In the United States, each state has the power to determine through laws and regulations what types of vehicles are allowed on public roads based on police power. Vehicles that are considered road-legal in the United States include cars, trucks, and motorcycles. [8] Some vehicles that are not typically sold for on-road use – such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and golf carts – may be adapted for road traffic if permitted by state law. [9] [10] While some of your car`s functions may seem necessary to operate the car, most of these features are also necessary for the car to be considered road-legal, such as: Brighter isn`t always better. Some LED lights can dazzle oncoming drivers. Check your state`s headlight laws before changing your car`s light bulbs. In general, states specify different types of approved bulbs, light covers, and headlight positioning to prevent glare by law. 3. The target areas defined by the original vehicle manufacturer for a part on a line shall be maintained throughout the production of that line, unless a new design of the part makes it impossible to mark the part in the original target area. In the event of a recast, the original vehicle manufacturer shall inform NHTSA and the new destination area in accordance with the requirements set out in point (e)(2) of this Section. Windshield wipers are crucial in bad weather, snowy or rainy so you can see clearly while driving. It is illegal to drive a car without a windshield wiper. Not only does your car`s hood protect engine components, but a hood is required by law to be considered “road legal.” In most states, hood changes are also regulated.
For example, air intakes and hood scoops should not be more than 4 inches above the hood surface. States impose traffic law requirements to ensure the safety of drivers on the roads. While traffic laws vary from state to state, there are certain general safety features, emission control systems, and registration requirements that all cars in all states must consider legal on the road. Legal traffic, road registration or road driving refers to a vehicle such as a car, motorcycle or light truck that is equipped and approved for use on public roads and is therefore roadworthy. This requires specific configurations of lighting, traffic lights and safety equipment. Some special vehicles that do not travel on the road therefore do not require all the characteristics of a road-approved vehicle. Examples are a vehicle that is not used off-road (for example, a sand rail) that is towed to its off-road use area, and a race car that is only used on closed race tracks and therefore does not need all the features of a road-approved vehicle. In addition to motor vehicles, the road law distinction in some jurisdictions also applies to racing bicycles that do not have road-approved brakes and lights.
Road homologation rules can even affect racing helmets whose field of vision is too narrow to be used on the road without the risk of neglecting a fast vehicle. [1] Most car requirements are largely uniform across U.S. states. [11] A notable exception is California`s emissions controls, which are traditionally stricter than in other states. [12] Common requirements for motor vehicles include structure (e.g. bonnet) and safety equipment (e.g. headlights and bumpers). [13] Common requirements for motorcycles include exterior mirrors and a seat reserved for the carriage of one passenger. [14] However, conditions vary greatly with other devices such as turn signals. [14] Find out the facts before you get in your car to drive or make changes. If some of these traffic laws have surprised you, contact your local motor vehicle department to find out the traffic laws in your state.
Driving a homologated car on the road means that your vehicle has all the equipment or features required by law to drive the vehicle on public roads. As a general rule, traffic laws ensure that all vehicles are equipped with safety equipment and emission control systems. Traffic laws vary from state to state, so check with your local Motor Vehicle Department (DMV) for your state`s requirements before driving your car on the road. Many, but not all, U.S. vehicle models are eligible for importation into Canada, but must meet requirements such as daytime running lights (standard on vehicles on the Canadian market since 1991, but not required in the U.S.), immobilizers and anchorage points for child seats. [2] Cars from other countries (e.g. United Kingdom) are generally not eligible because the standards differ too much from those of Canada. [3] Increasing or lowering the height of your car may be illegal depending on how high you go, as it changes the vehicle`s handling and performance. Check your condition`s height restrictions before modifying your car. As a general rule, states do not allow elevators larger than 4 inches. To control pollution, the federal government requires that all “road-legal” cars be equipped with a muffler and exhaust gas cleaning system. The exhaust system components shall be securely mounted on the vehicle at the rear of all doors and windows, but less than 15 inches in front of the rearmost part of the vehicle.
Exhaust systems should not be temporarily repaired or repaired, as a temporary repair could lead to leaks. In 1968, the federal government required all new cars to be equipped with seat belts. Not only are seat belts mandatory for a “road-legal” car, but with the exception of New Hampshire, all states require adult passengers in the front seat to wear seat belts. In up to 30 states, adult rear passengers must wear seat belts. Seat belt laws regulations vary from state to state, but it`s best to always fasten your seat belt before moving your car. If you`re a car lover, you know that driving isn`t the only thrill you`re looking for. Car enthusiasts often like to make, modify and rebuild cars. Maybe you want higher ground clearance, flashy appearance, or stronger performance. But do some of these changes no longer make your car “street legal”? Let`s take a look at some common and illegal car modifications. It seems obvious that your car needs to be equipped with brakes, but most “road legal” laws also require your vehicle to have a working parking brake. If you are heard, you can not only be noticed, but also get a ticket.
In most states, it is illegal to tamper with your car`s exhaust system due to pollution control. However, the emissions control system also dampens noise, and many states dictate that your car`s exhaust should produce no more than 90 decibels of volume. Check before making any changes, as Texas, for example, does not have “legal street noise” regulations. Winter motorcyclists are all too familiar with studded tires to provide extra grip in the snow. But some car enthusiasts like the cosmetic look of studded tires. Whether you add studs for function or road appeal, studded tires are illegal in most states during the warmer months. Studded tires can easily slip on dry surfaces and pose a risk to you and other drivers on the roads. The state of Florida has a few variations of the general “legal street” requirements for your car: It`s not illegal to add a little bling to your license plate. Just make sure that the frame of your license plate does not obscure the possibility of reading the country of origin of the license or one of the numbers or letters represented on the plate. The application of state emission control varies from state to state, so check with your local motor vehicle department (DMV) for your state`s emissions requirements.