Bumpers

PURPOSE: This rule formulates procedures for the inspection of motor vehicle bumpers as required by section 307.172(2), RSMo. (1) Definitions. (A) Bumper—A device of at least four and one-half inches (4 1/2") in vertical height constructed of metal, wood or other durable material capable of absorbing shock and mounted on the front or rear of a motor vehicle. Each bumper must be made of a strength equal to a stock bumper. (B) Drop bumper—A bumper as described in subsection (1)(A) which may be mounted not more than three inches (3") below the original manufacturer’s mounting with heavy metal by bolting or welding to the motor vehicle frame. (C) Nonstock bumper—A device as defined in subsection (1) (A) and designed by other than a motor vehicle manufacturer. (D) Stock bumper—A device as defined in subsection (1)(A) designed by a motor vehicle manufacturer or an equivalent replacement. (2) The bumper shall be horizontally mounted on the vehicle centerline by bolting or welding to the vehicle frame as originally installed by the motor vehicle manufacturer. The bumper must extend in width to the originally manufactured tread width for the motor vehicle. (3) Measurement. Measurements shall be taken with the motor vehicle in an unloaded condition on a level surface with the tires inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications. Measurements shall be taken from the surface on which the vehicle stands to the highest point of the bottom of the bumper (excluding any bumper attachments). If the vehicle is equipped with a nonstock-type bumper the measurement shall be taken from a point not more than five inches (5") below the centerline of the bumper mounting bracket. The bottom of the nonstock-type bumper, however, shall not be higher than the measurements contained in section (4). (4) Inspection Procedure. Inspect motor vehicle bumpers for proper bumper height, mounting, construction and presence of bumpers. (Pickup trucks and other commercial vehicles not equipped by the manufacturer with a rear bumper as standard equipment are not required to be equipped with a rear bumper.) Vehicle design will determine how a vehicle is classified. Passenger cars and station wagons which are designed and manufactured solely as passenger vehicles will be classified as motor vehicles, except commercial motor vehicles, and must comply with the twenty-two inch (22") maximum bumper height. Motor vehicles designed as multi-purpose or utility vehicles, including Broncos, Blazers, Suburbans, Jeeps, vans, mini-vans, pickups and mini-pickups, will be considered as commercial motor vehicles. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of these vehicles will determine the maximum bumper height as specified in the statute. The following chart depicts various bumper configurations and correct locations to measure: HIGHWAY PATROL The following bumper heights apply to motor vehicles with a GVWR up through eleven thousand five hundred pounds (11,500 lbs.): Maximum Maximum Front Rear Bumper Bumper Height Height Motor vehicles except commercial motor vehicles 22 inches 22 inches Commercial motor vehicles (GVWR) 4500 lbs. and under 24 inches 26 inches 4501 lbs.–7500 lbs 27 inches 29 inches 7501 lbs.–9000 lbs 28 inches 30 inches 9001 lbs.–11500 lbs. 29 inches 31 inches A motor vehicle will not be rejected for improper bumper height if the motor vehicle was originally equipped by the manufacturer with a bumper that exceeds the stated heights or if the motor vehicle was originally equipped by the manufacturer with a bumper that fails to comply with subsection (1)(A). (A) Reject vehicle if: 1. The bumper height exceeds the limit stated for the weight category of the motor vehicle; 2. Bumper is not constructed of metal, wood or other durable material and of equal strength to a stock bumper; 3. Bumper is improperly mounted; or 4. Motor vehicle is not equipped with required bumper(s). AUTHORITY: section 307.172.2, RSMo Supp. 2004.* Emergency rule filed July 23, 1986, effective Aug. 13, 1986, expired Dec. 11, 1986. Original rule filed July 23, 1986, effective Oct. 27, 1986. Amended: Filed Aug. 28, 1987, effective Nov. 23, 1987. Amended: Filed Feb. 3, 1988, effective May 12, 1988. Amended: Filed May 9, 1989, effective Aug. 11, 1989. Emergency amendment filed Sept. 1, 2004, effective Sept. 11, 2004, expired March 9, 2005. Amended: Filed Sept. 1, 2004, effective Feb. 28, 2005. *Original authority: 307.172.2, RSMo 1973, amended 1986, 1987, 2004.