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Lift Laws - What Is Legal In Your State?
CREDITS/SOURCE: This article, written by Tori Tellem, was published in the December, 2000 edition of Peterson's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine.
Let's kick this off by saying that finding out what's legal in every state is about as tough as figuring which one of those whiny, rodent-knawing survivors would pocket a million bucks. You want to do right by The Man, but it ain't all that easy to track down the info. Start with the highway patrol and they'll send you to the DMV, who will refer you to the offices of public saftey, who will recommend that you talk with AAA, who will return you to the highway patrol.
Seriously, there's more passing of the buck in some states than a banquet at the Sportsman's Lodge. We even had one state's finest tell us he didn't have a clue and we should call a local 4x4 shop. But that's nothing like the one who told us we needed to talk to an attorney general. Right. We'd like to think your attorney general is far to busy to take calls from Billy Joe Bob about his 4x4.
But, despite all that, we still managed to compile the rules of the road. We burned up the phone lines trying to get all this information, but you online users might want to start with Officer.com, which has links to the police and DMV in almost every state (as well as international information), making it a good source for phone numbers and addresses. If you have further questions regarding the laws in your state, the best bet is indeed the highway patrol - but get the answers before you hit the road, not after you've been pulled over.
One thing you should be aware of: All states that base their laws on headlights and taillights take their measurements from the center of the lamp to the terra firma.
NOTE: The following is subject to change naturally and it is YOUR responsibility to keep informed as to what is legal in your area and the states. If you are unsure, ask someone of authority.
ALABAMA
There aren't codes dealing specifically with the suspension components; rather, you'll have to base your mods on the reflectors. They can't be more than 60 inches above the ground.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALASKA
Alaska is another state that bases it's laws on the lights, and in this case it's the distance from the headlights and taillights to the ground, which is 54 inches max and 24 minimum front and rear. One note: This state requires mudflaps. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARIZONA
It's all about mudflaps. Mudflap laws apply to trucks, but not SUVs. The rear fender's spashguards can't be more than 8 inches from the ground and must be wide enough, of course, to actually cover the full tread of the tires. However, 3/4-ton or lighter pickups are exempt, unless you've increased the OE bumper height. So, in other words, lift it, and you're stuck following the mudflap rules. Leave your pickup stock, and you can skip the flaps. Also keep in mind that empty or loaded, your truck can't be taller than 13 feet 6 inches. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARKANSAS
There's no law governing suspension upgrades, but there is a statute that restricts the height of headlights. They can't be lower than 24 inches or higher than 54 inches from the ground. However, overall height restriction is 13 feet 6 inches without permit, thereby limiting all those dreams you just had.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALIFORNIA
What you can do is dependent on the GVWR. If your truck's is 4,500 pounds, the maximum frame height is 27 inches. If the GVWR is 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 30 inches, and for 7,501- to 10,000 pounders, it's 31 inches. Also keep in mind that the lowest portion of the body floor can't be more than 5 inches above the top of the frame. More info. max headlight hieght is 54", max tail light hieght is 72", and the reflectors on your headlights can't be higher than 60". Max width of tires on the roads is 102", and if your GVWR is over 10,000 pounds there is no frame height rule.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLORADO
No altering from the OE design is allowed. Psych! It's not allowed unless you follow the rules: Headlights can't be more than 44 inches high, while taillights reach their limit at 72 inches. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONNECTICUT
Modifying the factory bumper height is OK, as long as you keep it at 30 inches from the ground, or lift the vehicle no more than 4 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DELAWARE
Short and sweet, without legal-eagle mumbo-jumbo: Don't let more than 30 inches get between the ground and the bottom of the bumper.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The headlamps on every motor vehicle (and that means your motorcycle too if you've got on) must stay below 54 inches, and each taillamp must not be higher than 72 inches. The low for the front is 24, and for the rear 15 - but we would hope you'd be altering your truck in the other direction.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLORIDA
