Is It Legal to Drive Without Bumpers?

The more you drive on the road, the more likely you’ll encounter some “unique” cars. Along with all the high-roller sports cars, there are also plenty of car owners who like to modify their rides with all kinds of aftermarket add-ons. High-roller sports cars, there are also plenty of car owners who like to modify their rides with all kinds of aftermarket add-ons.

What some of those owners might not know is that there are many regulations about what should and shouldn’t be on their cars that they are obligated to follow. Failure to do so could lead to citations and fines. Is it legal to drive without bumpers?

One of the main reasons someone would drive without a bumper is that they recently got into a car accident, and the bumper was knocked off. They could be waiting for the insurance payment to come in before they can replace the bumper.

When an insurance company is delaying your benefits or denying your claim, you need to speak with the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp. We are an experienced car accident attorney who helps clients get the maximum they are due for an accident caused by another driver’s negligence.

It is not illegal to drive in Nevada without bumpers. However, if you take a trip to California, you could be cited. In California, cars must have front and rear bumpers. There are many more regulations that car owners should be aware of.

Motor Vehicle Equipment Requirements

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has established a comprehensive list of motor vehicle equipment requirements. The only mention of fenders is that they “must be designed not to endanger any persons or property.”

Here are some of the other equipment requirements to follow:

Headlights and Taillights

You need to have two working headlights. What you might not know is that they have to be located not more than 54 inches or less than 24 inches from the road. You also are required to have two working red taillights that are visible from 500 feet. Those lights can’t be positioned higher than 72 inches from the road and need to be at least 15 inches from the ground.

License Plates

You are obligated to have front and rear license plates. What you might not realize is that your rear license plate must be equipped with a white lamp that will make the license visible from at least 50 feet at night.

Horns

There are also regulations about your horn. According to the DMV, your horn “must not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound.”

Window Tinting

If you want to block out the harsh desert sun, the regulation is that your windshield cannot have a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1. Your front side windows must allow more than 35% of light in. You can have any level of darkness for your back side and rear windows.

Increasing Car Value

Some of the modifications that you make to your car could increase its value. It is important to keep all your receipts to prove the investment. That could be important if you get into an accident and need to establish the value of your car.

If your car is totaled, the insurance company might only pay you the value based on the Kelly Blue Book estimate. That would not include any modifications.

The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp can help with these kinds of issues. We’re very familiar with the tactics that insurance companies use to make low payments or deny a claim outright.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, we can provide you with information and guidance to help you make the choice to seek compensation. Call to set up a free consultation.