IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Lift Kits in New York

Conditional

New York sets no suspension-lift or frame-height limit, but passenger vehicles must have front and rear bumpers with some part of each between 16 and 20 inches above the ground.

Verified against primary sources · September 2026

What the law says

This is a safety-inspection equipment standard; historical-registered vehicles are exempt. The DMV form cites no statutory section, and the rule is statutory: VTL § 375(48)(b) requires some part of each bumper between 16 and 20 inches above the ground (historical vehicles exempt).

Specific Limits

Lift limit
none in the Vehicle and Traffic Law
Bumper band
some part of each bumper between 16 in and 20 in above the ground

Statute

N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 375(48); NY DMV form MV-529

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lift kits legal in New York?
New York sets no suspension-lift or frame-height limit, but passenger vehicles must have front and rear bumpers with some part of each between 16 and 20 inches above the ground.
What are the exact lift kits limits in New York?
Lift limit: none in the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Bumper band: some part of each bumper between 16 in and 20 in above the ground. Source: N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 375(48); NY DMV form MV-529.

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