Lowering in Ohio
Ohio does restrict lowering: the body or chassis may not contact the ground, the fuel tank may not be exposed to collision damage, and the wheels may not rub the body.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
ORC 4513.021(D) also bars disconnecting any part of the original suspension to defeat its safe operation; a violation is a minor misdemeanor. Subsection (B) delegates the height numbers to the Director of Public Safety, and OAC 4501-43-04(D) supplies them — the same maximums that apply to bumpers are measured to the bottom of the frame rail once bumpers have been lowered or modified. The earlier entry here said no Ohio statute restricts lowering, which is wrong.
Specific Limits
- Fuel tank
- may not expose the fuel tank to damage from collision
- Suspension
- no part of the original suspension may be disconnected to defeat safe operation
- Frame rail max
- where bumpers are lowered or modified, the bumper maximums are measured to the bottom of the frame rail: 22 in cars; 24/26, 27/29, 28/31 in front/rear by GVWR
- Ground contact
- body or chassis may not contact the ground
- Wheel clearance
- wheels may not contact the body in normal operation
Exceptions & Exemptions
Keep the body and chassis clear of the ground, protect the fuel tank, and leave the original suspension connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lowering legal in Ohio?
What are the exact lowering limits in Ohio?
Are there exceptions for lowering in Ohio?
Street-legal lowering picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Ohio.
A conservative drop that keeps required ground clearance.
Shop on AmazonDial your height back up if an inspection says you're too low.
Shop on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, Is My Mod Legal earns from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear that helps you stay street-legal.