bumper height for 4WD and dual wheel vehicles - 30" front and 31" rear.

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Max. bumper height for Max. frame height for Max. vehicle height First Division vehicles - First Division vehicles - loaded or unloaded not 22". 22" and lowest portion to exceed 13' 6". of body floor may not be Max. bumper height for raised more than 4" multipurpose passenger above top of frame. vehicles and all other vehicles with a GVWR of: Second Division vehicles • 4,500 lbs or less - 24" may not have body floor front and 26" rear; raised above frame and • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 27" may have a max. frame Illinois front and 29" rear; height of no more than: • 7,501 to 9,000 lbs - 28" • 4,500 lbs or less - 24"; front and 30" rear. • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 26"; Suspension may not be • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - modified to cause front 28". bumper height to vary more than 3" from rear Suspension may not be bumper height. modified to lift body from chassis by more than 3".

Bumper height on Height of head Height of tail Max. vehicle height not passenger cars may not lamps must be at lamps must be at to exceed 13' 6". vary from original least 24" but no least 20" but no manufactured bumper higher than 54". higher than 72". height by more than 3". Indiana Height of Max. bumper height for reflectors must trucks with a declared be at least 20" gross weight of 11,000 but no higher lbs or less - 30". than 60".

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Height of Max. vehicle height reflectors must loaded or unloaded not Iowa be at least 20" to exceed 13' 6". but no higher than 42". Height of head Height of tail Max. vehicle height lamps must be at lamps must be at loaded or unloaded not least 24" but no least 15" but no to exceed 14'. higher than 54". higher than 72".

Kansas Height of reflectors must be at least 15" but no higher than 60". Height of Max. vehicle height headlamps must loaded or unloaded not Kentucky be at least 24" to exceed 11' 6". but no higher than 54". Height of Height of tail Max. vehicle height headlamps must lamps must be at loaded or unloaded not be at least 24" least 15" but no to exceed 13' 6", except but no higher higher than 72". vehicle operating than 54". exclusively on interstates Louisiana may not exceed 14' if Height of fog certain conditions met. lamps must be at least 12" but no higher than 30".

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Height of Max. frame end height Original suspension headlamps must for vehicles with a system may not be be at least 22" GVWR of: disconnected except to but no higher • 4,500 lbs or less - 24" install heavy duty than 54". front and 26" rear; equipment, including • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - shock absorbers and Maine 27" front and 29" rear; overload springs. • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - 28" front and 30" rear. Max. vehicle height loaded or unloaded not to exceed 13' 6".

Max. bumper height for Height of Height of tail Max. frame side rails Max. vehicle height passenger vehicles - 20". headlamps must lamps must at height for passenger loaded or unloaded not be at least 24" least 20" but no vehicles - 20". to exceed 13' 6". Max. bumper height for but no higher higher than 72". multipurpose vehicles - than 54". Max. frame side rails 28". height for multipurpose vehicles - 28". Maryland Max. bumper height for Class E truck with GVWR Max. frame side rails of: height for Class E truck • 10,000 lbs or less - 28"; with GVWR of: • 10,001 to 18,000 lbs - • 10,000 lbs or less - 30". 28"; • 10,001 to 18,000 lbs - 30".

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Wheel track may be May not raise vehicle with increased by use of a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or tires and rims for a less more than 2" above max. total increase original manufacturers of 4" beyond specified height. manufacturer's Massachusetts specifications, but Max. lift for 4WD vehicles use of spacers to formula = (wheel base x increase wheel wheel track) ÷ 2,200 track is prohibited. Max. vehicle height loaded or unloaded not to exceed 13' 6". Max. bumper height for Height of head Max. frame height for Front lift blocks passenger vehicles - lamps must be at passenger vehicles - prohibited. Rear lift 22". least 24" but no 12". blocks must be of single higher than 54". piece construction, not Max. bumper height for Max. frame height for use more than a 3" all other vehicles with a all other vehicles with a spacer, and not exceed 4" GVWR of: GVWR of: in height between the • 4,500 lbs or less - 26"; • 4,500 lbs or less - 24"; rear axle and springs in • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - addition to those 28"; 24"; provided by the original • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - manufacturer. Spring Michigan 30". 26". shackle replacements may not exceed original Modification of original length by more than 2" frame resulting in an and coil spring spacers increase in height of prohibited. Welded vehicle is prohibited. pitman arms, drag links, and tie rods are prohibited.

