In Virginia, a car can be compliant with the law despite being lowered as long as its specifications are in accordance with the law on bumper height, suspension system, and inspection. Virginia does not ban lowering cars outright.
State laws simply focus on the height of the vehicle, changes made in the suspension system and the safety of the car.
If a lowrider car, slammed car, or stanced car meets the requirements imposed by the state of Virginia related to bumper height, adequate suspension, ground clearance, and safety inspection, the vehicle can operate on public roads in the state. If a vehicle is too low, rubs the ground, hits the tires, or uses unsafe suspension parts, the vehicle may be illegal.
Virginia’s Bumper-Height Rule
Virginia Code § 46.2-1063 is the governing law on the matter. If a vehicle is registered as a passenger vehicle, the lowest point of the main horizontal bumper bar must be 14 to 22 inches above the ground. This does not include the bumper guards. In situations where a vehicle lacks a bumper, or a bumper has been lowered, officials measure from the bottom of the frame rail.
This is a very important principle because a lowered car can look safe while still being illegal, especially in the case of any problem with its bumper. It is suggested that drivers verify the height properly on a flat road with the car loaded the usual way and the suspension set to the normal driving position.
Different restrictions apply to transporting trucks that are registered. Depending on the weight rating as specified by the manufacturer, the permissible maximum bumper height of a truck can vary from 28 to 31 inches; however, the minimum is usually 14 inches. Thus, classification of the vehicle defines which restrictions apply.
The Car Cannot Contact the Ground
The height of the bumper is not the only thing to think about. Virginia’s code states that in addition to establishing bumper height limits, other illegal modifications include those that result in the body or chassis of a vehicle coming into contact with the ground, expose the fuel tank to impact damage, or allow wheel contact with the body when a vehicle is functioning normally. A suspension part cannot be modified solely to render the suspension unable to function safely.
As a result, a very low static setup can be illegal even if its bumper actually measures at least 14 inches. Tire rubbing, frame scraping, lack of suspension travel, or exposure of the fuel tank can each make the vehicle noncompliant individually.
Vehicle modification is illegal under the Act if the front bumper of the vehicle stands 4 inches higher than the level of the rear bumper of the same vehicle. The reason for this is that the Act is primarily based upon the uneven stance of the vehicle, which can easily be caused by the improper construction of the performance vehicle.
State Safety Inspection Requirements
A car that has been legally lowered still has to undergo Virginia’s periodic safety inspection. The inspector checks the steering and suspension of the car; some modifications cause the shock absorbers to perform poorly, narrow the turning radius, bypass steering safety systems, or make the chassis touch the ground.
A vehicle may also fail if:
- The wheels contact the body or frame during normal operation.
- A steering or suspension modification affects proper operation.
- An original suspension component has been disconnected.
- Springs are broken, sagging, or misaligned.
- Air bags are collapsed, leaking, or deflated.
Shocks and struts, control arms and bushings, spring-positioning equipment are having issue and need to be repaired right away by a specialist.
Coilovers, lowering springs, and suitably designed air suspension systems are not illegal by their nature. Whether or not they comply with the laws depends on proper installation, verification that the system functions properly, making sure body clearance is sufficient, and complying with height restrictions. Use of wrapped springs in combination with poorly working air suspension means a much higher chance of failing inspection.
Practical Bottom Line
In Virginia, a lowered car can be considered street legal as long as the bumper heights of the car stay between 14 and 22 inches for passenger cars, no contact occurs between the tires and the chassis or body of the car, and the body or chassis does not contact the ground during normal operation.
Owners should have a professional check the alignment and suspension of their vehicle after a lowering process, as well as get the bumper height measured before entering a public road. Passing an inspection doesn’t prevent issuance of a ticket later on if the ride height of the vehicle changes or if the adjustable suspension operates illegally.
This information is of a general nature and is not specific legal advice. A motorist with a citation or a modified vehicle needs to contact an attorney in Virginia or the Virginia State Police Safety Division concerning the specific setup of the modified vehicle.
