Legal issues on plexiglass use
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=30693
Printed Date: July 17, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Topic: Legal issues on plexiglass use
Posted By: Kobaltic
Subject: Legal issues on plexiglass use
Date Posted: April 19, 2004 at 4:44 PM
I want to cut out my trunk lid and install plexiglass. My friend told me this may not be legal do to plexiglass breaks into shards. I know I can't use it in the windows but does anyone know if I can use it in the body? I live in Pennsylvania. If anyone knows the state law on this that would be great. I spent alot of time searching the net but it not find anything. Thanks.
Replies:
Posted By: pureRF
Date Posted: April 19, 2004 at 4:58 PM
Ask a local cop. Thats what i always do.
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Posted By: xetmes
Date Posted: April 19, 2004 at 6:30 PM
I honestly dont think you would be able to. I remember reading in the pa code that all windows must be saftey glass type. Not sure if that applies here though so dont take my word for it.
Posted By: cgeoff1
Date Posted: April 19, 2004 at 7:23 PM
as far as i know plexiglass is only legal for show purposes, but you can follow this link and call the company who makes these plexiglass hoods and see what they say.
https://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/exterior-euro-hoods.html
Posted By: MAXST
Date Posted: April 19, 2004 at 9:51 PM
Lexan my friend.
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Posted By: Kobaltic
Date Posted: April 20, 2004 at 2:59 PM
thanks for all the replys. I planned on using lexan but I still don't know if it is street legal.
Posted By: f150on22s
Date Posted: April 20, 2004 at 8:25 PM
I know lexan is street legal in Texas...and Texas is pretty strict about sh*t. I'm sure its cool up there.
Posted By: MAXST
Date Posted: April 20, 2004 at 8:30 PM
For the windows you might be fine- i dont know state laws. As for the trunk lid and hood..i think its stupid. Lets let everyone see what you have? Like letting thiefs window shop. Also i dont think anyone makes a trunk lid thats clear....thought about carbon fiber for the hood and trunk? looks and is much lighter than stock. Prolly costs the same as the clear stuff. ------------- I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: April 20, 2004 at 11:07 PM
^^^ Exactly my thought, and it is ricey.
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Posted By: JungleBadger
Date Posted: June 15, 2004 at 3:54 PM
MAXST] wrote:
p>Also i dont think anyone makes a trunk lid thats clear....thought about carbon fiber for the hood and trunk? looks and is much lighter than stock. Prolly costs the same as the clear stuff.
I've seen clear trunks and hoods before, it is pretty useful for car shows. You'd never have to pop the trunk to show someone your sh*t ever again. Although I would only do this on a show car, it would be stupid to put it on your everyday car. ------------- Boooooooom Chack Boooom Booooooom Chack
Posted By: MAXST
Date Posted: June 15, 2004 at 11:06 PM
If its a purely trailer queen, then you can do anything to it that you want. Long as it isnt driven, they really cant to jack to you- that is unless its got a loud ass system, or is hazardous to the public. ------------- I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: June 16, 2004 at 10:36 AM
I don't know about other states, but here in California you can do pretty much anything you want to the body of a car as long as you don't interfere with required safety equipment (like bumpers) and you don't modify the smog equipment on the engine. Oh, and you have to ensure you have not created a safety hazard for other drivers (like excessive glare. You can't, for example, chrome plate an entire car.) Now back to the question about using plexiglass as a trunk window, I would suggest you be very careful about the choice of material. DEFINATELY do not use Lexan, as this will sun-craze and even yellow if exposed to the sun too long. The best choice, actually, is probably plate glass, as it would not be affected by the sun at all and it is probably cheaper than any plastic. Two other things to consider is the effect of the sun beating directly into your trunk which might excessively heat up your gear, and the change to the trunk lid weight that might keep the opening mechanism from working correctly. You may have to install hydraulic lifts for the trunk lid. Cheers. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: Kobaltic
Date Posted: June 16, 2004 at 2:56 PM
Thanks for all the info. My idea is to use 2 trunk lids and rotate them when needed. I don't feel safe about driving into the city with a trunk window. So I would always use a normal trunk lid for that purpose. I am installing a "flip top open" trunk lid to use so you get better clearence and visiablity. I will add a small motor to handle this so I don't think there will be a problem with lighter weights. Thanks everyone for the replys. Kobaltic
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