We will readily admit that of all the customized cars that exist on the planet earth, Donks, Bubbles, and Boxes are the worst. I know, I know, to each his own. In fact, we are usually of the mindset that if your xyz excites you as much as my ’56 Wagon or ’69 Camaro, then we support you. I just can’t do it with the big wheeled scene. It’s just not right. But even worse is the fact that, according to the SEMA Action Network, drivers of Donks, Bubbles, and Boxes may be the target of police because of the cars they are driving. This just ain’t right. So as much as it pains us, we are supporting the big wheeled wonders because it could just as easily be the street rod or muscle car enthusiasts being targeted and we wouldn’t like that very much now would we.

So, after reading the SEMA Action Network Urgent Enforcement Alert below, I say raise your finger in defiance to the Cincinnati Police. If vehicles are truly unsafe, have at it. If you are targeting these folks for their choice in wheels, I say shame on you. Go spend your time pulling over the soccer moms who’s kids are running around the back of the minivan not wearing seatbelts!

URGENT
ENFORCEMENT ALERT (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Many
of you have contacted the SEMA Action Network to
request information regarding a recent increase in the ticketing and
impoundment of vehicles with larger-sized aftermarket wheels in the
Cincinnati,
Ohio jurisdiction.  We reached out to the Cincinnati Police Department
to inquire as to the current enforcement policy.  According to the
head of the department’s traffic unit, Cincinnati is enforcing a section
of the Ohio law that states, “No person shall drive or move, or
knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway, any vehicle or
combination of vehicles which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger
any
person.” Vehicles that are cited under this section are being
confiscated from the driver and sent to an inspection station for
determination of
the violation.  With regard to passenger vehicles with larger size
wheels, the department claims that law enforcement is primarily
concerned
about three things:

1. The vehicle does not comply with bumper height restrictions for passenger cars.
2. The steering wheel is
   unable to go from right “lock” position to left “lock” position or the tires come into contact with the vehicle frame, or any
   of the cables – including emergency cable lines, brake lines, etc.
3. The brakes are not up to standard in terms of brake pads,
   calipers, etc.  

Bumpers
Under the inspection criteria, the bumper limits for passenger vehicles
which have been modified are 22 inches from the bottom of the bumper to the ground, for the front and back
bumper.   

Steering
Steering is inspected to determine that the steering assembly operates normally;
there is no excessive play in the steering wheel; the
sector shaft is secure; and there is no binding or lash in the steering
assembly.

Tires
Tires must have a minimum of 1/16 inch tread depth on the road surface.  They should be free
of major bumps or bulges, breaks or tread damage.

Wheels and Rims
Rims must not be badly bent or twisted. Lug bolts
must be securely tightened.

Brakes
Brakes
are inspected to determine that there is sufficient brake pedal.
Hydraulic brake system is tested with vehicle stopped. Driver should be
able to maintain brake pedal height under moderate foot force (40-60
pounds)
for one minute.  The service brake must hold the vehicle on any grade
and under all conditions of loading, provided the surface is free of
snow,
ice or loose material. The emergency brake should hold the vehicle in a
stopped position when less than 2/3 of the actuator stroke is used, and
should
stop the vehicle in the event of service brake failure. Brake fluids and
brake lining materials manufactured for sale in Ohio must meet
standards set
by the director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

These
vehicles may also be targeted for reasons that go beyond equipment
standards.  The department indicated that a recent spate of illegal
traffic activity has drawn law enforcement’s attention.  When
asked why enforcement against passenger cars with larger wheels was now
more prevalent even though the inspection criteria had not changed for
several
years, the department head suggested that there are more vehicles of
this type on the road than ever before. 

We encourage SAN members
to
assess their vehicles with larger-sized wheels for compliance with the
above standards.   If you believe that you are being targeted by law
enforcement despite compliance with these standards, we welcome being
made aware of the circumstances of your citation.  

Thanks for
your attention.