NJ Laws Regarding Driving Trucks and SUVs That Are Lifted

It is common to see lifted trucks and SUVs on New Jersey roads. Drivers may decide to lift their trucks and SUVs because they think that it looks “cool” or because they think that it can enhance their vehicle’s performance. However, driving a truck or SUV that is lifted can be very dangerous, especially to other drivers and road users.

How are trucks and SUVs lifted?

Action Car and Truck Accessories explains that there are various ways to lift a truck or SUV. By lifting a truck, you are raising its height by at least a couple of inches. Here are two of the most popular ways to lift a truck or SUV:

1. A body lift kit: A body lift kit can usually raise a truck or SUV by about five inches. This process requires carefully disconnecting the battery, removing the frame, and placing blocks or spacers to ensure that the vehicle’s body remains lifted. Then, the battery is reconnected, the frame is reattached, and longer bolts are installed. Most people who are using body lift kits also purchase and install larger wheels.
2. A suspension lift kit: A suspension lift kit is a more in-depth and complex process. It typically involves replacing several of the vehicle’s parts, such as the springs and shocks, which allows the vehicle to be lifted by its axles and wheels. Those who use suspension lift kits can expect to have their vehicle lifted at least two inches and, at most, around 12 inches.

Another less popular and cheaper option to lift a truck or SUV is to use a leveling kit. A leveling kit is usually a more subtle and less obvious way to lift a vehicle, adding about one to two inches to its height. The purpose of a leveling kit is to level the front and rear of the truck or SUV until they are the same height.

What are the laws regarding driving trucks and SUVs that are lifted in Cherry Hill, NJ?

New Jersey has certain laws regarding driving lifted trucks and SUVs on roadways across the state. The following are some of the laws that you should know and be aware of:

• When any type of lift kit is installed, or alteration is made to a vehicle, it must be inspected and receive a certification saying that it has passed inspection and is safe to operate on the roadways. The type of certificate needed to legally drive a lifted vehicle is called an elevated vehicle approval certificate, which must be acquired within 30 days after lifting the vehicle.
• The height of a truck or SUV in New Jersey cannot exceed 13 feet and 6 inches. It also cannot exceed 102 inches wide or 40 feet long. This is important to keep in mind when installing or using a lift kit.
• If large tires are installed, they cannot be more than four inches larger in diameter than the original tires. They must also undergo inspection and approval. As long as the tires are considered safe and follow these rules, a certificate should be provided, stating that they are allowed to be used on the roadway. Keep in mind that vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less cannot have tires that exceed 38 inches or six inches larger than the largest standard-size tire offered by the manufacturer.
• Tires less than 72 inches apart and on axles are all required to be the same width and diameter.
• Front tires are required to be at least 60 percent as wide as rear tires.
• Tires are not allowed to rub on the suspension parts or components.

What are the dangers of lifted trucks and SUVs?

There are many dangers of lifted trucks and SUVs. Below, we will discuss a few ways that these vehicles can be dangerous to the driver and other road users.

• Light problems: When a lifted truck or SUV has its headlights on at night, the vehicle in front of them may feel like the lights are too bright or that they are being blinded. This is because the vehicle is likely much higher than normal-sized vehicles. In addition, those who drive lifted trucks or SUVs may be unable to see lights on other oncoming vehicles because they are a lot higher than them. Both of these situations can lead to severe and deadly crashes.
• Bicyclist and pedestrian issues: Since lifted trucks and SUVs are so far off the ground, these drivers may be unable to see vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists near their vehicles. Therefore, if a driver is traveling through a neighborhood in a lifted truck, they may think that they are clear to continue driving after stopping at a stop sign. Unfortunately, shorter pedestrians and children might be difficult for them to see, increasing the risk of severe accidents.
• Stopping difficulties: Lifting a truck or SUV changes its center of gravity. This can cause the truck or SUV to have a difficult time stopping. Therefore, if a sudden situation occurs, causing traffic to suddenly slow down or stop, there is a greater chance that the lifted truck or SUV will have trouble stopping, causing it to crash into the back of other vehicles.
• Higher risk of rollover accidents: Lifted trucks or SUVs are more likely to flip or roll over because of their higher center of gravity. Rollover accidents are some of the most serious and often cause severe and catastrophic injuries. Occupants may be ejected or thrown around within the vehicle, leading to devastating harm.
• More likely to cause severe and catastrophic rear-end damage: Lifted trucks and SUVs that collide into the back of a smaller vehicle are very likely to cause disastrous rear-end damage. Depending on how much higher the raised bumper is, it can completely demolish, destroy, or crush the back end of another vehicle and cause life-threatening injuries.

Other dangerous modifications that vehicle owners commonly make to their vehicles

Other dangerous modifications that Cherry Hill vehicle owners commonly make to their vehicles include:

• Window tinting: When windows are tinted too dark, other drivers may find it impossible to see the driver of the vehicle. The driver may also experience difficulties seeing in the dark or at night.
• Changing lights: When vehicle owners make their lights brighter, dimmer, or even change the color, they can create visibility issues for themselves and others.
• Installing loud stereo systems: Loud stereo systems are not only distracting but can also prevent the driver from hearing certain events or situations occurring near them. For example, if a driver is beeping the horn to warn them about something, they will likely not hear anything. Another example is if an ambulance approaches, they may not hear it and continue to be in the way.

At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill car accident attorneys take accidents with lifted trucks and SUVs very seriously. Even though you may have been driving carefully and cautiously around these vehicles, you unfortunately cannot control the actions and moves of other drivers. Therefore, if you have suffered injuries due to a driver being reckless or negligent in a lifted vehicle, our team can fight for you, your rights, and the compensation you need and deserve for your damages. We have strong advocates at our firm ready to hold the responsible parties accountable for their careless behaviors and demand that they pay every dime they owe you for your losses. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a meeting in Cherry Hill today. We serve all of South Jersey.