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.
(e) No person shall drive a motor vehicle when the windshield, side or rear windows are in such defective condition or repair as to materially impair the driver's view to the front, side or rear. A vehicle equipped with a side mirror on each side of the vehicle which are in conformance with Section 12-502 will be deemed to be in compliance in the event the rear window of the vehicle is materially obscured.
That's from Illinois. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K12-503
I googled the search term 'view clearance for rear window law (insert state name)'. Yes, you'll get a lot of info about window tinting, but should help. Maybe replace the word clearance with obstruction.
One tip, last week I saw a mid 2000s 4runner packed to the top in back, and also had a receiver hitch rack loaded to the max.
As it came up from behind me in the daylight I thought the moron had bright lights on.
Turns out the back end was so loaded down that the front end was basically floating high, tires barely touching, and the headlights were shooting high.
Of course they were flying along passing me standing still and I was going 80. If they would have needed to maneuver, I think they would have been screwed.
Distribute that load for the heaviest portion to go over and forward of the rear axle, not behind it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDaONrHK1f8
Gumball Rally covered the center mirror...Italian style.
I have packed full loads from Chicago to CT and Missouri to CT many times. Never given a problem even if stopped for some other reason. This was many years ago, so I don’t know if cops have gotten stricter on that, but I rather doubt it.
I traveled out west many years ago and the best advice I got about gas was to never let your tank get below half full, if at all possible.
There were some pretty desolate stretches with no gas stations. By planning on keeping it at least half full, it gives you wiggle room.
The last thing you want to see on a nearly empty tank is *No gas, food, lodging, or services for the next 102 miles.*.
I was so glad I heeded that advice to keep topped off.
Yes, actually Twin Cities was one of the areas that had a write up about rear window obstruction.
I know there are bypasses around the area—maybe not wide enough.
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.
You’re carrying too much ammo. Given the itinerary, just stay out of Chicago, Minneapolis and Seattle. You won’t need so much along the rest of the route.
Thanks for heads up...
They are not stoping at Yellowstone, but could be regional implications.
Thank you.
Read your owners manual. Search for weight limits. The weight limit will likely limit how “full” your vehicle can be loaded.
Be sure you do not overload the vehicle. Find a local public scale to weigh your vehicle full loaded. Set cold tire pressure to maximum limit printed on the side of the tires. DO NOT let air out of hot tires, the pressure will increase when tires are hot.
This is the same principle as loading a RV.
Ed
Reading your post, I came to realize that I have never seen an SUV without tinted windows in the last few years. Usually darker than driver/passenger side tinted windows. Hard to see what is inside.
A gas tip would be to keep it under 2000 rpms. A little slower, but you will maximize fuel mileage.
Did you mean this for the OP?
I had a state police officer in Nebraska pull me over years ago because I did the same thing. Told me I was speeding (lie). I asked how fast he had me going, and I knew immediately it was BS, he just wanted to check out what was going on in the fully loaded down vehicle. Let me go with a verbal warning that I may want to get my speedometer checked out. LOL. Other cars were passing me the whole time.
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.
Are gas stations as sparce out on the Western Plains as I hear?
None. But you must have both side mirrors.
(Was a commercial driver many many moons ago.)
Pack once, then put half of it back because you won't actually need it.
Of course, if you already possess all knowledge and are convinced that you already know how much stuff you "need" to take on a trip, take it all. And have some room for souvenirs on the return trip. Drive carefully.
One more thing. Be prepared for sticker shock on how much cheaper gas is outside of the Chicago metro area.
It is possible.
Lots of people are pulled over for non-existent laws, or for a feeble interpretation of a law.
Did the friend get a ticket?
Was he pulled over and asked if he had any drugs in the car?
Did he have both side view mirrors?
All of those things are germain to your example twice removed from first hand experience.
I know of several cases where people were convicted of crimes that did not exist on the statute books.
The officers just *thought* they were crimes, and the judge bought off on it.
Reading your post, I came to realize that I have never seen an SUV without tinted windows in the last few years. Usually darker than driver/passenger side tinted windows. Hard to see what is inside.
A gas tip would be to keep it under 2000 rpms. A little slower, but you will maximize fuel mileage.
Thanks for the tip.
re you looking for something like this?
(e) No person shall drive a motor vehicle when the windshield, side or rear windows are in such defective condition or repair as to materially impair the driver’s view to the front, side or rear. A vehicle equipped with a side mirror on each side of the vehicle which are in conformance with Section 12-502 will be deemed to be in compliance in the event the rear window of the vehicle is materially obscured.
That’s from Illinois. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K12-503
I googled the search term ‘view clearance for rear window law (insert state name)’. Yes, you’ll get a lot of info about window tinting, but should help. Maybe replace the word clearance with obstruction.
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Yes...Exactly...
I am IL resident—not sure I found this particular law, but saw something similar...I am looking for this type of thing in other states...
Even tho I did try several search terms, I was having hard time finding too much—will try your suggestions as well..
Will keep looking...But several here have said there are not a lot of states with specifics...
Likely common sense will likely be best guide if no specifics...
Thank you for the search.
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