New Jersey Lift Laws new website

[NJLiftLaws]

Over the last few years my friends and I have had some challenges getting our rigs through New Jersey High Rise inspection. So we pooled our experiences and created a web page. We hope this helps other folks avoid the some of the pitfalls we had.

We'd like your feedback, corrections, omissions, etc . As incorrect information is worse then no information at all .

http://home.comcast.net/~kayaker121/NJLiftLaws.html

Feedback is welcome here, or via email on the page.

Hope this provides some assistance.
Thanks!!

 

[vetteboy]

That seems pretty complete and accurate IMO - I've done quite a bit of research into this stuff myself.

One thing you may want to include is the actual section from the New Jersey Administrative Code that pertains to the lift requirements, found under N.J.A.C. 13:20-37.3. This goes into a lot of detail and explanation for each of the conditions that are usually passed around as the lift laws. I found it at my local library (they should all have the complete N.J.A.C. available for public browsing), and I was able to photocopy that section, however I've since misplaced it. As my rig will be up for inspection again in November I've been meaning to go copy it again, and if I do I'll see if I can make it into a PDF (gotta check the copyright laws etc).

From what I remember reading, there are a few things that people fail for that you could theoretically appeal using the NJAC and get passed, but I don't know how you'd approach that exactly. I imagine the inspectors wouldn't be very helpful. I was given a phone number for the DMV headquarters in Trenton, supposedly this is where you go for the definite answer on any hi-rise inspection issues: 609-292-6500, x5063. I've never called it though.

I was also not able to get any information from the inspectors on what would constitute a reconstructed vehicle, and which if any lift laws would pertain to it. My XJ is pretty much the epitome of 'reconstructed' at this point, having 1-ton axles, backhalfed rear, 4-link and coil conversion in the rear, etc. I would be interested in finding out if I can get it registered as a reconstructed vehicle, with the idea being it's no longer a 'modified' XJ, but its own thing that can be evaluated as a complete package.

Thanks for the compilation, I'll post back about my own experiences as I get more information.

Where in NJ are you?

 

[vetteboy]

Never mind, the online archive has been updated since the last time I looked. I'll post it here. Massive amounts of text incoming...

 

[vetteboy]

13:20-37.1 Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.



"Chief Administrator" means the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.




"Frame" means the main longitudinal structural members of the chassis of the vehicle or, for vehicles with unitized body construction, the lowest main longitudinal structural members of the body of the vehicle.




"Gross vehicle weight rating" or "GVWR" means the value specified by a manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single or a combination (articulated) vehicle.




"Lift" means any modification or alteration, other than load, of the chassis, suspension, body, rims, or tire size which elevates the height of a motor vehicle.




"Motor Vehicle Commission" or "Commission" means the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission established by section 4 of P.L. 2003, c. 13 (N.J.S.A. 39:2A-4).




"Original manufacturer" means any company engaged in the manufacture or assemblage of motor vehicles which comply with all applicable United States Department of Transportation regulations for delivery to the first purchaser.




"Original vehicle height" or "OVH" means the highest distance inclusive of the largest tires and highest suspension available as standard or optional equipment for the particular vehicle from the original manufacturer. The distance shall be measured from the lowest edge of the centerline of the operator's door with the door closed, or from the lowest point where the door would meet the body on vehicles without doors, or from the lowest point on the floor panel directly below the operator's position on vehicles designed without doors, to the level surface on which the unladen vehicle rests.




"Wheel track" means the shortest distance between the centers of the tire treads on the same axle. The widest distance shall be calculated on vehicles having dissimilar track widths.

 

[vetteboy]

13:20-37.2 Elevation of original vehicle height of motor vehicle restricted; elevated vehicle approval certificate; special windshield decal; inspection

(a) No person shall operate on any highway of this State any motor vehicle registered in this State whose original vehicle height has been elevated by modifying the tire or rim size from the manufacturer's specifications or by elevating the chassis, suspension or body from the manufacturer's specifications by use of "shackle lift kits" for leaf springs or by use of lift kits for coil springs or by use of blocks or by any other device or means without an elevated vehicle approval certificate issued by the Chief Administrator, except that an elevation of the original vehicle height resulting exclusively from an increase in tire diameter that does not exceed four inches or, for motor vehicles which have been modified for snowplowing purposes, an elevation of the front suspension from the manufacturer's specifications that does not exceed two inches, shall not be subject to the requirements of this subchapter.




