Illinois Lift Laws and Vehicle Equipment Laws
Illinois completes the triple-crown of suspension modification restrictions: There is a suspension lift limit, a maximum frame height limit and a bumper height limit. Although restricted, suspension lift kits are allowed in Illionis, as are aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards.
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Code |
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The Illinois Compiled Statutes (ICS) define the street legal laws for the state. |
ICS 625-5
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Dimensions |
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Vehicle dimensions in Illinois are limited to a width of 102 inches, a height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a single vehicle length of 42 feet. |
ICS 625-5-15-102
ICS 625-5-15-103
ICS 625-5-15-107
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Tires |
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Illinois requires that all tires be in safe condition. Tires must not have any exposed cords or bulges. There is a minimum tire tread depth of 1/16 inch. Tires are allowed to be grooved, just not any deeper than the original tread depth. |
ICS 625-5-12-405
ICS 625-5-12-402
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Wheels |
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There are no laws specifically related to wheels found in the Illinois statutes. |
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Brakes |
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Vehicles driven in Illinois 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. |
ICS 625-5-12-301
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Steering |
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Illinois does not have any specific steering related laws. |
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Suspension |
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A vehicle's suspension cannot be modified so that it causes the vehicle's bumper to be raised or lower more than 3 inches. |
ICS 625-5-12-607
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Frame |
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The maximum vehicle frame height in Illinois depends on the vehicle's GVWR. The lowest portion of the vehicle's body must not be more than 4 inches above the frame.
Vehicle GVWR |
Max. Frame Height |
Under 4,500 |
24 inches |
4,501 to 7,500 |
26 inches |
7,501 to 10,000 |
28 inches |
( Measured to the bottom of the frame. )
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ICS 625-5-12-607
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Bumpers |
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Front and rear bumpers are required in Illinois. Bumper heights are limited according to the vehicle's GVWR.
Vehicle GVWR |
Max. Bumper Height |
Under 4,500 |
Front: 24 inches | Rear: 26 inches |
4,501 to 7,500 |
Front: 27 inches | Rear: 29 inches |
7,501 to 9,000 |
Front: 28 inches | Rear: 30 inches |
Over 9,000 |
Front: 28 inches | Rear: 30 inches |
( Measured to the bottom of the bumper. )
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ICS 625-5-12-608
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Fenders |
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Mud flaps are required on pickup trucks in Illinois. |
ICS 625-5-12-710
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Lights |
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In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in Illinois are allowed to have auxiliary lights.
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. |
n/a |
n/a |
Tail lights |
2 min. |
n/a |
n/a |
Spot lights |
1 max. |
n/a |
n/a |
Fog lights |
Allowed |
n/a |
n/a |
Aux. driving lights |
3 max. |
12 inches |
42 inches |
( Measured to the center of the light. )
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ICS 625-5-12-201
ICS 625-5-12-207
ICS 625-5-12-211
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Windows |
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All vehicles are required to have windshields and windshield wipers in Illinois. |
ICS 625-12-501
ICS 625-12-503
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Exhaust |
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Mufflers are required on all vehicles in Illinois. Exhaust cutouts and bypasses are prohibited. |
ICS 625-12-602
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Engine |
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It is unclear whether or not Illinois has any engine swap or engine performance modification rules. |
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Emissions |
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Several counties in Illinois currently require emissions testing. |
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