Wisconsin Lift Laws and Vehicle Equipment Laws
Wisconsin's street legal laws include a suspension lift limit and a tire size limit, while frame height and bumper height remain unrestricted. Keeping the lift law and tire height law in mind, suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards are allowed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Code |
|
The Wisconsin Statutes (WS) and Wisconsin Administrative Code (WAC) govern the state's street legal requirements. |
WS Ch. 347
WAC-Trans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dimensions |
|
All vehicles driven in Wisconsin are restricted to a maximum width of 102 inches, a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a maximum single vehicle length of 40 feet. |
WS 348-05
WS 348-06
WS 348-07
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tires |
|
All vehicle tires must be safe and without any bulges or exposed cords. Wisconsin has no listed minimum tire tread depth. Tire grooving is prohibited. Vehicles with a GVWR of 8,000 lbs. or less have a maximum tire size of 8 inches taller (diameter) over the stock tire size. |
WS 347-455
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wheels |
|
There are no regulations on wheels found in Wisconsin's laws. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brakes |
|
Wisconsin requires brakes capable of stopping the vehicle within 50 feet from a speed of 20 mph. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is also required. |
WS 347-36
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steering |
|
Steering systems are not covered in Wisconsin's code. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suspension |
|
4x4 vehicles with a GVWR of 8,000 lbs. or less have a suspension lift limit of 5 inches. Shackles may only be 2 inches longer than stock.
Note: the DOT FAQs list both 4 and 5 inch lift limits, 5 inches is correct. |
WS 347-455
WAC-Trans-305.29
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frame |
|
Wisconsin has no maximum vehicle frame height. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bumpers |
|
Rear bumpers are required on pickup trucks in Wisconsin. Cars must have rear bumpers attached in the same manner as they came from the factory. Car bumpers must be within 2 inches of factory bumper height while truck bumpers must be within 9 inches. |
DOT FAQs
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fenders |
|
Wisconsin requires adequate fenders and/or mud flaps on front and rear tires to prevent splashing. Tires can stick out up to 2 inches past the original fenders but they must be covered by fender extensions. |
WS 347-46
WAC-Trans 305.22
DOT FAQs
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lights |
|
In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in Wisconsin are allowed to have several auxiliary lights. Auxiliary lights mounted on the roof of a vehicle are allowed but cannot be used for highway use.
Light |
Number |
Min. Height |
Max. Height |
Headlights |
2 min. |
24 inches |
54 inches |
Tail lights |
1 min. |
20 inches |
72 inches |
Spot lights |
2 max. |
n/a |
n/a |
Fog lights |
2 max. |
n/a |
n/a |
( Measured to the center of the light. )
|
WS 347-09
WS 347-13
WS 347-26
DOT FAQs
|
|
|
|
|
|
Windows |
|
Wisconsin's laws do not specifically state that windshields are required. Vehicles with windshields must, however, be equipped with windshield wipers. |
WS 347-42
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhaust |
|
In Wisconsin, mufflers are required equipment. Exhaust cutouts and bypasses are prohibited. |
WS 347-39
|
|
|
|
|
|
Engine |
|
It is unclear whether or not Wisconsin has any engine swap or engine performance modification rules. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Emissions |
|
7 Counties in Wisconsin currently require emissions testing. |
|