(b) In order to receive an elevated vehicle approval certificate and a special windshield decal from the Chief Administrator, the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle whose original vehicle height has been increased by elevating the chassis, suspension, body, rims or tire size from the manufacturer's specifications shall comply with the requirements of this subchapter, and such elevated vehicle shall successfully pass inspection to verify that it complies with the requirements of this subchapter and does not possess any modifications or alterations that would affect the safe operation of the vehicle.




(c) In order to receive an elevated vehicle approval certificate and a special windshield decal from the Chief Administrator, an inspection of the vehicle to determine compliance with this subchapter shall be conducted by the Motor Vehicle Commission. Such inspection shall occur within 30 days after the elevation of the vehicle or registration or renewal thereof, whichever occurs first. All inspections required by this subchapter shall be performed at a site or sites specifically authorized by the Chief Administrator to perform the type of inspection and tests required by this subchapter. Any test or inspection conducted at any other location shall be null and void.




(d) In addition to determining whether a vehicle complies with the specific requirements of this subchapter, an elevated vehicle shall fail inspection if any of the modifications affect the safe operation of the vehicle; are improperly installed; degrade the structural integrity of the vehicle or any of its component parts; modify the geometric angles on critical components from original manufacturer specifications likely to result in component failure; create the danger of leaks, cracks, or chafing of brake lines; cause brake lines to be of insufficient length, size, or durability; or cause any component that affects the safe operation of the vehicle to be less effective or more likely to fail in the performance of its designed function.




(e) Vehicles subject to inspection pursuant to this subchapter shall comply with all other applicable safety and emissions inspection requirements imposed by law or regulation in addition to complying with the inspection requirements imposed by this subchapter.

 

[vetteboy]

13:20-37.3 Requirements for elevated vehicle approval certificate

(a) To be approved pursuant to this subchapter, a motor vehicle shall meet the following standards:

1. The suspension system shall consist of the basic elements originally provided by the manufacturer and be geometrically arranged in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. No suspension system component shall be replaced unless the replacement component meets or exceeds the quality and performance standards established by the vehicle manufacturer. The vehicle shall have a suspension system that allows movement between the unsprung axles and wheels and the chassis body and shall be equipped with a shock-absorbing device at each wheel location. The suspension system shall be capable of providing a minimum relative motion of plus or minus two inches. When any corner of the vehicle is depressed and released, the damping device shall stop vertical body motion within two cycles. The use of spacer blocks between the front axle and leaf springs is prohibited.




2. Steering gear ratios and the number of turns necessary to rotate the steering wheel from the left stop position to the right stop position shall be in accordance with the original manufacturer's specifications within a tolerance of one-half turn. The distance between the wheel stop and the front axle shall be the same on both sides. The number of turns of the steering wheel from a straight ahead front tire position to right stop shall be equal to the number of turns of the steering wheel from a straight ahead front tire position to left stop within a tolerance of one-twelfth turn on either side of centerline. No modification of the motor vehicle shall obstruct or limit the turning radius of the motor vehicle.




3. Headlights shall be not less than 22 inches nor more than 54 inches from the level surface upon which the vehicle stands to the center line of the lamp. Tail-lights shall be not less than 15 inches nor more than 72 inches from the level surface upon which the vehicle stands to the center of the lamp. All lighting equipment shall meet the standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers and auxiliary off-road lights shall be equipped with opaque covers which shall be used to completely block any light at all times when the vehicle is operated on public roads.




4. License plates shall be not less than 12 inches nor more than 48 inches from the ground.




5. Brake lines and hoses shall conform to 49 C.F.R. 571.106 and shall be protected from excessive heat and vibration and be installed so as to prevent chafing and undue wear, stress, or unintentional disconnection during operation of the motor vehicle.




6. Where the vehicle was originally equipped by the manufacturer with bumpers, all bumpers shall be securely mounted, extend across the full width of the vehicle and be horizontal load-bearing bumpers attached to the vehicle frame to effectively transfer impact when engaged. Bumpers shall not have sharp edges or dangerous configurations. Bumpers shall be mounted to be no lower than 16 inches from the ground to the bottom of the bumper.




