What is the maximum height that bumpers on passenger automobiles are allowed to be?

The maximum height that bumpers on passenger automobiles are allowed to be is set at 20 inches. This regulation is designed to enhance safety and vehicle compatibility by ensuring that the bumpers of vehicles can adequately engage during collisions, particularly between vehicles of varying sizes. By standardizing the bumper height, this regulation aims to reduce the risk of injury to occupants as well as pedestrians, and to ensure that vehicles can withstand impacts without significant structural damage.

The choice of 20 inches as the maximum height accounts for a balance between vehicle design and practical safety measures, reflecting industry standards and federal regulations in automotive safety. This standard helps promote uniformity among vehicles on the road, thereby contributing to overall traffic safety.