Is It Illegal to Drive Without a Hood in California, Other States? Solved

Nichole DeFazio, Esq. | Updated 10/04/2018 | Last reviewed 5/26/2019 by Nichole DeFazio, Esq. |
A car is driving around without its hood.

Is it illegal to drive without a hood in California and elsewhere? It is illegal to drive without a hood in Maryland and Oregon. In Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, and West Virginia, there are requirements for driving without a hood. In all other states, including California, Illinois, and New York, there are no specific laws against driving without a hood. To find out more about the laws in your state, scroll through our lists of state resources below.

In This Article

Driving laws vary by state. The lists below outline the states that do have laws specifically outlawing driving a vehicle without a hood and the states that don’t. Most states prohibit driving a vehicle that is in an “unsafe condition.” This can be interpreted in many different ways. Also, keep in mind, some counties have their own driving laws. To be on the safe side, contact your local law enforcement before driving without a hood.

States with Laws Against Driving a Vehicle Without a Hood

  • Maryland: The Maryland Transportation Code lists a vehicle’s hood as required equipment when driving on state highways.
  • Oregon: Hoods are not specifically mentioned in Oregon’s required equipment laws; however, there is an exception that states the hood of a streetcar may be removed. This suggests that hoods cannot normally be removed.

States with Requirements for Driving a Vehicle Without a Hood

The states below do not list a hood in their required vehicle equipment laws; however, they do have laws that may require certain adjustments in order to drive a vehicle without a hood. Of course, your state may view driving a vehicle without a hood unsafe, which may make it illegal. For specifics, contact your local law enforcement before driving without a hood.

  • Alaska: Driving without a hood is not specifically outlawed; however, your engine is required to be “equipped and adjusted to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke.” Learn more about required equipment from the Alaska State Legislature.
  • Hawaii: Hawaii requires that modified vehicles are inspected and certified by the designated county agency. Learn more about Hawaii’s vehicle statutes.
  • North Dakota: Driving without a hood is not specifically outlawed; however, your engine is required to be “equipped and adjusted to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke.” Learn more about required equipment from the North Dakota Legislative Branch.
  • West Virginia: Driving without a hood is not specifically outlawed, however, your engine is required to be “equipped and adjusted to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke.” Learn more about required equipment from the West Virginia Legislature.

States with No Laws Against Driving a Vehicle Without a Hood

The states below do not list a hood in their required vehicle equipment laws. Of course, your state may view driving a vehicle without a hood unsafe, which may make it illegal. For specifics, contact your local law enforcement before driving without a hood.

In Summary

Is it legal to drive without a hood? It depends where you live but in many states, you can go right ahead. It is illegal to drive without a hood in Maryland and Oregon. In Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, and West Virginia, you must comply with certain requirements in order to drive a vehicle without a hood. In all other states, there are no laws against driving without a hood. Of course, most states prohibit driving a vehicle that is in an “unsafe condition.” Since this can be interpreted different ways, contact your local law enforcement before driving without a hood.

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