Max. vehicle height loaded or unloaded not to exceed 13' 6". State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Max. bumper height for Height of Max. vehicle height passenger vehicles and reflectors must loaded or unloaded station wagons - 20". be at least 20" not to exceed 13' 6". but no higher Max. bumper height for than 60". 4WD multipurpose vehicles and pickup trucks - 25".

Minnesota May not modify suspension system or body of passenger vehicles to cause bumper to be more than 6" from the original manufactured height.

Height of Max. vehicle height reflectors must loaded or unloaded Mississippi be at least 24" not to exceed 13' 6". but no higher than 60". Max. bumper height for Height of Max. vehicle height all vehicles except taillamps must be loaded or unloaded commercial vehicles - at least 15" but not to exceed 14' if 22". no higher than operated on interstate Missouri 72". or designated highway and 13' 6" if operated on any other highway.

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Height of Height of Max. vehicle height headlamps must taillamps must be loaded or unloaded be at least 22" at least 15" but not to exceed 14'. but no higher no higher than than 54". 72". Montana Height of reflectors must be at least 24" but no higher than 60". Max. vehicle height Nebraska loaded or unloaded not to exceed 14' 6". Height of Height of tail Max. body height for Max. vehicle height headlamps must lamps must be at passenger vehicles - 24". loaded or unloaded be at least 24" least 15" but no not to exceed 14'. but no higher higher than 72". Max. body height for all than 54". other vehicles with a Height of GVWR of: reflectors must • 4,500 lbs or less - 28"; Nevada be at least 15" • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - but no higher 30"; than 60". • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - 32".

Body height measured from lowest portion of body.

Max. bumper height for Height of Height of tail Max. vehicle height passenger vehicles - 20". headlamps must lamps must be at loaded or unloaded New Hampshire be at least 24" least 20" but no not to exceed 13' 6". Max. bumper height for but no higher higher than 72". all other vehicles - 30". than 54". State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Bottom of the bumper Height of Height of tail- Max. tire diameter Max. lift for vehicles Lift modifications not must be no lower than headlights must lights must be at for vehicles with a with a GVWR of: permitted without an 16" from the ground. be at least 22" least 15" but no GVWR of 10,000 lbs • 4,500 lbs or less - 7" elevated vehicle but no higher higher than 72". or less is 38" or 6" above original vehicle approval certificate; than 54". more than max. tire height; exception for diameter available • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 9" elevation exclusively New Jersey as standard or above original vehicle from an increase in optional equipment height; tire diameter that from the original • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - does not exceed 4". manufacturer, 11" above original whichever is less. vehicle height. Max. vehicle height loaded or unloaded not to exceed 13' 6". Height of Height of tail Max.vehicle height headlamps must lamps must be at loaded or unloaded New Mexico be at least 24" least 20" but no not to exceed 14'. but no higher higher than 72". than 54". Max. bumper height for Height of Height of tail Max. vehicle height passenger vehicles - 20". headlamps must lamps must be at loaded or unloaded New York be at least 24" least 15" but no not to exceed 13' 6". Max. bumper height for but no higher higher than 72". all other vehicles - 30". than 54". Must obtain written Max. vehicle height approval from loaded or unloaded Commissioner of Motor not to exceed 13' 6". North Carolina Vehicles if modification causes an increase in height of more than 6".

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Max. bumper height - Height of Height of Maximum outside Max. body height is 42" No modifications to 27". headlamps must taillamps must be diameter for tires is measured from ground OEM suspension, be at least 24" at least 15" but 44". to floor of cargo area. steering, or braking but no higher no higher than system permitted on than 54". 72". vehicles weighing 7,000 lbs or less.

