Lowering in Tennessee
Tennessee bars modifying a vehicle so the body or chassis contacts the ground or the fuel tank is exposed, and since July 1, 2024 the squat law bans any stance leaving the front fender 4 or more inches above the rear — which outlaws rear-only lowering. Bumper height is capped at 22 inches, which limits lifting rather than lowering.
Verified against primary sources · September 2026
What the law says
The operative lowering rule is the ground-contact and fuel-tank-exposure test. Four-wheel-drive recreational vehicles have a 14–31 inch bumper range.
Specific Limits
- Rule
- no modification may cause the body or chassis to contact the ground or expose the fuel tank
- Squat rule
- front fender may not sit 4 or more inches higher than the rear fender (2024 Pub. Ch. 541)
- Max bumper height cars
- 22 in
Statute
Tenn. Code § 55-9-215; squat: 2024 Pub. Ch. 541 (Tenn. Code tit. 55, ch. 8, pt. 2)
Read the statute →Frequently Asked Questions
Are lowering legal in Tennessee?
What are the exact lowering limits in Tennessee?
Street-legal lowering picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Tennessee.
A conservative drop that keeps required ground clearance.
Shop on AmazonDial your height back up if an inspection says you're too low.
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