by Scott Ammerman
Senior Torque Correspondent
Ahh, ‘open-air Jeep season’ is almost upon us around much of the country.
And for many, removing factory doors along with the Jeep's soft or hardtop is a great way to enhance that driving experience. For just as many, though, the question of legality when doorless driving also rears up this time of year.
Well, for most states, in fact nearly all states, doors-off driving has no legal issue.
Unless you live in Pennsylvania.
In what many people consider to be an archaic law, according to Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Title 75, Section 4524, "Every motor vehicle, except a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, when driven or operated upon a highway, shall be so equipped with doors as to protect the driver and all passengers from falling out of the vehicle."
This means any Jeep model, including the Wrangler, Cherokee and Renegade, must have doors installed when driving on state public roads. Failure to comply with this law can result in a fine, as well as potential legal consequences. The thought is that doors not only protect passengers from falling out of the vehicle, but also provide added protection in the event of a collision.
Additionally, detractors believe the absence of doors can also create a hazard for other drivers. For example, loose items or debris can fall out of doorless vehicles, potentially causing accidents or damage to others on the road.
Pennsylvania Jeep owners (and visitors to the Commonwealth) do have the option to remove their doors for off-road use. However, it is important to note that this should only be done in designated areas or private property, and not on public roads. Additionally, when driving without doors off-road, passengers should still wear seat belts and take other necessary safety precautions, such as securing all items that could be blown out of the vehicle. There is no speed restriction clause that allows driving on local roads, such as ‘staying off the highway.’
In addition to doors, Pennsylvania law also requires Jeeps and other vehicles to be equipped with certain safety features, such as seat belts and mirrors. No matter how many people are willing to tell you otherwise, removing your doors and installing replacement mirrors does NOT make it legal to drive in the state.
In fact, online discussions are so repetitive that some use a bingo card to follow along. Nearly every argument is brought up every time, along with anecdotal evidence about how each municipality differs in handling the enforcement of the same law.
While some may view these regulations as limiting the freedom of off-road enthusiasts, the theory is they ultimately serve to protect the safety of all drivers on the road. Jeeps and other vehicles can still be modified and customized within the bounds of the motor vehicle code, allowing for a legal and enjoyable driving experience.
So why is this law ONLY found in Pennsylvania? That exact question formed the basis for a bill introduced in the Pennsylvania State Senate by Sen. Devlin Robinson in early 2023.
The proposed amendment to Title 75 would change the wording to allow removal of doors on vehicles designed by the manufacturer to be removable — such as current and past Wrangler models as well as newer Ford Broncos. But the amendment would not allow you to drive doorless in your mom’s Toyota Camry (or your Cherokee XJ, for people that need a reminder). Of course, you still need to install side mirrors when driving without doors if your mirrors are attached to the doors.
It is also very important to note, even though this bill received a unanimous approval vote in the state Senate, it has not been passed as a law. It has merely been referred to the state Transportation Committee and has not yet been scheduled on a session agenda.
For more information on this important distinction, look up “I’m Just a Bill” from the 1970’s educational show Schoolhouse Rock. A lot of political action is still required for this amendment to end up as a law, including potential modification in the committee, a vote in the House as well as the governor’s signature.
Plus, should this eventually become law, there will be a 60-day period before it goes into effect. So assuming everything goes well, you will probably still be rolling the dice if you ignore the law and drive on Pennsylvania roads with no doors this summer.
Similarly intended bills in Pennsylvania over the past few years have died in committee at the close of a legislative session without ever being discussed. Hopefully, this one will end in a different result and you’ll be able to finally drive doorless, and worry-free in all 50 states if you desire.