North Dakota Max. lift for suspension system is 4".

Max. vehicle height loaded or unloaded not to exceed 14'. Max. bumper height for Height of Height of tail Body or truck bed floor Max. vehicle height passenger vehicles - 22". headlamps must lamps must be at cannot be raised more loaded or unloaded be at least 24" least 15" but not than 4" above top of the not to exceed 13' 6". Max. bumper height for but no higher more than 72". frame rail. all other vehicles with a than 54". GVWR of: Max. frame rail height • 4,500 lbs or less - 24" for passenger vehicles - front and 26" rear; 22". • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 27" front and 29" rear; Max. frame rail height Ohio • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - for all other vehicles 28" front and 31" rear. with a GVWR of: • 4,500 lbs or less - 24" front and 26" rear; • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 27" front and 29" rear; • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - 28" front and 31" rear.

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Height of head Height of tail Maximum vehicle lamps must be at lamps must be at height loaded or Oklahoma least 22" but no least 15" but no unloaded not to higher than 54". higher than 72". exceed 13' 6". Height of Height of Max. vehicle height headlights must reflectors must loaded or unloaded be at least 22" be at least 15" not to exceed 14'. but no higher but no higher than 54". than 60".

Oregon If used, height of auxiliary lights may be mounted no higher than 54".

Max. bumper height for Height of Height of tail Spring shackle kits that passenger vehicles - 20". headlamps must lamps must be at are 2" over original be at least 24" least 15" but no equipment are Max. bumper height for but no higher higher than 72". prohibited. multipurpose passenger than 54". vehicles and light trucks - Blocks may not be 30". used on front axle.

Pennsylvania Blocks may not be used on rear axle to exceed 5" over original eqipment.

Max. vehicle height loaded or unloaded not to exceed 13' 6".

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Height of head Height of tail Chassis or body of a Max. vehicle height lamps must be at lamps must be at vehicle with a GVWR of loaded or unloaded least 24" but no least 20" but no up to 10,000 lbs may not not to exceed 13' 6". Rhode Island higher than 54". higher than 72". be raised or lowered more than 4" from original manufacturer specifications.

Height of head Height of tail Physical structure of a lamps must be at lamps must be at passenger motor vehicle least 24" but no least 20" but no may not be modified, Max. vehicle height higher than 54". higher than 60". altered or changed to loaded or unloaded South Carolina raise or lower the not to exceed 13' 6". vehicle more than 6". This limit does not apply to pickup trucks.

Height of tail Max. vehicle height lamps must be at loaded or unloaded South Dakota least 15" but no not to exceed 14'. higher than 72".

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Max. bumper height for Body floor cannot be Installation of heavy passenger vehicles - 22". raised more than 4” duty equipment, above top of the frame. including shock Max. bumper height for absorbers and 4WD recreational Max. frame height for overload springs, is vehicles - 31". passenger cars - 22". permitted.

Max. frame height for Modifications to front trucks and recreational end using lift blocks is vehicles with a GVWR prohibited. of: Tennessee • 4,500 lbs or less - 22"; Modification of • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - original steering 26"; mechanism, including • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - welding, and the front 28". spindle where the brake pads mount, is prohibited.

Max. vehicle height loaded or unloaded not to exceed 13' 6". Height of Height of Max. vehicle height headlamps must taillamps must be loaded or unloaded Texas be at least 24" at least 15" but not to exceed 14'. but no higher no higher than than 54". 72".

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Height of If wheel track is Body floor cannot be Mud flaps required if headlamps must increased beyond raised more than 3” frame height has been be at least 22" OEM specifications, above top of the frame. altered or vehicle has but no higher top 50% of tires a GVWR of 10,500 lbs than 54". must be covered by Max. frame height for or more unless specific original fenders, by vehicles with a GVWR exemption met. rubber, or other of: flexible fender • less than 4,500 lbs - Axle blocks may not be Utah extenders. 24" used on front axle, • at least 4,500 and less and axle blocks used May not use spacers than 7,500 lbs - 26" on rear axle may not to increase wheel • 7,500 lbs or more - 28" be stacked. track width. Vehicle frames may not Max. vehicle height be stacked. loaded or unloaded not to exceed 14'.

