Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1920, sub-§§1 and 3, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, are amended to read:

1. Minimum and maximum frame end heights. A motor vehicle may not be operated on a public way or receive a certificate of inspection with a frame end height of less than 10 inches or lower than the scrub line.__The scrub line is a horizontal plane from the bottom of each wheel rim to the bottom of the other 3 rims.__The steering, suspension and chassis must be above the scrub line.__Parts that may be lower than the scrub line are the body sheet metal, exhaust system and oil and transmission pans.__A motor vehicle may not be operated on a public way or receive a certificate of inspection with a maximum frame end height based on the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating that is greater than:

A. For an automobile, 22 inches in the front and rear;

B. For a vehicle of 4,500 pounds and less, 24 inches in the front and 26 inches in the rear;

C. For a vehicle of 4,501 pounds to 7,500 pounds, 27 inches in the front and 29 inches in the rear; and

D. For a vehicle of 7,501 pounds to 10,000 pounds, 28 inches in the front and 30 inches in the rear.

Measurements must be taken from a level surface to the lowest point on the frame.

3. Suspension. An original suspension system may not be disconnected. This section does not prohibit the installation of heavy duty equipment aftermarket suspension equipment, including, but not limited to, shock absorbers, struts and overload springs, or prohibit a person from operating on a public way a motor vehicle with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear does not affect control of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes a standard for measuring the minimum motor vehicle frame height. It also allows the installation of aftermarket suspension equipment for a motor vehicle.