Multi-Colored Map of the United States on a Globe

Are Grille Guards Legal in All 50 States?

The trucking and freight industry employs a long list of laws and regulations that trucking companies and owner-operators must follow and in many cases those regulations change from state to state. When you drive long distances crossing state lines, it makes it important to know and understand laws that may apply to you or your company. Here at RIGGUARD, we get a lot of questions about grille guards and many potential buyers want to know — are grille guards legal in all 50 states? Let’s take a closer look!

Shop Our RIGGUARD Products
Contact the RIGGUARD Team

Where Are Grille Guards Legal in the United States?

Grille guards, bull bars, and brush guards are defined as motor vehicle equipment by the Federal government and are legal aftermarket accessories for your truck as of 2018. The installation of a grille guard may require you to mount a front license plate on the guard. With that said — the individual states have their own laws and statutes that may impact the legality of grille guards and your compliance.

White Western Star Semi in Parking Lot with RIGGUARD Grille Guard

Many states regulate the installation of aftermarket parts on civilian and commercial vehicles — but grille guards are legal in all states. The legality of aftermarket grille guards may be dependent on regulations that impact bumper height and ride height and even though grille guards are legal across the country, drivers may find exceptions to the rule in parts of the country. Example — grille guards are not legal in New York City and are considered to be a safety hazard. Violations in New York City must be corrected within 10 days. Make sure to check applicable state laws to see specific requirements.  

Do Grille Guards Affect Truck Safety Features?

The primary concern with the installation of aftermarket grille guards is safety. Drivers may be concerned that a grille guard will impact crumple zones, driver-assist features, and airbag deployment when installed — but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been unable to provide concrete evidence that grille guards have a negative impact on airbag deployment. With the added protection that grille guards provide for your truck, the negative impact on crumple zones is minimized. 

READ MORE: Do Grille Guards Work with Collision Avoidance Systems?

Are you considering buying a grille guard for your semi truck? Do you drive cross country regularly? You may have asked — are grille guards legal in all 50 states? We hope that this breakdown has answered your question. Contact RIGGUARD today for more information on our grille guards and products!