A guide to legal car modifications in New York
Content
ARENA Creative / Shutterstock.com
If you live in or move to New York City and have a modified car, you need to know what's legal on the roads across the state. The following guidelines will help ensure that your vehicle is street legal in New York City.
Sounds and noise
New York State has regulations governing the amount of noise or sound your vehicle is allowed to make or emit.
Sound systems
Sound that is 15 or more decibels higher than ambient sound in the area when measured 15 feet or more from the source is not permitted in New York City.
Muffler
Silencers are required on all vehicles and cannot allow sound levels higher than 15 decibels above the ambient sound in which the vehicle is driven.
Muffler cutouts are not permitted.
FunctionsA: Always check with your local New York County laws to ensure you are complying with any municipal noise ordinances that may be stricter than state laws.
Frame and suspension
New York has no regulations on suspension height and frame lift. However, cars and SUVs must have bumpers between 16 and 20 inches high, and trucks have a maximum bumper height of 30 inches. Also, vehicles are only allowed to be 13 feet 6 inches tall.
ENGINES
Vehicles in New York City are required to undergo annual emission and safety testing. However, there are no additional rules for replacing or modifying engines.
Lighting and windows
Lanterns
- Red and blue flashing lights are only permitted on emergency vehicles.
- The use of auxiliary or additional lamps, other than those installed at the factory, is not allowed.
Window tinting
Non-reflective tinting is allowed on the top six inches of the windshield.
Front side, rear and side windows must let in more than 70% of the light.
The back glass can have any dimming.
Side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted.
A sticker is required between the glass and the film on a tinted window indicating acceptable tint levels.
Vintage/classic car modifications
New York City offers heritage plates for vehicles over 25 years old that are not used for everyday driving or transportation. Vintage plates are also allowed for the year of manufacture of the vehicle, unless it is used for everyday driving or transportation.
If you want to make sure that your vehicle modifications comply with New York law, AvtoTachki can provide mobile mechanics to help you install new parts. You can also ask our mechanics what modifications are best for your vehicle using our free online Ask a Mechanic Q&A system.
