Lowering in Washington

What the law says

RCW 46.61.680 is titled "Lowering passenger vehicle below legal clearance" and sits in the Rules of the Road chapter rather than the vehicle-equipment chapter, which is why an equipment-chapter search finds nothing. The State Patrol equipment rule adds a functional test — the vehicle must be able to roll on its four rims with no other part touching the ground — and bars changing ride height on the move above 15 mph where the limit is 25 mph or less. There is no numeric ground-clearance figure; the earlier one shown here was unsupported.

Specific Limits

Rim line rule

no part of the vehicle except the wheels may have less road clearance than the lowest point of any wheel rim

Rolling clearance

must be able to move on its four rims on a flat surface with no other part touching

Height change while driving

may not be raised or lowered while travelling over 15 mph on a road posted 25 mph or less

Exceptions & Exemptions

Keep every part except the wheels above the bottom of the wheel rims. Air and hydraulic suspensions may not be adjusted while driving on low-speed roads.

Statute

RCW 46.61.680; WAC 204-10-036