Modified Ford Bronco

[Kiona2]

My question involves vehicle maintenance laws for the State of: California: My question is regarding the modification of a Ford Bronco. Her vehicle has the hard top over the back, and she took if off. She has no back window, side windows in the front cab only, and no other protection. She has a 3 year old child that still sits in a car seat and must be restrained in the back seat. Is that an illegal modification in California? I really worry about the lack of protection for her child. Any information would be helpful. Every sate has different modification laws, and trying to weed through them is like finding a needle in a haystack. It was suggested I contact the Highway Patrol, but figured I'd start here first.

Thanks for your help,

Kiona2

[jk]

If the top was made to be removed, it is not a modification to the vehicle anymore than rolling a window down would be.

so, was this a removable top?

[flyingron]

The old broncos were designed to do this.

[Kiona2]

No, she just cut if off. I don't know why either. :/

[Mr. Knowitall]

Arguably it would fall under VC 24002.

[cdwjava]

I have a friend that does the same thing with his Bronco as the seasons change. There s nothing unlawful about removing the hard top and sitting a child in the back seat, provided the child is properly restrained as required by law.

[trafeng]

Is there a banjo in the car? You really don't need to answer, I'm just curious.

[cdwjava]

Not familiar with the modification laws of California. But yeah, removing the top is pretty much unsafe for the kid.

No less unsafe than a Jeep with the top down or most any convertible.

[Mr. Knowitall]

That would depend upon whether there's a roll bar.

[jk]

and actually if the vehicle was designed with a removable top or not. If not, then the structural strength of the vehicle is compromised due to the removal of the top. That is a very important structural element. When a convertible is designed, the frame or sub-structure of the vehicle is strengthened to make up for the loss of strength when removing the top.