As one would expect, California has some of the most restrictive vehicle modification laws in the country. Suspension lifts are limited by California’s frame height law and body lifts are limited to 5 inches. Although somewhat restricted, suspension lift kits and body lift kits are allowed, as are aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards.
 Code |
California spells out its street legal laws in the California Vehicle Code (VC). |
CA VC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Dimensions |
In California, vehicles must be no larger than 102 inches wide, 14 feet tall, and 40 feet long for a single vehicle. |
VC 35100 VC 35250 VC 35400 |
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 Tires |
All tires on vehicles driven in California must be DOT approved and not have any bulges or exposed cords. There is a minimum tread depth of 2/16 inch for front tires and 1/16 inch for rear tires. It is prohibited to use re-grooved tires on the street. |
VC 27450 VC 27465 VC 27461 |
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 Wheels |
California’s vehicle code does not reference wheels, however, they do need to be safe for highway use. |
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 Brakes |
Vehicles driven in California 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. |
VC 26311 VC 27600 |
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 Steering |
California does not have any steering related laws. |
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 Suspension |
There are no significant suspension laws in California. |
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 Frame |
California has specific frame height limits depending on a vehicle’s GVWR. The measurement must be made to the bottom of the vehicle’s factory installed frame (sub-frame structures do not count.) The body of the vehicle is limited to being no higher than 5 inches above the top of the frame.
( Measured to the bottom of the frame. ) |
VC 24008.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Bumpers |
There are no bumper height restrictions in California. |
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 Fenders |
Fenders and mud flaps are both required in California. |
VC 27600 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Lights |
In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in California are allowed to have additional lights installed. When a vehicle is equipped with extra lighting, no more than 4 front lights can be on at one time while driving.
( Measured to the center of the light. ) Up to 8 off-road lights are allowed to be installed. They can be mounted no lower than 16 inches above the roadway and no higher than 12 inches above the roof. These lights must be covered when the vehicle is driven on the road. |
VC 24400 VC 24402 VC 24403 VC 24404 VC 24411 VC 24405 |
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 Windows |
California requires both windshields and windshield wipers. |
VC 26700 VC 26706 |
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 Exhaust |
In California, vehicles are required to be equipped with mufflers. Exhaust cutouts are not allowed to be installed. |
VC 27150 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Engine |
All engine changes must be reported to the California DMV within 10 days. The engine must be the same year or newer than the existing engine and it must comply to the new engine’s emissions standards. All engine upgrades and add-ons must be CARB approved. |
VC 4616 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Emissions |
California is famous for its very strict emissions standards. Biannual emissions testing is required. |