BeeLDub
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Brandon
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2017
- Threads
- 4
- Messages
- 279
- Reaction score
- 380
- Location
- Eastern PA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2021 Wrangler Willys, 2019 Cherokee Limited
- Occupation
- Structural Engineer
- Thread starter
- #1
I cannot possibly sum up the 16 pages of information we have on another forum, but I will do my best.
In short, driving without doors in PA, in a PA registered Jeep, is against PennDOT vehicle code.
It's ridiculous... Motorcycles get to chose whether or not to wear a helmet (because they banned together for the right to make their own decisions) but Jeeps (while being forced to wear a seatbelt) cannot chose whether or not to have their doors on. And we are the ONLY state with such a law/code.
The code is - § 175.77. Body.
Now, I do not want to get too involved in the interpretation of this, because it's like beating a dead horse. But, since it hasn't been discussed here yet, let my try to explain it:
Your Jeep MUST be equipped with doors similar to those originally equipped. That means full or half doors only. Tube/trail doors DO NOT COUNT.
Where some people get confused is the next line, but this is IN ADDITION to the first line. It means that your doors need to be able to open and close securely unless your Jeep's top is off. This DOES NOT mean you can take your doors off if you have no top on your Jeep, just that your doors do not need to be operable.
Please, save time trying to argue the interpretation, what I have tried to convey above it accurate. Jeepers have been pulled over, have been fined, have tried to fight it, and have always lost.
What can we do?
What can we do about it? Well, for almost 2 years now, we've been trying to push this issue with local State Reps, pestering PennDOT, signing petitions, and anything else we can think of. We have tired to rally PA Jeep Clubs to help, we have tried to get everyone's favorite aftermarket vendor (Quadratec) to help, we have tried to involve Rausch Creek, and we have tried to organize doorless rallies to draw attention to the issue, all to no avail.
Part of the problem is this is selectively enforced. We've seen the most enforcement in NE PA and other small municipalities for the most part.
Since most PA Jeepers are getting away without issue, they feel no need to help push the cause. But all it takes is one bad day and a $200+ fine, and their attitude will change real quick.
Jeep owners are one of the largest and strongest groups of brand loyalty, and we can't join together to get this changed? Motorcyclists did it, why can't we?
Let's use this thread to keep everyone aware of this issue, brainstorm possible ways to get it changed, and keep track of the areas in which this is being more heavily enforced!
In short, driving without doors in PA, in a PA registered Jeep, is against PennDOT vehicle code.
It's ridiculous... Motorcycles get to chose whether or not to wear a helmet (because they banned together for the right to make their own decisions) but Jeeps (while being forced to wear a seatbelt) cannot chose whether or not to have their doors on. And we are the ONLY state with such a law/code.
The code is - § 175.77. Body.
Your Jeep MUST be equipped with doors similar to those originally equipped. That means full or half doors only. Tube/trail doors DO NOT COUNT.
Where some people get confused is the next line, but this is IN ADDITION to the first line. It means that your doors need to be able to open and close securely unless your Jeep's top is off. This DOES NOT mean you can take your doors off if you have no top on your Jeep, just that your doors do not need to be operable.
What can we do?
What can we do about it? Well, for almost 2 years now, we've been trying to push this issue with local State Reps, pestering PennDOT, signing petitions, and anything else we can think of. We have tired to rally PA Jeep Clubs to help, we have tried to get everyone's favorite aftermarket vendor (Quadratec) to help, we have tried to involve Rausch Creek, and we have tried to organize doorless rallies to draw attention to the issue, all to no avail.
Part of the problem is this is selectively enforced. We've seen the most enforcement in NE PA and other small municipalities for the most part.
Since most PA Jeepers are getting away without issue, they feel no need to help push the cause. But all it takes is one bad day and a $200+ fine, and their attitude will change real quick.
Jeep owners are one of the largest and strongest groups of brand loyalty, and we can't join together to get this changed? Motorcyclists did it, why can't we?
Let's use this thread to keep everyone aware of this issue, brainstorm possible ways to get it changed, and keep track of the areas in which this is being more heavily enforced!
Sponsored