Max. bumper height for Height of Height of tail Body floor cannot be Max. vehicle height passenger vehicles - 22". headlamps must lamps must be at raised more than 4" loaded or unloaded be at least 24" least 15" but no above top of the frame. not to exceed 13' 6". Max. bumper height for but no higher higher than 72". all other vehicles with a than 54". GVWR of: Height of • 4,500 lbs or less - 24" reflectors must front and 26" rear; be at least 15" • 4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 27" but no higher Vermont front and 29" rear; than 72". • 7,501 to 10,000 lbs - 28" front and 30" rear.

Max. bumper height for 4WD and dual wheel trucks - 28" front and 31" rear. State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Max. bumper height for Body may not be raised Lift blocks may not be passenger vehicles - 22". more than 3" above used to modify front- frame rails or end suspension. Max. bumper height for attachment points on trucks with a GVWR of: frame rails. Max. vehicle height Virginia •4,500 lbs or less - 28"; loaded or unloaded •4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 29" not to exceed 13' 6". front and 30" rear; •7,501 to 15,000 lbs - 30" front and 31" rear.

Max. bumper height Height of head Height of tail Structural strength of Body lifts are passenger vehicles - 22". lamps must be at lamps must be at custom frames must be permitted provided least 24" but no least 15" but no certified by builder as that they are Max. bumper height for higher than 54". higher than 72". meeting applicable manufactured by an all other vehicles with a standards under 49 aftermarket GVWR of: C.F.R. 571 Parts 201, manufacturer, •4,500 lbs or less - 24" 214, 216, and 220 designed for the make front and 26" rear; through 224, and SAE and model vehicle on Washington •4,501 to 7,500 lbs - 27" Standards. which they are front and 29" rear; installed, and installed •7,501 lbs or more - 28" Maximum allowable according to the front and 30" rear. space between body manufacturer's and frame is 4". Body recommendations. lift kits may not use more than a 3" spacer. Max. vehicle height loaded or unloaded not to exceed 14'.

State Laws Impacting Altered-Height Vehicles Tail Lamps / Tires / Frame / Body State Bumpers Headlights Other Reflectors Wheels Modifications Max. bumper height for Height of head Height of tail Vehicles may be Max. allowable space Modification of the vehicles with a GVWR of lamps must be at lamps must be at modified by the between the body and front end suspension 10,000 lbs or less - 31". least 24" but no least 20" but no installation of tires frame is 3". Body lift by use of lift blocks is higher than 54". higher than 60". up to two sizes kits may not add more prohibited. West Virginia above the maximum than 3" to the size specified by the manufacturer's original Max. vehicle height manufacturer. spacer between the loaded or unloaded body and the frame. not to exceed 13' 6".

Height of bumpers on Height of Height of tail Trucks with a GVWR May not modify Max. vehicle height cars must be within 2" of headlamps must lamps must be at of 8,000 lbs or less suspension, axles, or loaded or unloaded manufacturer be at least 24" least 20" but no may use a tires and chassis to increase not to exceed 13' 6". specifications. but no higher higher than than wheels that exceed height more than 4” than 54". 72". wheel and tire size from manufacturer Height of bumpers on by up to 4" in radius specifications unless pickup trucks must be above manufacturer modification is for the within 9" of specifications. purpose of manufacturers strengthening or Wisconsin specifications, with up to improving handling of a 4" inches added for truck with a GVWR of wheel/tire modifications 8,000 lbs or less, in and up to 5" added for which case may increse suspension height up to 5" above modifications. manufacturer specifications.

Vehicles must be in Wyoming "safe" working condition.