FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Meaning of "street legal"

Can someone explain me the meaning of street legal ?
In particular, if something is not street legal, does it mean it is street illegal ?
Further, if I install aux fuel tank which I know it is not street legal, can I drive legally on the street ? Or maybe it depends if I have fuel in it or not. ?

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on October 26, 2009 at 10:51pm

in California, there are quite a few things that are not "street legal" or street illegal such as beadlocks, non-carb compliant gas cans, certain types of lights and exhaust systems. that being said, you could probably get away with them but may end up getting a fix-it ticket (which means you'll have to remove and/or replace the offending part) and possibly more related fines.

i think if your aux fuel tank is compliant with DOT specs, you should be ok. i know Shreesh has one and i think it is DOT approved and "street legal" but you'll probably want to confirm that with him.

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Permalink Reply by Mikerd400 on October 26, 2009 at 11:48pm

I can't imagine any LEO checking your aux fuel tank. However, if your involved in a major injury or fatal collision, your vehicle might be inspected. Your aux fuel tank won't really get you in criminal trouble, but could have an impact on a civil suit.