[Outlaw Ram]

Well I talked to the Maine State trooper today and they told me that it is totally illegal to lift a vehicle with any ABS on it (RWAL or 4 Wheel ABS). It is also totally illegal to increase the tire size AT ALL!!!! That means that a Dodge Ram must have no lift and 245x75x16 (or 265's if its a 3/4 ton) tires in order to pass inspection. The reason I used the word "totally" so much is that they assured me that there are NO exceptions to the rule. This is definitely bad news for me because if I ever get pulled over by a state trooper they could ticket me and make me have my truck towed off the road. Plus it puts a damper on all the future modifications I wanted to do. There you have it Jason, I'm still researching whether it is legal to remove ABS if it was not standard on the truck, but I'm pretty sure its not.

 

[JasonB]

Time to move dude!!!

 

[Outlaw Ram]

Actually I think that ABS law is NATIONWIDE. I'm not 100% sure

 

[WMIF]

A law is only as good as the enforcement. Sounds like Maine has strong enforcement. Most of us have probably not even heard of this law/problem since its not enforced. I think I agree with Jason

 

[JasonB]

If it was a nationwide law, then the lift manufacturers would never bother making kits for late model stuff. I just think Maine is f'd up.

 

[Outlaw Ram]

Jason you're right Maine is f'd up! I've been driving my truck around with the lift and tires for 5 months and state troopers have never looked twice at me. However all it takes is one trooper who wants to be a jerk and I could be out of a vehicle. And I will continue to drive my truck the way it is cause I think there are bigger problems in America than stopping lifted trucks!

 

[LUV24BY]

I can vouch for the fact AZ is nice this time of year. The most we have to worry about is a cop who has had a bad day and want's to f-up your day due to no mudflaps!
LUV24BY

 

[canyonero02]

im glad i live in illinois, no mud flaps needed and you can lift any vehicle, abs or not. unless you go 8 inches or higher you wont ever get hasseled, and even if you are that tall the chances of getting a ticket are slim. my friend got pulled over the other day in his 83 chevy full size with a 14 inch lift and 40 inch ground hogs because he had a headlight out. the cop didnt say a word about the height of his truck. theyre pretty leniant in this state

 

[Outlaw Ram]

Are you sure that ABS isnt a federal law?? Maine troopers are pretty leanient but all it takes is one guy that wants to be an ******* and your truck is no longer legal for the road. What I'm looking for is just the freedom to modify what i want. I do know that Florida doesn't have inspection at all <IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif">

 

[snowjay]

Here are two web sites that show lift laws for all the states.

http://www.customtruckshowcase.com/laws/StateLaws.html
http://www.truckworld.com/How-To-Tech/97-lift-laws/lift-laws.html

Neither site has the exact same information but they are close. But basically in Maine you can't use blocks to lift your truck - thats considered 'disconnecting' the stock suspension. But you can swap in some new springs and that would be ok. You just have to keep within the bumper/frame height requirments. I would do a little research yourself at the library and find the specific laws concerning this if you are that worried. I think the trooper you spoke to really didnt know the laws, think you can only lift with blocks (which is illegal) or is just on crack.

 

[Outlaw Ram]

I hate to sound like a broken record but in fornt of me right now is the Maine motor vehicle inspection manual. I quote, "Any vehicle equipped with anti-lock brake system MAY NOT BE ALTERED." This quote is in bold black letters and underlined. I hate it as much as anybody but it is very clear that there is no way around this ABS rule, at least in my state. I don't know a more clear cut way to put it. That inspection manual is what I have to look over before I take my vehicle inspection lliscense test.

 

[snowjay]

Well, according to that rule, you cant change the stereo, add fog lights, put different wheels on it or put on one of those vanity license plate frames if your vehicle has ABS. If thats the case then it time to cross the border to MA or NH.

I think a little common sense has to come into play here. If you lift your truck so it makes Bearfoot look small, well then yeah you are asking for trouble. I'm sure if you keep it within some reasonable limits no one is going to bother you. BTW, at least in '94 you could get a 1500 with 265 tires, and now the off-roadster comes with 275's.

 

[Outlaw Ram]

Oh don't get me wrong, state troopers pass by me everyday and don't give me a second look. But in the back of my mind I know that all it takes is one trooper to pull me over and thats it.