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District of Columbia Lift Laws and Vehicle Equipment Laws
D.C.'s street legal laws are not as complete as most states. There are no laws that restrict a vehicle's suspension, frame height, or bumper height. As such, it is probably safe for drivers to install suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards.
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Code |
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D.C.'s street legal laws are covered in the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR). |
DCMR Title 18
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Dimensions |
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Vehicle size in D.C. is restricted to a maximum width of 96 inches, a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a maximum single vehicle length of 40 feet. |
DCMR 18-2501
DCMR 18-2502
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Tires |
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All tires on vehicles driven in D.C. must be in safe operating condition, without any bulges or exposed cords. There is no listed minimum tire tread depth. It is not clear if tire grooving is allowed. |
DCMR 18-732
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Wheels |
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The street legal laws of D.C. do not cover wheels. |
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Brakes |
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Cars and trucks driven in D.C. are required to have brakes on all 4 wheels. The brakes must be capable of stopping the vehicle from a speed of 20 mph within 30 feet. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is also required. |
DCMR 18-720
DCMR 18-724
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Steering |
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D.C. does not have any specific rules for a vehicle's steering system. |
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Suspension |
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There are currently no suspension lift limits or suspension modification restrictions listed in the laws of D.C. |
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Frame |
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At this time, there are no vehicle frame height limitations in D.C. |
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Bumpers |
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Front bumpers are required in D.C. |
DCMR 18-733
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Fenders |
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In D.C., fenders are not allowed to be extended or made wider than the original design. |
DCMR 18-733
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Lights |
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In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in D.C. are allowed to have additional lighting.
When a vehicle is equipped with extra lighting, no more than 4 front lights can be on at one time while driving.
Light |
Number |
Min. Height |
Max. Height |
Headlights |
2 min. |
24 inches |
54 inches |
Tail lights |
1 min. |
15 inches |
72 inches |
Spot lights |
2 max. |
n/a |
n/a |
Fog lights |
2 max. |
12 inches |
30 inches |
Aux. passing lights |
2 max. |
24 inches |
42 inches |
Aux. driving lights |
2 max. |
16 inches |
42 inches |
( Measured to the center of the light. )
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DCMR 18-704
DCMR 18-705
DCMR 18-711
DCMR 18-718
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Windows |
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It is unknown if D.C. requires vehicles to be equipped with windshields, yet, windshield wipers are mandatory. |
DCMR 18-731
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Exhaust |
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The D.C. code does not specifically state that a muffler is required, however, removal of any part of the factory installed emissions system is prohibited. |
DCMR 18-750
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Engine |
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It is unclear whether or not D.C. has any engine swap or engine performance modification rules. |
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Emissions |
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D.C. does not currently require emissions testing. |
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