If your truck's net weight is less than 2,000 pounds, the max bumper height is 24 inches front and 26 inches rear. If it's more than 2,000 but less than 3,000, it's 27 front and 29 rear. And if it hits the scales between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds, it's 28 and 30 inches. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEORGIA
If you modify the OE bumper more than 2 inches above (or below, for that matter) the manufacturer's spec, don't be surprised if you're cited.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAWAII
Hawaii also determines what's OK based on the GVWR. If your truck is 4,500 pounds or less, the from and rear bumpers' maximum height is 29 inches. If you're looking at 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 33 inches for both. And 7,501 to 10,000 pounds? Don't make them higher than 35 inches at either end. Also be aware that the allowable distance between the body and the framerail tops off at 3 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IDAHO
Lift laws here depend on GVWR - 4,500 pounds or less, the front bumper cab be up to 24 inches and the rear 26 inches. For 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 27 inches in front and 29 out back, and for 7,501 to 10,000 pounds, it's 28 and 30 inches. Interestingly enough, 4x4's and dual-wheel trucks with 10,000-pound or lighter GVWR can have 30-inch-tall bumpers up front and 31 in back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ILLINOIS
You can't lift the body from the chassis more than 3 inches. In terms of bumper height, a 4,500 pound GVWR or less and your front bumper can't go higher than 24 inches, and the rear must be no more than 26 inches. GVWRs between 4,501 and 7,500 mean 27 inches at the front and 29 at the rear. Finally. if your truck is between 7,501 and 9,000, the allowable altering is 28 and 30 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDIANA
Simply put, that bumper needs to stay within 3 inches of the factory height. Keep those headlights at 54 inches while your at it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IOWA
We've been told that Iowa has repealed requirements concerning lifted 4x4s. For now, that means that general height, weight, and width requirements that apply to all other vehicles in the state apply to your four-by. Translation: The height cannot exceed 13 feet 6 inches, and the width can't go beyond 8 feet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KANSAS
There aren't laws specifically about the suspension, but rather about headlight, taillamp, and reflectors. Headlights should be no higher than 54 inches (no lower than 24 inches), and the taillamps can't reach higher than than 72 inches (or below 15). Reflectors must be present front and rear (out back they can be incorporated into the light or stand alone) and can't be higher than 60 inches or lower than 15.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENTUCKY
Currently, there are no restrictions on terms of bumper height. The Kentucky General Assembly has addressed the issue before but, lo and behold, no one could agree on anything. Just keep it at what most mortals would call safe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOUISIANA
It's a headlight state. No matter what kind of motor vehicle you drive, the lights can't be higher than 54 inches. Alter the suspension however you deem fit, as long as the lights are up to code. FYI, foglights can't be higher than 30 inches from the ground. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAINE
1. Minimum and maximum frame end heights. A motor vehicle may not be operated on a public way or receive a certificate of inspection with a frame end height of less than 10 inches or with the frame end height lower than the vehicle was originally manufactured if originally manufactured to be less than 10 inches. A motor vehicle may not be operated on a public way or receive a certificate of inspection with a maximum frame end height based on the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating that is greater than:
A. [2005, c. 276, §2 (RP).]
B. For a vehicle of 4,500 pounds and less, 24 inches in the front and 26 inches in the rear; [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
C. For a vehicle of 4,501 pounds to 7,500 pounds, 27 inches in the front and 29 inches in the rear; and [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
D. For a vehicle of 7,501 pounds to 10,000 pounds, 28 inches in the front and 30 inches in the rear. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
Measurements must be taken from a level surface to the bottom of the frame end. For the purposes of this subsection, "frame end" means the point at which the frame rail terminates at the bumper assembly.
[ 2005, c. 276, §2 (AMD) .]
2. Modifications. A vehicle may not be modified to cause, under normal operation, the vehicle body or chassis to come into contact with the ground, expose the fuel tank to damage from collision or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body. The suspension and tire sizes of a vehicle may be modified pursuant to this chapter and rules established by the Chief of the State Police.
