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Senate moves vehicle lift reform to third reading amid safety questions
Summary
A bill simplifying how vehicle suspension lifts are measured was advanced to third reading after senators debated whether new numeric height caps (24/26/28 inches by GVW) would increase rollover risk and expose small cars to greater crash severity.
Senators moved House Bill 49 (vehicle suspension/lift limits) to third reading after extended floor discussion over safety and enforceability. Sponsor explained the bill replaces the existing wheelbase-based formula with fixed maximum frame-to-ground heights tied to gross vehicle weight: 24 inches for vehicles up to 4,500 pounds, 26 inches for 4,501–7,500 pounds, and 28 inches for heavier vehicles. The sponsor said the change is intended to simplify enforcement and accommodate larger tires used for legitimate off-road use.
Several senators raised safety concerns. Senator Julander and Senator Jenkins warned that raising centers of gravity increases rollover risk and that very high lifted trucks can place passenger cars underneath in collisions, potentially negating occupant protection systems. The sponsor and supporters pointed to the Utah Highway Patrol's view that the modest increases at issue do not create significant new hazard and said the bill caps lift at 4 inches above present practice in most cases; the floor record indicates the sponsor agreed to provide model conversions comparing the new caps to current-law measurements for common vehicle models before third reading.
The Senate placed HB49 on the third-reading calendar by roll call (transcript records the bill passed to third reading). Senators asked for clarity on net increases relative to current law; the sponsor agreed to supply model-based equivalencies for third reading.
