VirginiaSB4262026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Alteration of suspension system and bumper heights; proof of compliance.

Sponsored By: Tammy Brankley Mulchi (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Alteration of suspension system and bumper heights; proof of compliance. Authorizes a court to dismiss a summons for offenses related to altering the suspension system or bumper heights of vehicles when proof of compliance is provided to the court on or before the court date.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Bumper height limits for cars and trucks

The law sets bumper height limits for cars and trucks on public roads. Passenger cars must have bumpers 14 to 22 inches from the ground, measured to the lower edge of the main horizontal bumper bar, not the guards. Trucks include pickup and panel trucks. For trucks with GVWR up to 4,500 pounds, both front and rear must be 14–28 inches. For GVWR 4,501–7,500, the front must be 14–29 and the rear 14–30; for GVWR 7,501–15,000, the front must be 14–30 and the rear 14–31. Trucks over 15,000 pounds are exempt. If bumpers are missing or lowered, officials measure to the bottom of the frame rail; if raised, to the bottom of the main horizontal bumper bar.

Fix it before court for dismissal

If you get a summons under this law, you can show proof that you fixed the issue by your court date. The court can dismiss the ticket at its discretion.

Off-road race cars exempt on-road limits

Vehicles specially built or modified for off-road races are not subject to these on-road modification limits when used off public roads in races or similar events. You may tow these vehicles on Virginia highways even if they do not meet the on-road rules.

Stricter rules on lifts and suspension

You cannot modify a vehicle so the body or chassis touches the ground, the fuel tank is exposed to crash damage, or the wheels hit the body in normal driving. You may not disconnect original suspension parts if that defeats safe operation. Heavy-duty parts like shocks or overload springs are allowed, and normal wear is allowed if control is not harmed. You cannot raise the body more than 3 inches above the frame rail, beyond factory spacers and bushings. For passenger cars, pickups, and panel trucks, the front bumper cannot be 4 inches or more higher than the rear.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tammy Brankley Mulchi

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 215 • No: 5

House vote 3/6/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote 3/3/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 2/25/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/4/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 37 • No: 3

Senate vote 2/3/2026

Engrossed by Senate (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 11 • No: 2 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0497)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 497 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/8/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/14/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026Senate
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB426)

    3/12/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB426ER)

    3/12/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    3/12/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    3/12/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/12/2026House
  10. Passed House Block Vote (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/6/2026House
  11. Read third time

    3/6/2026House
  12. Read second time

    3/5/2026House
  13. Reported from Transportation (21-Y 0-N)

    3/3/2026House
  14. Subcommittee recommends reporting (9-Y 0-N)

    2/25/2026House
  15. Assigned HTRAN sub: Highway Safety and Policy

    2/20/2026House
  16. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    2/9/2026House
  17. Read first time

    2/9/2026House
  18. Placed on Calendar

    2/9/2026House
  19. Read third time and passed Senate (37-Y 3-N 0-A)

    2/4/2026Senate
  20. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB426)

    2/4/2026Senate
  21. Engrossed by Senate (Voice Vote)

    2/3/2026Senate
  22. Read second time

    2/3/2026Senate
  23. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/2/2026Senate
  24. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/2/2026Senate
  25. Passed by for the day

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

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