7. The maximum tire diameter for vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or under shall be 38 inches or six inches more than the maximum tire diameter available as standard or optional equipment for the particular vehicle from the original manufacturer, whichever is less. In determining compliance with this requirement, actual tire diameter shall be measured with the tires inflated to the manufacturer's specifications.




8. All tires on the same axle or on axles less than six feet apart shall be of the same tire size with respect to diameter and width. Each tire shall have a load carrying capacity specified by the tire manufacturer in excess of the intended maximum axle load divided by the number of tires on the axle. Each front tire shall measure a minimum of 60 percent of the tread width of the rear tires. Tires shall have a sufficient vertical and horizontal clearance so as not to rub on the chassis, body, suspension or other part of the vehicle while being operated. All tires shall be marked as approved for highway use as required by the United States Department of Transportation.




9. Fenders shall extend the full width of the tire tread and, in case the rear wheels are not covered by the fenders, body or other parts of the vehicle, the vehicle shall be equipped with suitable metal protectors or substantial flexible flaps so as to prevent the throwing of dirt, water or other debris on following vehicles. The metal protectors or flexible flaps shall be a standard type or design and installed in a manner which complies with the Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J682, incorporated herein by reference.




10. Fuel tanks which have become exposed as a result of elevating the vehicle shall be protected against damage from collision by some means of encasement. For vehicles equipped with a side-mounted fuel tank mounted outside the vehicle frame, a protective bar shall be installed to protect the fuel tank from being ruptured in case of collision.




11. All moving parts or exhaust system components which have become exposed as a result of elevating the vehicle shall be shielded to prevent injury to persons making contact with these parts.




12. Any ballast material used for the purpose of adding weight to the vehicle shall be permanently attached to the vehicle structure. No liquid or loose ballast is permitted.




13. Release of the steering wheel while the vehicle is in a sharp turn at a speed of between five to 10 miles per hour shall result in a distinct tendency for the vehicle to increase its turning radius.




14. The weight distribution between the two sides of an empty vehicle on level ground shall not exceed 45 percent/55 percent.




15. Spacers shall not be used to increase wheel track.

 

[vetteboy]

13:20-37.6 Maximum lift

(a) No motor vehicle shall be elevated by any means, including, but not limited to, elevation of the chassis, suspension, body, rims, or tire size, to create a lift with the vehicle unladen in excess of the following amounts based on the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle:

GVWR

Maximum Lift
4,500 pounds or under

7 inches above OVH
4,501 to 7,500 pounds

9 inches above OVH
7,501 to 10,000 pounds

11 inches above OVH








(b) In determining compliance with this section, the distance shall be measured from the lowest edge of the centerline of the operator's door with the door closed, or from the lowest point where the door would meet the body on vehicles without doors, or from the lowest point on the floor panel directly below the operator's position on vehicles designed without doors, to the level surface on which the unladen vehicle rests.




(c) Any vehicle equipped with adjustable lifts, including, but not limited to, hydraulic or air adjustable lifts, shall comply with the requirements of this subchapter when tested and measured with the lift devices in both their lowest and highest height positions. Adjustable lifts shall be installed in such a manner to prevent height modifications or alterations while the vehicle is in motion.

 

[vetteboy]

13:20-37.7 Procedure for testing elevated vehicles

(a) The track width of the front and rear axles shall be measured from the centers of the tread of the outermost tires on the same axle. The front track width shall be added to the rear track width and the sum shall be divided by two to give the average track width.




(b) The side to side weight distribution shall be calculated with the vehicle empty on level ground. The distribution shall not exceed 45 percent/55 percent as set forth in 13:20-37.3(a)14.




(c) One side of the vehicle should be raised to a static relative angle of 15 degrees plus or minus 1/2 degree from horizontal.




(d) The weight of the vehicle shall be measured on the unraised side.




(e) The maximum permissible weight on the unraised side is 62.4 percent of the total vehicle weight multiplied by twice the unraised side's weight percentage as determined in (b) above.

 

[NJLiftLaws]

This revised NJAC is a vast improvement over what we used to build the site. I believe we used a 2000 version. Thank you very much for posting this; We are updating the site to include this information.

We had an issue with ACOS adjustable spacers in June. While not hydraulic or pneumatic, it did raise eyebrows. I had this discussion with Dan at Winslow several years ago. So I cited that discussion with the inspector. We passed without problems.

