Posted on 07/17/2021 1:42:27 PM PDT by Freedom56v2
Good afternoon.
I have family member taking a cross-country road trip from IL to WA. Standard SUV which is going to be packed with gear to the max.
I am trying to find any state laws regarding just how high one can pack the backend of SUV without getting stopped by these "States' Finest" officers for rear window obstruction. Not much luck on specifics.
It may just be common sense, but these days, one can never be too careful...
Anyone with further information that lives in or has traveled through these states is appreciated.
Eh also any tips on gas or lodging availability or anything else that might be relevant is appreciated. Been a while since I traveled that route--don't want to provide outdated info.
Thank you.
It’s why you have mirrors on the doors
Purchase one of those “rear’ cameras that goes (I believe) just above your license plate. Probably not too expensive anymore..
Should cut down on low price private shipping.
Why would you? Cargo vans and box trucks etc can’t see out the back..
As far as I know no such laws exist. Or if they do they aren’t enforced.
Just checking so as not to have a problem on the road.
Rearview mirrors? I believe that if stuff is piled up to the ceiling in the back of an SUV, one might be pulled over. The SUV being used has standard mirrors.
I believe windowless panel vans have wider mirrors with better visibility, so rear view window obstruction is not a factor.
But thank you.
I don’t think this is regulated. I guess a random cop with a ticket quota can always find something.
If it were illegal to fully pack your vehicle then how can commercial windowless panel vans be legal?
Enjoy paying $20+ in tolls to just drive past Chicago.
As long as you have side view mirrors that’s all you need.
Look at map and figure out way to avoid or at least give wide birth to Twin Cities. Otherwise, should be fairly smooth sailing. Outside mirrors on both sides should be good to go.
Be careful of thieves when traveling with a vehicle full of gear. Unless you can unload it all into your room for the night, a vehicle, visibly full of stuff, in a motel parking lot is a juicy target.
I’ve driven a trailer around the country. I had zero rear window visibility. There are plenty of reasons for cops to pull you over. This is pretty low on the list.
generally speaking if you have two normal outside mirrors you are good to go what the piled up stuff is blocking is the inside rear view mirror...if it blocks the view of outside mirrors from drivers seat that may be a problem
example california -blocking does not apply if you have 2 outside mirors and can see back 200 feet.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=26708
Never heard of a law against that. Side view mirrors are required and that is their purpose. Rear view mirror is a luxury.
Hol’ up, friend- take a look at this before you head there. You and your family don’t want to be anywhere near there until this settles down IMHO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJCewMYHEFA
Why would you? Cargo vans and box trucks etc can’t see out the back..
As far as I know no such laws exist. Or if they do they aren’t enforced.\
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Why would I?
Cargo Vans and box trucks have larger mirrors that extend out further from the side. The vehicle being used is a standard SUV.
Why would I?
A family member had a friend who was on way to college—car packed to brim and was pulled over for rear window obstruction in WI or MI...
Laws exist?
Yes they do in some states...But I did not find specifics for some of the states on the travel route. AAA does not list any for total rear window obstruction, but they do have a lot of information about rear window tinting...a form of obstruction
I don’t know if you live in one of the states on the route...
I am just trying to play it safe...
LOL I live in Chicagoland...
Some of my family enjoys those tolls daily :(
You may be correct...I just thought some wise Freepers might have personal experience, or know about state laws...
Plus anything else about the route...
Thank you.
Pack it to the roof. Center mirror is not required
If you have side view mirrors then it doesn’t matter even if you paint your back glass black.
None. But you must have both side mirrors.
(Was a commercial driver many many moons ago.)
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