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 center-line 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:
Click here to view
image
The following bumper heights apply to motor vehicles with a
GVWR up through eleven thousand five hundred pounds (11,500 lbs.):
|
Maximum Front Bumper
Height
|
Maximum Rear Bumper 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).
Notes
11 CSR 50-2.311
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.
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.