[ 2005, c. 276, §2 (AMD) .]
3. Suspension. Except as provided in this subsection or in subsection 2, an original suspension system may not be disconnected. This section does not prohibit the installation of heavy duty equipment, including shock absorbers and overload springs, or prohibit a person from operating on a public way a motor vehicle with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect control of the vehicle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARYLAND
No trucks or multipurpose vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less can be taller than 28 inches. A truck beyond 10,000 pounds - but not more that 18,000 pounds - can go beyond 30 inches (you Excursions owners just made it into that first grouping under the wire). Lift more than those 30, and you'll be ticketed and/or given a Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO) to fix the violation. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASSACHUSETTS
The violation is 90/7p. First offense is $35, second is $75, third is $150. Also an inspection station would fail the vehicle for a safety defect if the height is greater than 2" +/- from mfg specifications.
Chapter 90: Section 7P. Height of motor vehicles; alteration restricted
Section 7P. No person shall alter, modify or change the height of a motor vehicle with an original manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of up to and including ten thousand pounds, by elevating or lowering the chassis or body by more than two inches above or below the original manufacturer’s specified height by use of so-called “shackle lift kits” for leaf springs or by use of lift kits for coil springs, tires, or any other means or device.
The registrar shall establish rules and regulations for such changes in the height of motor vehicles beyond said two inches. No motor vehicle that has been so altered, modified or changed beyond the provisions of this section or the rules and regulations established by the registrar shall be operated on any way.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MICHIGAN
Lift blocks between the front axle and springs, or lift blocks that exceed 4 inches in height between the rear axle and springs, are not allowed. Shackle replacements cannot exceed OE length by more than 2 inches, and ixnay on the coil spring spacers. In terms of acceptable height, less than 4,501 GVWR, and your frame height cannot exceed 24 inches, and the bumper height can't go beyond 26 inches. For GVWR's between 4,501 and 7,500, those numbers are 24 and 28 inches. For 7,501 and 10,000-pound vehicles, keep the height at 26 and 30 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINNESOTA
The maximum legal height for bumpers is 25 inches from the bottom of the bumper to the ground. If you attach something to the bumper to make it conform to the legal height, it must be just as strong as the factory bumper or meet SAE standards. Simply bolting on pieces of wood or metal isn't gonna cut it folks. If you slap on a lift kit, you might actually be required to register your truck as a "reconstructed" vehicle, and that would mean you'll have to pay additional road-use tax and need an inspection where a new VIN would be applied.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI
No vehicle can be modified in any way that will put it over the state's 8-inch total-lift limit, and the maximum suspension lift front and rear is 6 inches (so make sure your big tires won't be over the limit if you raise the suspension that much).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSOURI
Here's another state that use GVWR as the bumper-height guideline. For vehicles 4,500 pouinds and under, the front bumper can't be taller than 24 inches and the rear must see no more than 26 inches. For 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 27 inches in front and 29 rear, and for 7,501 to 9,000 pounds, it's 28 and 30 inches. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTANA
No laws here, but your truck will need the lighting requirement, which is that the headlights are no higher than 72 inches or lower than 15 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEBRASKA
There aren't any specific laws concerning lift kits, but mudflaps get all the attention. They must block the entire width of the tires. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEVADA We'll cut to the chase. The bumper height, be it front or rear, cannot go beyond 24 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW HAMPSHIRE
No vehicle's height (and we're talking loaded too), may be taller than 13 feet 6 inches. Don't change the height or alter the bumper in any way that would make it farther than 20 inches from the ground. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW JERSEY
You can raise the suspension only 4 inches above stock height. Go any higher and your truck becomes classified as a "High Rise" and it must undergo a stability test at a state facility.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW MEXICO
The restrictions this state has are that headlamps can't be higher than 54 inches, and taillamps can't be higher than 72 inches. However, it's no-holds-barred on the type of lift used.
