Virginia does not have a suspension lift limit or a frame height restriction, however, bumper height is regulated depending on the vehicle’s GVWR. As long as legal bumper height is maintained, vehicles are allowed to be equipped with suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards.
 Code |
The Virginia street legal laws are covered in the Code of Virginia (CV). |
CV Title 46.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Dimensions |
Vehicle size in Virginia is restricted to a maximum width of 102 inches, a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a maximum single vehicle length of 40 feet. |
CV 46.2-1105 CV 46.2-1110 CV 46.2-1112 |
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 Tires |
All tires on vehicles driven in Virginia must be without any bulges or exposed cords. There is a minimum tire tread depth requirement of 1/16 inch. Only tires that are specifically manufactured for grooving can be re-grooved. |
CV 46.2-1042 CV 46.2-1043 |
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 Wheels |
Virginia’s code does not have any regulations on wheels. |
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 Brakes |
Virginia requires that cars and trucks have brakes capable of stopping the vehicle from a speed of 20 mph within 25 feet. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is also required. |
CV 46.2-1067 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Steering |
Steering systems are not covered in Virginia’s code. |
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 Suspension |
Virginia’s laws prohibit the use of front lift blocks. |
CV 46.2-1064 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Frame |
Virginia does not have a frame height limit, however, the floor of a vehicle’s body cannot be more than 3 inches above the frame. |
CV 46.2-1063 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Bumpers |
Any vehicle registered in Virginia as a passenger vehicle has a maximum allowed bumper height depending on the vehicle’s GVWR. Vehicle GVWR Max. Bumper Height Under 4,501 Front: 28 inches | Rear: 28 inches 4,501 to 7,500 Front: 29 inches | Rear: 30 inches 7,501 to 15,000 Front: 30 inches | Rear: 31 inches ( Measured to the bottom of the bumper. ) |
CV 46.2-1063 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Fenders |
Virginia only requires fenders and mud flaps on commercial vehicles. |
CV 46.2-1083 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Lights |
In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in Virginia are allowed to have extra lights installed. The maximum number of lights that can be turned on at the front of a vehicle while driving is 4.
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CV 46.2-1011 CV 46.2-1013 CV 46.2-1019 CV 46.2-1020 CV 46.2-1020 |
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 Windows |
The laws in Virginia require vehicles to have windshields as well as windshield wipers. |
CV 46.2-1055 CV 46.2-1057 |
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 Exhaust |
In Virginia, vehicles are required to be equipped with mufflers and they cannot have any kind of exhaust cutout or bypass. |
CV 46.2-1049 CV 46.2-1047 |
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 Engine |
Virginia has a maximum hood scoop size of 1.125 inches tall, 38 inches wide, and 50.5 inches long. |
CV 46.2-1088 | ||||||||||||||||||||
 Emissions |
10 counties and cities in Virginia currently require emissions testing. |