Is It Legal to Drive a Jeep Without Doors? State Restrictions and Regulations


Is It Legal To Drive A Jeep Without Doors - driverillustrated.com

Got a door-less Wrangler or Gladiator that you’re anxiously waiting to take out for a spin but aren’t sure if it’s legal or not? Then this article is for you!

Today, we’ll discuss the laws regarding driving a Jeep without doors and whether it’s legal or not. I’ve also included a list of restrictions and requirements for each state to keep you safe and legal while driving door-less.

*WARNING: Before you go out on any trails, please read through my list of essentials here. I could save your life!

Is It Legal to Drive a Jeep Without Doors?

There are no federal laws against driving a Jeep without doors and you can legally drive door-less in any state. However, some states have laws in place that require a minimum number of side-mirrors on a vehicle. You must meet the requirements for each state especially if you’re planning on crossing state lines.

Below I’ve put together a list of the required side-mirrors and other safety requirements for each state with links to current laws.

couple having fun driving around in a jeep without doorsJeeps Are So Fun Without The Doors!

Customizing a Jeep is every car fanatic’s dream. Adding custom elements not only helps distinguish it from other 4×4’s on the street but also adds a whole lot of character to it.

Being one of the most iconic off-roaders to have ever existed, car collectors are always in search of ways to make their supercars even more superior.

By now, you have probably figured out that removing tops and doors off jeeps helps cut down some weight and adds to the look of your car and isn’t already built in (or rather, removed).

The process of removal usually entails saying goodbye to your door along with the pre-attached mirrors that come with it.

Therefore, the first step to keeping it legal would be to find a way to reattach these mirrors somehow. Though some states require drivers to have at least two mirrors, some might let one mirror slide. 

States That Allow No Doors On Your Jeep, But Require At Least One Mirror

As mentioned earlier, driving a door-less car depends on where you are located.

While some states prohibit the idea altogether, some have made exceptions to the rule. Essentially, the idea is a driver safety and general visibility. 

Without any side mirrors to guide you, switching lanes and reversing can become challenging. Drivers may find themselves struggling which could lead to an eventual accident in the future. 

Nevertheless, the laws concerning this vary from state to state, so we’ve done a little bit of research to get you started.

States that require at least one mirror:

Here you can find a list of states that allow you to have a vehicle without doors but with the exception that you have at least one mirror to guide you. 

  • Alabama
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Wisconsin

States That Require You To Have At Least Two Mirrors If You Remove The Doors On Your Jeep

Below you can find a list of states that allow you to have a vehicle without doors but with the exception that you have at least two mirrors to guide you (left, right or center). 

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • New Hampshire
  • Oklahoma
  • Rhode Island
  • Washington

States With Additional Laws (Be Sure To Read!)

Getting rid of those doors to have access to unlimited adventure and endless fun will not just vary from state to state but also between models. Older cars may not be required to follow certain rules that might apply to the latest cars. Even the place of registration can affect whether or not you have to abide by certain laws. 

We’ve made a list of all the states that have made amendments to the singular or double mirror rule. Don’t start your road trip without going over this list first. 

  • Kansas: Drivers must have a left side mirror along with either a right–side mirror or center mirror. 
  • Kentucky: Drivers must have a left side mirror along with either a right–side mirror or center mirror. 
  • Maryland: Required to have a left-side mirror. In addition, an unobstructed center mirror or a right-side mirror allows up to 200 feet of visibility behind the vehicle. 
  • Michigan: If your jeep is registered as a historic vehicle then you may be able to find a loophole in the clause. Nevertheless, newer models of jeeps are required to have left-side mirrors. 
  • Missouri: A side mirror on either side of the car is required in case the center mirror is blocked and the driver is unable to see the road behind him without having to physically look back. 
  • Nevada: Required to have a left-side mirror. In addition, an unobstructed center mirror or a right-side mirror that allows up to 200 feet of visibility behind the vehicle. 
  • New Jersey: Drivers must have a left side mirror along with either a right–side mirror or center mirror. However, these requirements may vary depending on the model of the car. 
  • New York: Requires a left-side mirror in case the car is registered in New York. If the car is a 1967 model or older, then it may be able to get past this prerequisite.

In case the car is registered in a different state, the drivers must have an unobstructed center mirror but are not required to have side mirrors.

  • Ohio: Side mirrors will be necessary if the view from the center mirror is hindered or unclear. 
  • Vermont: Vehicles do not require mirrors unless they’re pulling trailers. 
  • Virginia: Required to have a left-side mirror. In addition, an unobstructed center mirror or a right-side mirror that allows up to 200 feet of visibility behind the vehicle. 
  • Wyoming: Drivers must have a left side mirror along with either a right–side mirror or center mirror. In case the rearview window is tinted, then drivers have an obligation to have left-side mirrors. 

Important Considerations, Tread with Caution

Avoiding Trouble with the Authorities

Though driving door-less jeeps is mostly legal depending on the state you live in, if you aren’t driving a Gladiator or a Renegade, chances are that you might get pulled over.

To avoid the hassle of it all, avoid removing the doors off of your vehicles or simply make sure you’ve complied with every single state rule, down to a T. 

Whether the Weather Permits

Of course, the weather determines most of the decision-making – that is, whether or not to take your jeep out for a drive across town.

Of course, such cars are more suitable to drier weather conditions. So if you reside in Southern California, you might not have as much to worry about as someone from Louisiana.

Regardless, it’s always best to check the weather before you head out on your road trip! 

Personal Protection

If you were to ask a Jeep enthusiast for their take on this they’d probably laugh and tell you that neither of you are psychic. Doors or no doors, you can never predict when the next accident will take place. 

While this may be true, precautions are necessary. Not to forget the added danger of having absolutely no doors to shield you from any harm coming your way.

Though the steel hardware has been put in place to protect you or any other occupants in any such situation, it’s always good to ask yourself “Do I really need this?” 

Bottom Line, Conclusion

If state laws and regulations were all that you were concerned about, your questions should have now been answered by now. 

If you follow all the instructions provided by individual states you’ll do just fine. But don’t just take our word for it.

These are just a basic outline of what might be required of you.

Laws are constantly revised and it would be best that you check in with your local Jeep store to get professional assistance and direction on whether you require any additional accessories for your venture that’ll make the journey without worry and pain-free.

We agree that driving without doors has a list of never-ending pros from a car enthusiast’s perspective and they will most definitely advise you to knock those doors out to make the most of your road trip.

Just know that when all is said and done, you are better capable of this dire decision but whatever you do, wear your seatbelt, have fun and stay safe!

Mark Anders

I love my Jeep and will share my years of knowledge with you here! Stay with me and read on!

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