CREDITS/SOURCE: This article, written by Tori Tellem, was published in the December, 2000 edition of Peterson's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine.
Let's kick this off by saying that finding out what's legal in every state is about as tough as figuring which one of those whiny, rodent-knawing survivors would pocket a million bucks. You want to do right by The Man, but it ain't all that easy to track down the info. Start with the highway patrol and they'll send you to the DMV, who will refer you to the offices of public saftey, who will recommend that you talk with AAA, who will return you to the highway patrol.
Seriously, there's more passing of the buck in some states than a banquet at the Sportsman's Lodge. We even had one state's finest tell us he didn't have a clue and we should call a local 4x4 shop. But that's nothing like the one who told us we needed to talk to an attorney general. Right. We'd like to think your attorney general is far to busy to take calls from Billy Joe Bob about his 4x4.
But, despite all that, we still managed to compile the rules of the road. We burned up the phone lines trying to get all this information, but you online users might want to start with Officer.com, which has links to the police and DMV in almost every state (as well as international information), making it a good source for phone numbers and addresses. If you have further questions regarding the laws in your state, the best bet is indeed the highway patrol - but get the answers before you hit the road, not after you've been pulled over.
One thing you should be aware of: All states that base their laws on headlights and taillights take their measurements from the center of the lamp to the terra firma.
NOTE: The following is subject to change naturally and it is YOUR responsibility to keep informed as to what is legal in your area and the states. If you are unsure, ask someone of authority.
ALABAMA
There aren't codes dealing specifically with the suspension components; rather, you'll have to base your mods on the reflectors. They can't be more than 60 inches above the ground.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALASKA
Alaska is another state that bases it's laws on the lights, and in this case it's the distance from the headlights and taillights to the ground, which is 54 inches max and 24 minimum front and rear. One note: This state requires mudflaps. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARIZONA
It's all about mudflaps. Mudflap laws apply to trucks, but not SUVs. The rear fender's spashguards can't be more than 8 inches from the ground and must be wide enough, of course, to actually cover the full tread of the tires. However, 3/4-ton or lighter pickups are exempt, unless you've increased the OE bumper height. So, in other words, lift it, and you're stuck following the mudflap rules. Leave your pickup stock, and you can skip the flaps. Also keep in mind that empty or loaded, your truck can't be taller than 13 feet 6 inches. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARKANSAS
There's no law governing suspension upgrades, but there is a statute that restricts the height of headlights. They can't be lower than 24 inches or higher than 54 inches from the ground. However, overall height restriction is 13 feet 6 inches without permit, thereby limiting all those dreams you just had.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALIFORNIA
What you can do is dependent on the GVWR. If your truck's is 4,500 pounds, the maximum frame height is 27 inches. If the GVWR is 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 30 inches, and for 7,501- to 10,000 pounders, it's 31 inches. Also keep in mind that the lowest portion of the body floor can't be more than 5 inches above the top of the frame. More info. max headlight hieght is 54", max tail light hieght is 72", and the reflectors on your headlights can't be higher than 60". Max width of tires on the roads is 102", and if your GVWR is over 10,000 pounds there is no frame height rule.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLORADO
No altering from the OE design is allowed. Psych! It's not allowed unless you follow the rules: Headlights can't be more than 44 inches high, while taillights reach their limit at 72 inches. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONNECTICUT
Modifying the factory bumper height is OK, as long as you keep it at 30 inches from the ground, or lift the vehicle no more than 4 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DELAWARE
Short and sweet, without legal-eagle mumbo-jumbo: Don't let more than 30 inches get between the ground and the bottom of the bumper.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The headlamps on every motor vehicle (and that means your motorcycle too if you've got on) must stay below 54 inches, and each taillamp must not be higher than 72 inches. The low for the front is 24, and for the rear 15 - but we would hope you'd be altering your truck in the other direction.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLORIDA
