Has anyone ever had/heard of any legal/inspection issues with aftermarket bumpers, whether it be a prerunner type or custom, or heavy duty or such?

I live in PA, and checked the gov website, but i'm questionable on the subject.
Here's what the gov site says "(8) Check the bumpers and reject if one or more of the following apply:

(i) The bumper, if required as original equipment, is not on the vehicle. "


as per this website: http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/06...5/s175.80.html

 

I read somewhere (trying to find info now) that any aftermarket modification is technically illegal just no one really cares.

 

I don't know what ""The bumper, if required as original equipment, is not on the vehicle"" exactly means.?! haha I don't require it.

Reason being, I ordered the Dixon Bros Racing Prerunner bumper and i'm hoping that I don't get in trouble with it. I mean, it's beefier than the stock bumper per Dixon Bros and other people. And it's a bumper and covers the same area and size as the stock bumper. I don't think i'll have a problem.
There's people all around with Road Armor bumpers and others like it that are diamond plate and junk, which are in place of the stock bumpers, on all types of SUV's and Large trucks; I guess they haven't had a problem with it.

 

I HIGHLY doubt you'll have a problem as long as A bumper is on the vehicle. If you have NO bumper, that's when you'll have problems. I've never heard of anyone getting on trouble for having a better bumper on their rig.

I can't find the info. Even the DOT website is difficult to find info on.

 

the issue i might run into, but dont know yet, is that i took off the lower valance and people always say where's your bumper... well it's right there... and i point to the actual bumper. but i havent had any issues yet but i dont go in for inspection until dec.

 

I took my valance off too. I agree with you sawred on that. The bumper is still on. The valance is only a oiece of flimsy plastic that isn't worth anything. I hit a dog with mine and broke the other piece of plastic behind it and put epoxy on it to put together. As far as I'm concerned, it serves no other purpose other than looks and to hold foglights.

 

Ah yes, welcome to the PA law....if it protrudes (forward or side to side) further than the stock bumper like mine did, you will not pass (legally at least). Of course if you know the right people some let it slide.

I never had problems with cops though, just "some" inspection places.

 

It still leaves something to question... the bumper may not protrude, but the upper light bar/winch protector certainly would... but what about the westin (among other companies) grille guards... they retain the factory bumper so they certainly protrude beyond (forward and side to side) OE specs.

 

I guess the only other thing you could do, rideac1, is to save your original bumper and put it on just for inspection.

 

A buddy of mine had to take his brush guard off in order to pass inspection. I think that answers the question.

 

I've had a Westin Full Brush Guard on for a few years and had NO trouble with inspection, and the last inspection was at the Ford Dealer that I got my Ranger. I sold my brush guard recently, I didn't want it.

Now the Dixon Bros Prerunner bumper that I purchased, definately protrudes out further than the stock one.

ie:

 

That is my idea if I have any problems.

 

I tried that with things like snow plow mounts, but they are not the bumper itself, but an accessory to the bumper.

Again, just find a shop that will pass it, that's what I did for the 3 years or so I had it. I even got pulled over with my old bumper and the cop did not even mention it. I think your biggest woryy would be heigth with cops, but unless you have some crazy high lift I doubt they will bother you.

 

It's stock height. And on 31/32" tires, so it's not that high, not exactly sure much; but it mounts in the stock bumper spot so it should be the same as stock.

 

That's a pretty tough looking bumper though.

 

What's a vehicle inspection?......wait....nevermind. That's the only thing I love and hate about Ohio. No vehicle inspection....but this causes a suspension sway test....avoiding parts randomly falling off of cars and trucks on the highway isn't too uncommon in parts of Ohio

It is a good looking bumper. I'd swap bumpers for the inspection if I had to and then put that one back on. I like it. I find it hard to believe anyone would give you problems but I'm probably wrong.

 

I personally don't think i'll have any problems. I wanted to see if anyone else ever did.
I ordered it and can't wait to get it!