FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Beadlocks

1)Are beadlocks in violation of Ca or Fed DOT laws?

2)Are there any beadlock brands/types that are legal by DOT, hence Ca legal?

This is a question I have seen many a variety of answer on, but nothing really specific.

I have also not been able to find DMV statutes on this. Anyone?

Steve Hope.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Revoked on January 20, 2013 at 8:18pm

I think there's a lot of confusion on this topic. With that said, I have nothing of value to add!

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Permalink Reply by daPitbull on January 20, 2013 at 10:25pm

Only street legal DOT approved beadlocks I know of:

http://www.rockmonsterwheels.com/

The other ones are internal beadlocks, which are legal.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Wheels/Staun-Internal-Beadlock.aspx?t_c=...

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Permalink Reply by Mikerd400 on January 20, 2013 at 10:53pm

Walker Evans makes street legal beadlocks.

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Permalink Reply by Philly on January 21, 2013 at 11:18pm

Beadlocks are not street legal in CA. That being said, neither is tinted front windows, missing front license plate, no mud flaps, yada yada. Ive never had problems nor have i heard of people having problems. I was pulled over near a popular trail head. The CHP knew his laws obviously and pointed out my stuff. He said " nice rig and have a nice day". They make lots of poser wheels that look pretty spot on to real beadlocks. Pretty hard to tell by just glancing. I know Hutchinson makes street legal ones. Honestly, I wouldnt waste my time or money on them. Go with a common beadlock like KMC, Walker, Trail Ready, Raceline.

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Permalink Reply by Jose Vicente Natividad on January 25, 2013 at 11:34pm

is the TRD wheels with beadlocks legal here in california?..thanks

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Permalink Reply by daPitbull on January 26, 2013 at 9:37am

TRD doesn't make bead locks. There are companies like OMF that retrofit brad locks to wheels but they will not be DOT legal.

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Permalink Reply by Jose Vicente Natividad on January 29, 2013 at 7:32pm

so this is not a legit beadlock wheel http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KJkCEAlAhRiRYALTq... ???thanks

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hope on January 29, 2013 at 7:54pm

I suppose its" a legit beadlock wheel," but is it legal on Ca roads?

Steve Hope.

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Permalink Reply by daPitbull on January 29, 2013 at 10:32pm

nope.

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Permalink Reply by crawlinrollins on January 30, 2013 at 6:48pm

Are you sure that these are real bead locks or just a fake lock? Looks more like an aluminum rock ring...

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Permalink Reply by Craig Stanley on January 26, 2013 at 12:33am

Why are beadlocks illegal? Is it a safety risk?

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hope on January 29, 2013 at 8:18pm

Some of the better ones are certainly well built and

obviously stronger than most OEM wheels.

As for the strict definition "are they legal?" this is a

question for a lawyer. I hear lots of opinions,

they don’t all agree. Many people use them on the street.

The DOT is a federal organization. Different states may

have to be safer and stronger than factory DOT wheels. The

problem is that the DOT has never written a specification

for them to comply with, so they cannot "rubber stamp"

them. Different states have different laws on whether you

are required to comply with DOT approval, and on what

parts. Small manufacturers cannot afford to comply with lengthy, expensive procedures to test a wheel to a non-existent standard. From another board: Utah State Patrol is not as friendly. If they see your truck with beadlocks, they will give you a ticket, then tow your vehicle with a flatbed and will not release it until you have a trailer to tow it away with. They do know when the Easter Jeep Safari is, and they sit on the border watching for vehicles to pull over. If you trailer your truck to Moab, the local cops couldn't care less if you have beadlocks while driving on the street.

So watch out, beadlockers!!!!!!!

Steve Hope.