R714-160-11. Altered Vehicles

  (1) When inspecting lowered vehicles, the inspector shall:

  (a) ensure that all replacement parts and equipment are equal to or greater in strength and durability as OEM parts; and

  (i) advise the customer when fenders or fender extenders do not cover full width of a tire; or

  (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) any part of the vehicle, other than tires, rims, or mudflaps, are less than three inches above the ground or contact the ground;

  (B) the fuel tank is exposed to damage without a skid plate;

  (C) exhaust system brackets are not secure;

  (D) wheels or tires make contact with the body or other vehicle component;

  (E) tire tread is not fully covered by existing fenders or fender extenders;

  (F) braking, steering, or suspension is modified, disconnected, or changed in any manner that may impair the safe operation of the vehicle;

  (G) main springs or shocks have been removed to accommodate a hydraulic or air suspension system;

  (H) headlamps are less than 22 inches from the ground when measured from the ground to the center of the low beam bulb;

  (I) any light does not meet mounting height specifications as outlined in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; or

  (J) chassis or suspension components have been altered or changed from OEM that reduces the vehicle stability and safety integrity.

  (2) When inspecting lifted vehicles, the inspector shall:

  (a) check the braking and steering system components; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the braking or steering systems have been altered, modified, disconnected, or changed in any manner that may impair the safe operation of the vehicle;

  (b) check vehicle lift by frame height measuring from the ground to the bottom of the frame on the left side of the vehicle under the driver's seat. If the door certification plate has been removed, the vehicle shall be considered to be 4,500 pounds; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) the frame height is greater than 24 inches on a vehicle with a GVWR less than 4,500 pounds;

  (B) the frame height is greater than 26 inches on a vehicle with a GVWR of 4,500 pounds and less than 7,500 pounds; or

  (C) the frame height is greater than 28 inches on a vehicle with a GVWR of 7,500 pounds or more;

  (c) check the body lifts above the frame; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the lowest part of the body floor is raised more than 3 inches above the top of the frame;

  (d) check the vehicle for front and rear axle blocks; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) axle blocks have been added to the front axle;

  (B) there are stacked blocks on the rear axle, which includes two blocks that have been welded together; or

  (C) there are stacked frames;

  (e) check vehicle tire width and wheel track; and

  (i) advise the customer when a fender or fender extender does not cover the full width of a tire; or

  (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) the tire tread protrudes beyond the original fender or fender extender; or

  (B) spacers are used;

  (f) check the mudflaps if the vehicle has been altered, which includes the addition of larger tires and suspension lift kits; and

  (i) advise the customer when:

  (A) fenders do not cover the top 50% of the tire when required;

  (B) mudflaps are not present on the rear wheels of a vehicle that has been altered from its original OEM specifications; or

  (C) rear mudflaps are not directly aligned with the tire and do not cover the full width of the rear tires and have a ground clearance of not more than 50% of the diameter of a rear-axle wheel, under any conditions of loading the vehicle;

  (g) check lights for proper height requirements; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when any light does not meet mounting height specifications as outlined in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; and

  (h) check fuel tank; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the fuel tank is exposed with no impact protection.