If your truck's net weight is less than 2,000 pounds, the max bumper height is 24 inches front and 26 inches rear. If it's more than 2,000 but less than 3,000, it's 27 front and 29 rear. And if it hits the scales between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds, it's 28 and 30 inches. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEORGIA
If you modify the OE bumper more than 2 inches above (or below, for that matter) the manufacturer's spec, don't be surprised if you're cited.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAWAII
Hawaii also determines what's OK based on the GVWR. If your truck is 4,500 pounds or less, the from and rear bumpers' maximum height is 29 inches. If you're looking at 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 33 inches for both. And 7,501 to 10,000 pounds? Don't make them higher than 35 inches at either end. Also be aware that the allowable distance between the body and the framerail tops off at 3 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IDAHO
Lift laws here depend on GVWR - 4,500 pounds or less, the front bumper cab be up to 24 inches and the rear 26 inches. For 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 27 inches in front and 29 out back, and for 7,501 to 10,000 pounds, it's 28 and 30 inches. Interestingly enough, 4x4's and dual-wheel trucks with 10,000-pound or lighter GVWR can have 30-inch-tall bumpers up front and 31 in back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ILLINOIS
You can't lift the body from the chassis more than 3 inches. In terms of bumper height, a 4,500 pound GVWR or less and your front bumper can't go higher than 24 inches, and the rear must be no more than 26 inches. GVWRs between 4,501 and 7,500 mean 27 inches at the front and 29 at the rear. Finally. if your truck is between 7,501 and 9,000, the allowable altering is 28 and 30 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDIANA
Simply put, that bumper needs to stay within 3 inches of the factory height. Keep those headlights at 54 inches while your at it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IOWA
We've been told that Iowa has repealed requirements concerning lifted 4x4s. For now, that means that general height, weight, and width requirements that apply to all other vehicles in the state apply to your four-by. Translation: The height cannot exceed 13 feet 6 inches, and the width can't go beyond 8 feet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KANSAS
There aren't laws specifically about the suspension, but rather about headlight, taillamp, and reflectors. Headlights should be no higher than 54 inches (no lower than 24 inches), and the taillamps can't reach higher than than 72 inches (or below 15). Reflectors must be present front and rear (out back they can be incorporated into the light or stand alone) and can't be higher than 60 inches or lower than 15.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENTUCKY
Currently, there are no restrictions on terms of bumper height. The Kentucky General Assembly has addressed the issue before but, lo and behold, no one could agree on anything. Just keep it at what most mortals would call safe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOUISIANA
It's a headlight state. No matter what kind of motor vehicle you drive, the lights can't be higher than 54 inches. Alter the suspension however you deem fit, as long as the lights are up to code. FYI, foglights can't be higher than 30 inches from the ground. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAINE
1. Minimum and maximum frame end heights. A motor vehicle may not be operated on a public way or receive a certificate of inspection with a frame end height of less than 10 inches or with the frame end height lower than the vehicle was originally manufactured if originally manufactured to be less than 10 inches. A motor vehicle may not be operated on a public way or receive a certificate of inspection with a maximum frame end height based on the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating that is greater than:
A. [2005, c. 276, §2 (RP).]
B. For a vehicle of 4,500 pounds and less, 24 inches in the front and 26 inches in the rear; [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
C. For a vehicle of 4,501 pounds to 7,500 pounds, 27 inches in the front and 29 inches in the rear; and [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
D. For a vehicle of 7,501 pounds to 10,000 pounds, 28 inches in the front and 30 inches in the rear. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
Measurements must be taken from a level surface to the bottom of the frame end. For the purposes of this subsection, "frame end" means the point at which the frame rail terminates at the bumper assembly.
[ 2005, c. 276, §2 (AMD) .]
2. Modifications. A vehicle may not be modified to cause, under normal operation, the vehicle body or chassis to come into contact with the ground, expose the fuel tank to damage from collision or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body. The suspension and tire sizes of a vehicle may be modified pursuant to this chapter and rules established by the Chief of the State Police.
