§1920. Vehicle frame height

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. [PL 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;   [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]

C. For a vehicle of 4,501 pounds to 7,500 pounds, 28 inches in the front and 30 inches in the rear;   [PL 2019, c. 335, §2 (AMD).]

D. For a vehicle of 7,501 pounds to 10,000 pounds, 30 inches in the front and 32 inches in the rear;   [PL 2019, c. 335, §2 (AMD).]

E. For a vehicle of 10,001 pounds to 11,500 pounds, 31 inches in the front and 33 inches in the rear; and   [PL 2019, c. 335, §3 (AMD).]

F. For a vehicle of 11,501 pounds to 13,000 pounds, 32 inches in the front and 34 inches in the rear.   [PL 2019, c. 335, §4 (NEW).]

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.

[PL 2019, c. 335, §§2-4 (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.

[PL 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.

[PL 2005, c. 276, §2 (AMD).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1993, c. 683, §A2 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 683, §B5 (AFF). PL 2003, c. 144, §1 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 276, §2 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 30, §2 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 335, §§2-4 (AMD).