We've called 609-292-6500 a few times always with poor results. Asbury provided the name and number of an engineer in Trenton that apparently reviews pending NJAC vehicle requirements. We contacted this person regarding coilovers as we've heard mixed answers for years. He was very helpful, even suggesting we email photos/specifications for review. I'll see if I still have that contact and PM you.

I had a general discussion with an inspector at Asbury in June concerning reconstructed vehicles. While he provided general information, I couldn't pull any real specifics out of him.

We are located primarily in northern Jersey with one guy close to Morristown. I'll see if he can swing by inquiring on reconstruction. The last time he contacted Morristown they were actually helpful.

 

[vetteboy]

Dan's a good guy, he actually used my XJ back in Sept. '05 to train the new guys at Asbury. That was the last inspection he was involved with, then he left to go do the roadside/mobile unit. I had a bunch of good conversations with him about inspection stuff.

If you have the contact info for the guy in Trenton I'd be interested in talking with him as well...also please post back with anything you can find on the reconstructed requirements.

I'm down near Red Bank, about 20-30 minutes from the Asbury station.

 

[Rob Mayercik]

Gee, could they be any less specific as to what constitutes "off-road lights"? I'd almost think they'd consider my Hella 550s to be off-road lights:

A few years back, some numbnutz at a regular inspection station insisted my driving lights were fog lights and I had to rewire my driving lights to come on with the low beams to pass (at the time, I was running "Blazer" brand lights from Wal-Mart, and hadn't kept the packaging). After getting home, I rewired them back to going with the high beams so every driver coming past me didn't flash me because they thought my highs were on! (I set up the wiring so it's just a matter of switching a fuse from one holder to another to change the trigger signal, due to this nonsense).

I understand requiring fogs to be on with the low beams, but to equate driving lights to foglights is just dumb.

Rob

 

[SeansBlueXJ]

Can someone clarify for me what this "door sill hight measurement" is where exactly are they going off of? I know I have a 2.5'' suspension lift on 31's but i dont trust joe smho to know that when i go through regular inspection. So i would rather be prepared to argue with them.

 

[lobsterdmb]

I went through regular inspection with the spinnaker blue jeep. It has a 3.5" RE lift and 31's. The inspectors didn't question a thing. My jeep, however, on 34's with a 5inch lift was taken for the special inspection.

 

[NJLiftLaws]

If you have the contact info for the guy in Trenton I'd be interested in talking with him as well...also please post back with anything you can find on the reconstructed requirements.

Vette - Will do

 

[NJLiftLaws]

Gee, could they be any less specific as to what constitutes "off-road lights"? I'd almost think they'd consider my Hella 550s to be off-road lights:

While we can't say specifically why an inspector made the call they did, we would suspect it was because the lights were not DOT/SAE approved. Generally any lighting that does not contain either a DOT and/or SAE stamping on the lens is considered by the industry as 'off road'. This simply means the lights have not been approved for use on public U.S. roadways. This tends to be nationally recognized standard.

The above (generally) includes all secondary lighting available from most manufactures. The four other common reasons lighting sources tend to fail is:

1) The beam angle is incorrect
2) The light output is found to exceed 55 watts (auxiliary ligthing is normally restricted to 55 watts which is the same as your low beams)
3) The lighting color (measured in lumens) is found to outside the acceptable range
4) The lighting source is mounted too high or too low on the vehicle.

N.J.A.C. allows vehicles to run up to two sets (I.E. pairs) of auxiliary lighting. So having the secondary lighting is not a problem. Any lighting that is not DOT/SAE approved, must be covered by opaque shields when operated on public roadways.

Disclaimer: We not associated in any way with any aspect of NJ government. We are a small group of private individuals with the goal of helping people navigate the challenges of high rise. Contact a Specialty Station for official information, as they are the authoritative governing body.

 

[NJLiftLaws]

Can someone clarify for me what this "door sill hight measurement" is where exactly are they going off of?

Taken from 13:20-37.6 Maximum lift
(b) In determining compliance with this section, the distance shall be measured from the lowest edge of the centerline of the operator's door with the door closed, or from the lowest point where the door would meet the body on vehicles without doors, or from the lowest point on the floor panel directly below the operator's position on vehicles designed without doors, to the level surface on which the unladen vehicle rests.

