Is it Safe to drive your Jeep without windows or doors? Then you have come to the right place. We are going to discuss everything you need to know about taking off your doors, and the safety or even legality of driving without them.
One of the main reasons to buy a Jeep is so that you can enjoy driving windowless and doorless. Before you start to remove any of these parts, it is important that you establish how safe it actually is to drive without them.
We are going to discuss the safety of driving without windows and doors. Additionally, we will include how you can remove these parts and what you can do to have your jeep street legal even without windows and doors. Read on for more on this topic.
Is it safe?
Determining whether driving a Jeep without windows or doors is safe can get quite difficult. The answer could vary depending on who the driver is. However, there isn’t any official information from the makers that directs otherwise. Generally speaking, there is nothing wrong with driving in this state.
Is it legal?
Before we go on, it is probably best that we address the legality of driving in this state. It is legal to drive without windows and doors. The only catch is to have your mirrors repositioned or replaced. Yes, it’s all about the mirrors.
Jeep mirror laws for all 50 States
These laws may vary depending on where you live. This will influence the mirror modifications you must make to your doorless or windowless ride.
First, most of the states require that you install at least one mirror. These include the following:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Wisconsin
Next, the following states require that you have a minimum 2 mirrors for safe driving:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Washington
Lastly, is the group of states that have unique mirror laws apart from the standard one or two mirror minimum:
- Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland and New York all require that you have a left side mirror and rearview mirror installed.
- Missouri is quite special in that it doesn’t require any mirrors for any vehicles made before 1968. However, any vehicles made after this time must have all the mirrors they had at factory manufacture.
- Michigan, Nevada and Vermont are the only states whose mirror laws are based on car size. In fact, mirrors are necessary for vehicles past a certain size.
- New Jersey, Virginia and Wyoming are the only states whose mirror laws are based on age. For Virginia and Wyoming, two mirrors are a necessity for vehicle at a certain age.
- Ohio stipulates that you must have an obstructed view not only to the front but also both sides of the car. Meaning all three mirrors are a must for all cars.
A special note on Pennsylvania
We did not include this state on our list because it isn’t exactly legal to drive without doors in this state. Driving without doors in a Pennsylvania registered Jeep is against the codes.
Taking out your Jeep doors and windows
The process of removing Jeep doors isn’t as complicated as you would think. It’s a series of simple steps that requires careful hands to avoid any damage from forceful removal.
First, you want to bring down the windows in order to protect them. If your model doesn’t have windows, then you can skip this process. Proceed to loosen and remove the nuts and door hinges. It is helpful to apply lube to ease the process.
Next, you want to remove the foot well which is under the dashboard. You will then proceed to disconnect any cables that are connected. Jeeps with power windows, locks and mirrors usually have a wire harness that must be unplugged. You can do this by disconnecting the wire harness and then proceed to sliding the locking pin and pushing on the tab release.
You can then lift the door straps off the hooks and very gently and carefully slide the door off then away from the body. After which you can proceed to storing your jeep in a safe and dry place. There are many options when it comes to Jeep door and window storage.
Tips on storing your windows and doors
Proper door storage is necessary to avoid any unwarranted damages. There are many storage options available that you can choose from. Importantly, you must find a method that is convenient for you and still effective in protecting your vehicle parts. Here is a simple rundown for door and window storage;
Using hangers
These are the most popular way to store your jeep windows and doors. Hangers are a great option if you have the wall space for them. They are safe and out of the way: if you have the wall space. The best hangers usually make use of the door hinges and avoid stressing the door frame.
Cons of using hangers
The biggest con of using hangers is the dependability of the hooks. Because the entire system is dependent on how well the hook will hold up, it is essential to choose good quality hooks. Otherwise, the whole hanger system could collapse and deal a lot of damage to your doors.
TIP: It important to determine the door specific weights. This way, you can choose hangers with hooks that can accommodate your doors. Plan for more weight than what your doors actually weigh. This way, you can rest assured that the hooks can safely hold up the doors.
Using floor brackets
Brackets use the same concept as hangers. You need only secure the door to the floor, protecting the underside of the door. However, you cannot utilize these brackets unless you have the floor space for them.
Using floor blankets
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of hanging up the doors, you can use floor blankets. This is a less tedious and inexpensive option. All you need is a thick blanket to cover the parts and leave them against a wall or laying down. It’s the easiest storage option.
Cons of floor blankets
This might not be the best option for anyone with minimal storage space. Storing your doors like this leaves them prone to accidental damage especially if left leaning against the wall.
Storage carts and door racks
Like the name suggests, these are carts in which you place your doors and windows. Storage carts are made for easy mobility and protection. Door racks are easy to build and a great out for anyone who doesn’t want to hang up or brace the doors to the floor. Storage carts and door racks are easy to move and make door reinstalling quite convenient.
Tube doors for safety and style
In case you don’t feel too great about going completely doors, you have the option of installing tube doors. These allow you to enjoy the thrill of driving a doorless jeep without worrying about your safety. Steel doors are often a light and a subtle addition to your jeep. There are many styles to choose from. In fact, you could elect options that have power mirror provisions. This way, you don’t have to worry about replacing your jeep mirrors after taking down the factory doors.
Quick tips on choosing the right tube doors
One of the more important factors is exposure of your door to elements. Depending on how you plan to use your Jeep and the terrain you expect to drive it on, you must find tube doors that can effectively protect you. Open brace tube doors are great for letting in the air and trips that don’t involve wet ground. Closed half doors will come in handy during water crossing.
Our next tip is all about security. Taking off the doors on your Jeep opens you up to security issues. If you like to keep valuables in your car, then tube doors with security latches may come in handy, especially if you’re using the doorless jeep for daily errands, not off road trips.
Lastly, the accessories on the tube doors should help you find the right kind. By accessories, we mean mirrors, storage straps and cargo netting. Mirrors are quite tedious and expensive to install. Finding a tube door with these accessories could save you a lot of time while still providing lots of convenience even with your doors off.
A note on reattaching jeep windows
Once you take your doors off, you will have to attach replacement mirrors. There are many ways you can accomplish this. Regardless of the model you drive, there are replacement mirror options available that you can purchase and have installed. Some mirror relocation options include the following.
- Door hinge
- Tube door
- Wind shield pillar
Final word
Taking off your Jeep doors and windows can be exciting. However, you must ensure you remain compliant with your States mirror laws. After which you can enjoy rides on all sorts of terrain with your Jeeps doors and windows safely hidden away.