[ 2005, c. 276, §2 (AMD) .]
3. Suspension. Except as provided in this subsection or in subsection 2, an original suspension system may not be disconnected. This section does not prohibit the installation of heavy duty equipment, including shock absorbers and overload springs, or prohibit a person from operating on a public way a motor vehicle with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect control of the vehicle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARYLAND
No trucks or multipurpose vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less can be taller than 28 inches. A truck beyond 10,000 pounds - but not more that 18,000 pounds - can go beyond 30 inches (you Excursions owners just made it into that first grouping under the wire). Lift more than those 30, and you'll be ticketed and/or given a Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO) to fix the violation. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASSACHUSETTS
The violation is 90/7p. First offense is $35, second is $75, third is $150. Also an inspection station would fail the vehicle for a safety defect if the height is greater than 2" +/- from mfg specifications.
Chapter 90: Section 7P. Height of motor vehicles; alteration restricted
Section 7P. No person shall alter, modify or change the height of a motor vehicle with an original manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of up to and including ten thousand pounds, by elevating or lowering the chassis or body by more than two inches above or below the original manufacturer’s specified height by use of so-called “shackle lift kits” for leaf springs or by use of lift kits for coil springs, tires, or any other means or device.
The registrar shall establish rules and regulations for such changes in the height of motor vehicles beyond said two inches. No motor vehicle that has been so altered, modified or changed beyond the provisions of this section or the rules and regulations established by the registrar shall be operated on any way.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MICHIGAN
Lift blocks between the front axle and springs, or lift blocks that exceed 4 inches in height between the rear axle and springs, are not allowed. Shackle replacements cannot exceed OE length by more than 2 inches, and ixnay on the coil spring spacers. In terms of acceptable height, less than 4,501 GVWR, and your frame height cannot exceed 24 inches, and the bumper height can't go beyond 26 inches. For GVWR's between 4,501 and 7,500, those numbers are 24 and 28 inches. For 7,501 and 10,000-pound vehicles, keep the height at 26 and 30 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINNESOTA
The maximum legal height for bumpers is 25 inches from the bottom of the bumper to the ground. If you attach something to the bumper to make it conform to the legal height, it must be just as strong as the factory bumper or meet SAE standards. Simply bolting on pieces of wood or metal isn't gonna cut it folks. If you slap on a lift kit, you might actually be required to register your truck as a "reconstructed" vehicle, and that would mean you'll have to pay additional road-use tax and need an inspection where a new VIN would be applied.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI
No vehicle can be modified in any way that will put it over the state's 8-inch total-lift limit, and the maximum suspension lift front and rear is 6 inches (so make sure your big tires won't be over the limit if you raise the suspension that much).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSOURI
Here's another state that use GVWR as the bumper-height guideline. For vehicles 4,500 pouinds and under, the front bumper can't be taller than 24 inches and the rear must see no more than 26 inches. For 4,501 to 7,500 pounds, it's 27 inches in front and 29 rear, and for 7,501 to 9,000 pounds, it's 28 and 30 inches. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTANA
No laws here, but your truck will need the lighting requirement, which is that the headlights are no higher than 72 inches or lower than 15 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEBRASKA
There aren't any specific laws concerning lift kits, but mudflaps get all the attention. They must block the entire width of the tires. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEVADA We'll cut to the chase. The bumper height, be it front or rear, cannot go beyond 24 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW HAMPSHIRE
No vehicle's height (and we're talking loaded too), may be taller than 13 feet 6 inches. Don't change the height or alter the bumper in any way that would make it farther than 20 inches from the ground. More info.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW JERSEY
You can raise the suspension only 4 inches above stock height. Go any higher and your truck becomes classified as a "High Rise" and it must undergo a stability test at a state facility.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW MEXICO
The restrictions this state has are that headlamps can't be higher than 54 inches, and taillamps can't be higher than 72 inches. However, it's no-holds-barred on the type of lift used.
