Michigan Lift Laws and Vehicle Equipment Laws

By Ben Brazda

Last updated:

Michigan has street legal laws that limit a vehicle’s frame height and bumper height. Lift blocks are not allowed on front springs, and rear lift blocks are limited to 4 inches. While keeping within these restrictions, Michigan drivers are allowed to install suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards.

Governing Laws
Code

The Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) define the street legal laws for the state.

MCL Ch. 257
Vehicle Dimensions
Dimensions

Vehicle dimensions in Michigan are limited to an overall width of 102 inches, a height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a single vehicle length of 45 feet. The width of a vehicle’s body is limited to 96 inches.

MCL 257-717
MCL 257-719
Tire Restrictions
Tires

Michigan 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.

MCL 257-710
Wheel Restrictions
Wheels

There are no laws specifically related to wheels found in Michigan’s laws.

Braking Requirements
Brakes

Vehicles driven in Michigan 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.

MCL 257-705
Steering Laws
Steering

Michigan requires that a vehicle’s steering system retains the factory geometry. It is unlawful to weld on pitman arms, drag links, or tie rods.

MCL 257-710C
Suspension Laws
Suspension

In Michigan, front lift blocks are prohibited. Rear lift blocks must be one piece and cannot be more than 4 inches tall. Spring shackles cannot be more than 2 inches longer than stock.

MCL 257-710C
Frame Requirements
Frame

The maximum vehicle frame height in Michigan depends on the vehicle’s GVWR.

Vehicle GVWR Max. Frame Height
Under 4,501 24 inches
4,501 to 7,500 24 inches
7,501 to 10,000 26 inches

( Measured to the bottom of the frame at midway between front and rear axles. )

MCL 257-710C
Bumper Restrictions
Bumpers

Vehicle bumper height in Michigan is limited according to the vehicle’s GVWR.

Vehicle GVWR Max. Bumper Height
Under 4,501 26 inches
4,501 to 7,500 28 inches
7,501 to 10,000 30 inches

( Measured to the bottom of the bumper at highest point. )

MCL 257-710C
Fender Requirements
Fenders

It unknown if fenders or mud flaps are required in Michigan.

Lighting Requirements
Lights

In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in Michigan 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. 24 inches 54 inches
Tail lights 1 min. n/a n/a
Spot lights 2 max. n/a n/a
Fog lights 2 max. 12 inches 30 inches

( Measured to the center of the light. )

MCL 257-685
MCL 257-686
MCL 257-969
MCL 257-685
Window Laws
Windows

All vehicles are required to have windshields and windshield wipers in Michigan.

MCL 257-708A
MCL 257-709
Exhaust Requirements
Exhaust

Mufflers are required on all vehicles in Michigan. Exhaust cutouts and bypasses are prohibited.

MCL 257-707
Engine Swap Rules
Engine

It is unclear whether or not Michigan has any engine swap or engine performance modification rules.

Emissions Testing
Emissions

Michigan does not require emissions testing.


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