A guide to legal car modifications in Iowa
Auto repair

A guide to legal car modifications in Iowa

09.11.2022 /

ARENA Creative / Shutterstock.com

Whether you currently live in Iowa or are planning to move to the state, you need to know the laws and regulations regarding vehicle modification to ensure that your car or truck remains road legal across the state. Below are the vehicle modification laws in Iowa.

Sounds and noise

Iowa has laws regarding both sound systems and mufflers on vehicles. In addition, they also require the horns to be heard from 200 feet away, but not harsh, unreasonably loud, or whistling.

Audio system

There are no specific laws in Iowa that govern sound systems in vehicles, except that they cannot create noise levels that could cause injury, annoyance, or damage to any other reasonable person.

Muffler

  • Mufflers are required on all vehicles and must be in proper working order.

  • Bypasses, cutouts and other similar sound amplifying devices are not permitted on mufflers.

  • Silencers must prevent excessive or unusual smoke or noise during continuous operation.

Functions: Also check your local Iowa laws to make sure you comply with any municipal noise ordinances that may be stricter than state laws.

Frame and suspension

In Iowa, the following vehicle frame and suspension regulations apply:

  • Vehicles cannot exceed 13 feet 6 inches in height.
  • There are no restrictions on frame height or suspension lift.
  • There are no bumper height restrictions.

ENGINES

Indiana has no regulations regarding engine replacements or modifications that affect performance. Porter and Lake counties require emission testing on vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVWR) of 9,000 pounds or less that was produced after 1976.

Lighting and windows

Lanterns

  • Blue lights are not permitted on passenger vehicles unless operated by emergency personnel. In these cases, the approval certificate must always be kept in the vehicle.

  • Flashing white lights are not permitted on passenger vehicles unless the vehicle is owned by emergency personnel and a permit is granted.

  • Blue stationary and flashing lights are not allowed on cars.

  • One projector is allowed.

  • Three auxiliary high beam headlamps are permitted if fitted at least 12 inches and no higher than 42 inches.

Window tinting

  • A non-reflective tint can be applied to the top of the windshield above the AC-1 line from the manufacturer.

  • Front side windows must let in more than 70% of the light.

  • The rear side and rear windows can be tinted to any degree with both side mirrors on the vehicle.

  • Iowa law does not address reflective window tinting, only requiring that it not be overly reflective. Iowa does not allow medical exemptions for darker tint windshields.

Vintage/classic car modifications

In Iowa, cars over 25 years old are allowed to be registered as antiques. If a vehicle is registered as such, it may only be used for exhibition, educational, or recreational purposes. It can only be driven on the roadway to or from such events, or when maintenance is required.

If you want the modifications you make to your vehicle to comply with Iowa laws, 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.

Add a comment