Bumper Width and Safety Inspection

[sjbrownie4x4]

Are other people being failed for bumpers that are too narrow? My friend just got rejected and it looks like a legitimate reason (according to the safety and IM manual) but I am supprised.

Any pics of examples would be great!

Thanks,

 

[Nixter]

Does the law say that 50% of the front tire must be covered by the bumper? It's says something to the effect of axle/tire width turn ratio, but I only want to know in layman's (sp) terms.

 

[tv_larsen]

I believe that the law requires the bumper width to extend to at least the centerline of the tire on both sides. I believe that it also requires the bumbers to be at least 4" tall.

 

[Rick B]

The last time I read the inspection manual I understood it to say that the bumper must be the width of the body and a minimum of 5" tall.

 

[mbryson]

I believe that the law requires the bumper width to extend to at least the centerline of the tire on both sides. I believe that it also requires the bumbers to be at least 4" tall.

That's how I remember reading it. Actually, I think it reads 4.5" tall.

 

[ZUKEYPR]

BUMPERS
1. Check bumpers to make sure that they meet OEM Specifications in
vertical height, and are centered on the vehicle's centerline. Bumpers must
be connected securely to the vehicle frame, and extend the entire width of
the vehicle wheel track.
a. REJECT when:
1) Bumpers are not 4.5 inches in vertical height.
2) Bumpers do not extend to the entire width of original body
wheel track.
3) Bumpers are missing, improperly attached, broken, or have
portions protruding which create a hazard.
4) Bumpers are not made from a material that is strong
enough to effectively transfer impact.
*NOTE: Pickup trucks are designed and manufactured for a rear bumper with OEM
standards. However, pick up trucks can be sold and may be purchased
without a rear bumper. The vehicle owner has the responsibility for
compliance with Utah law (41-6a-1632 UCA) when the vehicle is operated
on Utah roads.
*NOTE: Roll pans are not bumpers. Roll pans are only acceptable when a material is
concealed behind the roll pan that meets the strength, vertical height, and
securing requirements of a rear bumper. This material must extend the
width of the wheel track and meet the requirements of a rear bumper.

Here's the link: http://safetyinspections.utah.gov/pdf/2006 SI PLT Manual 2006 (1).pdf


I haven't measured one yet but based on what I have seen I doubt, say a Hansen Enterprise Bumper, could pass the 4.5" requirement. This is why I design and build my own.

 

[Nixter]

Thanks

 

[anvil]

I believe the law defines wheel track as center of tire tread to center of tire tread. I'll have to find where I read that.

 

[00Buck]

So is it legal to have the ends of the bumper tampered at the ends?

 

[mbryson]

So is it legal to have the ends of the bumper tampered at the ends?

I think that depends on who is interpreting the law.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

That actual state law:
41-6a-1632. Bumpers.
(1) A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a bumper on both front and rear of the motor vehicle, except a motor vehicle that was not originally designed or manufactured with a bumper or bumpers.
(2) (a) On a motor vehicle required to have bumpers under Subsection (1), a bumper shall be:
(i) at least 4.5 inches in vertical height;
(ii) centered on the vehicle's center line; and
(iii) extend no less than the width of the respective wheel track distance.
(b) A bumper shall be securely mounted, horizontal load bearing, and attached to the motor vehicle's frame to effectively transfer impact when engaged.
(3) If a motor vehicle is originally or later equipped with a bumper, the bumper shall:
(a) be maintained in operational condition; and
(b) comply with this section.

 

[mbryson]

..........(iii) extend no less than the width of the respective wheel track distance. ........

Any law that states what a wheel track distance is?

 

[kobyhud]

yes... further up in the codes it defines the wheel track as center of tire tread to center of tire tread.

 

[kobyhud]

I haven't been rejected yet... but they could reject me for that if they wanted to.

 

[mbryson]

yes... further up in the codes it defines the wheel track as center of tire tread to center of tire tread.

Hmmmm..... I'll have to keep that in mind with my bumper. Gotta be legal, you know

 

[bobmed]

narrow bumper pic

on my inspection it say,s my bumper was bad but it
passed inspection because I bought tires and it
was enough for repair cost.

 

[wr250]

my OEM front bumper would fail utah state inspection. it used some plastic pieces that wrapped around under the marker lights to appear legal.

note the bumper ends under the marker light.this reaches <1/2 the width of the tires.it also isnt made of a strong enough material to transfer impact, i could bend the bumper with my hands.

fixed:

that said i almost never fail a bumper, unless its missing.