Disclaimer: We not associated in any way with any aspect of NJ government. We are a small group of private individuals with the goal of helping people navigate the challenges of high rise. Contact a Specialty Station for official information, as they are the authoritative governing body.

 

[NJLiftLaws]

In addiition to what Vetteboy provided (againi huge thanks on this), we added additional sub-chapters last night.

13:20-37.3 Requirements for elevated vehicle approval certificate
13:20-37.4 Standards for vehicles with elevated height
13:20-37.8 Method of measurement

Over the weekend we plan to add a few more as well.

Disclaimer: We not associated in any way with any aspect of NJ government. We are a small group of private individuals with the goal of helping people navigate the challenges of high rise. Contact a Specialty Station for official information, as they are the authoritative governing body.

 

[Rob Mayercik]

While we can't say specifically why an inspector made the call they did, we would suspect it was because the lights were not DOT/SAE approved. Generally any lighting that does not contain either a DOT and/or SAE stamping on the lens is considered by the industry as 'off road'. This simply means the lights have not been approved for use on public U.S. roadways. This tends to be nationally recognized standard.

The above (generally) includes all secondary lighting available from most manufactures.

The exact exchange I had with the inspector (word for word) was as follows:

him: "Fog lights can only come on with the low beams"
me: "They're not fog lights, they're drving lights."
him: "Fog lights can only come on with the low beams" (brick wall mode)

The four other common reasons lighting sources tend to fail is

1) The beam angle is incorrect

Do you mean aim, or pattern? They don't check aim on headlights any more, why would they on driving lights?

2) The light output is found to exceed 55 watts (auxiliary ligthing is normally restricted to 55 watts which is the same as your low beams)

All I saw them do was toggle high and low beams. I didn't see any measurement of the brightness take place. At the time, I was running 55w lobeams, and the Blazers had their original 55w bulbs in them (I was never asked about wattage).

3) The lighting color (measured in lumens) is found to outside the acceptable range

The driving lights were to the naked eye identical in color to the headlight beams.

4) The lighting source is mounted too high or too low on the vehicle.

Maybe this was the problem? I installed my driving lights were the factory would have put the fogs on my '92.

N.J.A.C. allows vehicles to run up to two sets (I.E. pairs) of auxiliary lighting. So having the secondary lighting is not a problem. Any lighting that is not DOT/SAE approved, must be covered by opaque shields when operated on public roadways.

Once I switched them to trigger with the lows, they never bothered me again about them, and never once insisted that they be covered. (and I only run one set of lights beyond factory config.

I've looked at the NJ MV code, and there's no mention of driving lights that I could find. I found foglights mentioned though. Some day I'm going to back some MVC person into a corner just to get a straight answer, though.

Thanks for the information.

 

[xj4fun]

[
a regular inspection station insisted my driving lights were fog lights and I had to rewire my driving lights to come on with the low beams to pass

I understand requiring fogs to be on with the low beams, but to equate driving lights to foglights is just dumb.

I'll jump in and take a stab at this. I don't believe you can legally tie any extra lighting to your high beams . All the vehicles I've ever driven tie secondary lighting solely into low beam. So if you had them tied into your high beams that's why (I think) you got nailed. Wouldn't matter what type of lighting it was.

I have totally separate switches for all of my light sources. The only time I ever had an issue was when I had switches for my backup lighting mounted on the dash face. I was told switches controlling rear lighting had be in the back of the truck. I guess this prevented them from being used while driving. Of course if something hit the switch (while driving) they still turn on and there would be no warning. I built an overhead shelf using Carling LED switches. This way they are out of normal reach and if turned on, I see it on the spot.

As for confusing driving and fog lights, I agree it's normally pretty easy to tell the difference.

 

[Rob Mayercik]

I'll jump in and take a stab at this. I don't believe you can legally tie any extra lighting to your high beams . All the vehicles I've ever driven tie secondary lighting solely into low beam. So if you had them tied into your high beams that's why (I think) you got nailed. Wouldn't matter what type of lighting it was.

Good guess, but as I said just above, the guy told me, "fog lights can only come on with the low beams". He seemed to not know (or care) that these weren't fog lights.

The wiring instructions that came with my Hellas direct the user to tie to the high beams to trigger the driving lights. Isn't the point of driving lights to enhance your high beams?