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Vehicle Equipment

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1. I am replacing my rear bumper. What must I follow?

All cars and light trucks must have a rear bumper attached the same way it came from the manufacturer. (Transportation Order 305.56)

2. What is the height requirement for vehicle bumpers?

For cars, the requirement is two-inches plus or minus from the manufacturers original specifications.

Pickup trucks may have up to four-inches plus for tires, and five-inches plus for suspension for a combination of an additional nine-inches over the manufacturers original specifications.

3. What are the limitations concerning tinted windows?

The tinting density can not exceed 50% on front side windows or 65% on rear windows. The Traffic Unit can test your vehicle’s windows with its tinting meter.

4. May I operate with a cracked windshield?

Yes, depending on where the crack is. It cannot be in the critical area (windshield wiper area). Transportation Code 305.32 & 305.34.

5. Is it illegal to have decals on my windshield?

Stickers authorized by law (i.e., state park stickers or others issued by a government agency) are allowed four (4) inches up from the bottom of the windshield. SBB MVD 5.51

6. May I operate without a rear view mirror?

No, there must be a rear view mirror located inside the vehicle. A left outside rear view mirror is also required. (Transportation Order 305.26)

7. Is it legal to operate my vehicle with things hanging from my rear view mirror?

No, it is considered an obstruction of view.

8. When may I operate my fog lights? Off road lights?

During inclement weather with two headlamps (no more than four lights on). Off road lamps mounted outside of restrictions listed in the statute cannot be operated on roads and must be covered.

9. May I have a red light visible in my vehicle?

Yes, for Firemen, EMT's, etc. only. However, the red light does not give you the right to disobey the law when driving.

10. Is it legal to drive with your dome light on?

Yes, however, it is more difficult to see at night with a light on in the vehicle. The light affects night vision. Inattentive driving may be involved, depending why the driver has the light on.

11. Is it legal to flash your bright lights at another vehicle to get them to turn their bright lights off?

Yes, but only intermittently if you are within 500 feet of the oncoming vehicle, whose high-beam headlamps are lit.

12. I have auxiliary lights mounted above the cab of my pickup. Are there restrictions?

Yes. They cannot be used for highway use. They must be covered.

13. When is a tire considered to be illegal?

If the tire is worn to the point where part of the ply or cord construction is exposed, or there is less than 2/32 inch tread depth measured at two points no less than 15 inches apart in any major tread groove, at or near the center of the tire.

14. How does tire size affect speed?

One tire size may increase speed 5%.

15. How far may tires stick out past the fender wall?

Two inches.

16. How high can I "lift" my vehicle?

Four inches.

17. Where may I have my speedometer checked?

Check listings in the Yellow Pages, under "Speedometer."