How high can you lift a truck or jeep in NC? What state law says about lift kits
In North Carolina, lift kits are a popular vehicle modification for people who drive trucks and off-road vehicles.
The benefits of a lift kit include improved ground clearance, easier access to a vehicle’s underbody, ability to install larger tires and a better view behind the wheel.
But some have laws that enforce height limits, while others require a lifted vehicles to have specific safety features.
Here’s what to know about lift kit laws in North Carolina.
How high can you lift a vehicle in NC?
There are no restrictions in place for body lifts or suspension systems for lifted vehicles in North Carolina, according to PowerNationTV.com, an online resource for automotive information.
However, state law says vehicles cannot exceed a height of 14 feet.
The law also says that those who own vehicles taller than 12 feet six inches are responsible for any damage caused by excessive height.
Other states, such as California, Delaware and Georgia limit suspension lifts to just a few inches, according to PowerNationTV.com.
Are any lift modifications illegal in NC?
Yes. A North Carolina law that went into effect in December 2021 bans truck and SUV owners from following a popular vehicle modification trend known as the “Carolina Squat.”
The modification installs a suspension lift in the front part of a truck or SUV, while the rear is either untouched or lowered, Austin Carrigan, head of sales for Carolina Custom, told the Charlotte Observer in 2021.
Under the law, passenger vehicles cannot be operated on highways if “by alteration of the suspension, frame or chassis, the height of the front fender is four or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender.”
Violators of the law can have their license revoked after a third or subsequent conviction of operating a vehicle with the illegal modifications, The News & Observer reported.
This story was originally published July 25, 2024 at 11:47 AM.
