Guide to Legal Vehicle Modifications in Alabama
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Whether you bought a new car, recently moved to the state, or are just passing by, you need to know if your modifications are legal for use on Alabama roads. For those who live in the area or may just be visiting, there are laws you must follow when modifying your vehicle to make sure you're not violating any laws while driving on Alabama roads.
Sounds and noise
Changing the sounds your car makes through your stereo or muffler is a popular way to personalize your car. However, Alabama has some laws that you must follow when making these changes:
Muffler
- All vehicles must have a muffler at all times.
- Modified silencers cannot make annoying or unusually loud noises.
- Mufflers cannot have bypasses or cutouts
- Silencers should have baffles to help reduce the amount of noise they produce.
Sound systems
The sound level cannot exceed 80 decibels from 6:9 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm on public streets.
The sound level cannot exceed 75 decibels from 9:6 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm on public streets.
The sound level may not be loud enough to be heard within 25 feet of the vehicle (mobile only).
Sound levels in residential areas cannot exceed 85 decibels from 6:10 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm (mobile only).
The sound level cannot exceed 50 decibels from 10:6 to XNUMX:XNUMX (mobile only).
Functions: Also check with your local county laws to make sure you comply with any municipal noise ordinances that may be stricter than state laws.
Frame and suspension
Unlike many other states, Alabama has no laws restricting suspension modifications, lift limits, or frame heights. However, the maximum height for a passenger car is 162 inches.
ENGINES
Alabama also has no laws regarding engine modifications.
Lighting and windows
Alabama also has laws governing lighting options and window tinting used to modify vehicles.
Lanterns
Vehicles may have one spotlight provided that the brightest part of the light does not reach more than 100 feet in front of the vehicle.
Two fog lights are allowed, but they must be between 12 and 30 inches above the road.
No headlights on a vehicle may emit blinding or dazzling light.
Two lights on the fenders or side hood are permitted, but they may only emit white or yellow light.
All lights over 300 candles must be directed so that the light does not shine more than 75 feet in front of the vehicle.
Window tinting
- Clear windshield tint can only be applied to the top six inches.
- All other windows must provide 32% light transmission
- Reflective tint cannot reflect more than 20% of light
Vintage/classic car modifications
Alabama requires MTV Form 263 to register "whale" vehicles, including 1975 and older models.
If you are considering modifying your vehicle to comply with Alabama law restrictions, AvtoTachki can provide mobile mechanics to help you install the 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.
