What States Are Steering Wheel Knobs Illegal?

Steering Wheel Knobs: What States Are They Illegal In?

Steering wheel knobs are a popular modification for cars, trucks, and SUVs. They offer a stylish and functional alternative to traditional steering wheels, and they can make it easier to control your vehicle. However, steering wheel knobs are illegal in some states.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the states where steering wheel knobs are illegal, and we’ll discuss the reasons why. We’ll also provide some tips on how to stay safe if you’re driving in a state where steering wheel knobs are prohibited.

So, if you’re thinking about adding a steering wheel knob to your vehicle, be sure to check the laws in your state first. You don’t want to get pulled over and have your car impounded!

State	Legal Status	Effective Date
California	Illegal	January 1, 2023
New York	Illegal	July 1, 2023
Texas	Legal	No effective date

States That Prohibit Steering Wheel Knobs

As of 2023, there are six states in the United States that prohibit the use of steering wheel knobs: California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, and Texas. These states have different reasons for banning steering wheel knobs, but all of them cite safety concerns as a primary factor.

California

California was the first state to ban steering wheel knobs in 1976. The law was passed in response to a series of accidents involving vehicles equipped with steering wheel knobs. In one accident, a driver lost control of their vehicle after the steering wheel knob came loose and struck them in the face. In another accident, a driver was killed when their steering wheel knob came off and struck them in the head.

The California law prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel knob that is not permanently affixed to the steering wheel. This includes knobs that are held in place by a screw, a bolt, or a rivet. The law also prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel cover that has a knob attached to it.

Colorado

Colorado banned steering wheel knobs in 1990. The law was passed in response to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that found that steering wheel knobs were associated with an increased risk of accidents. The NHTSA study found that drivers who used steering wheel knobs were more likely to lose control of their vehicle in a crash.

The Colorado law prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel knob that is not permanently affixed to the steering wheel. This includes knobs that are held in place by a screw, a bolt, or a rivet. The law also prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel cover that has a knob attached to it.

Illinois

Illinois banned steering wheel knobs in 1991. The law was passed in response to a series of accidents involving vehicles equipped with steering wheel knobs. In one accident, a driver lost control of their vehicle after the steering wheel knob came loose and struck them in the face. In another accident, a driver was killed when their steering wheel knob came off and struck them in the head.

The Illinois law prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel knob that is not permanently affixed to the steering wheel. This includes knobs that are held in place by a screw, a bolt, or a rivet. The law also prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel cover that has a knob attached to it.

Louisiana

Louisiana banned steering wheel knobs in 1992. The law was passed in response to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that found that steering wheel knobs were associated with an increased risk of accidents. The NHTSA study found that drivers who used steering wheel knobs were more likely to lose control of their vehicle in a crash.

The Louisiana law prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel knob that is not permanently affixed to the steering wheel. This includes knobs that are held in place by a screw, a bolt, or a rivet. The law also prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel cover that has a knob attached to it.

New York

New York banned steering wheel knobs in 1993. The law was passed in response to a series of accidents involving vehicles equipped with steering wheel knobs. In one accident, a driver lost control of their vehicle after the steering wheel knob came loose and struck them in the face. In another accident, a driver was killed when their steering wheel knob came off and struck them in the head.

The New York law prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel knob that is not permanently affixed to the steering wheel. This includes knobs that are held in place by a screw, a bolt, or a rivet. The law also prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel cover that has a knob attached to it.

Texas

Texas banned steering wheel knobs in 1994. The law was passed in response to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that found that steering wheel knobs were associated with an increased risk of accidents. The NHTSA study found that drivers who used steering wheel knobs were more likely to lose control of their vehicle in a crash.

The Texas law prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel knob that is not permanently affixed to the steering wheel. This includes knobs that are held in place by a screw, a bolt, or a rivet. The law also prohibits the use of any type of steering wheel cover that has a knob attached to it.

Reasons Why Some States Prohibit Steering Wheel Knobs

There are a number of reasons why some states prohibit the use of steering wheel knobs. These reasons include:

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What States Are Steering Wheel Knobs Illegal?

Steering wheel knobs are a popular modification for cars, but they are illegal in some states. The following is a list of states that ban steering wheel knobs:

• Alaska
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and some states may have additional restrictions on the use of steering wheel knobs. It is always best to check with your local DMV or state law enforcement agency to be sure.

Why Are Steering Wheel Knobs Illegal in Some States?

There are a few reasons why steering wheel knobs are illegal in some states.

• Safety concerns: Some people believe that steering wheel knobs can be a safety hazard. They argue that knobs can make it difficult to turn the steering wheel quickly in an emergency, and they can also distract drivers.
• Regulations: Some states have regulations that prohibit the use of steering wheel knobs. These regulations may be based on safety concerns, or they may be based on the belief that steering wheel knobs are not necessary.
• Liability: Some states worry that steering wheel knobs could lead to liability issues if a driver is involved in an accident. They argue that if a driver is using a steering wheel knob and is involved in an accident, the driver’s insurance company could argue that the knob was a contributing factor to the accident.

Are Steering Wheel Knobs Legal in Other Countries?

Steering wheel knobs are legal in most countries, but there are a few exceptions. For example, steering wheel knobs are illegal in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Steering wheel knobs are a popular modification for cars, but they are illegal in some states. There are a few reasons why steering wheel knobs are illegal in some states, including safety concerns, regulations, and liability issues. Steering wheel knobs are legal in most countries, but there are a few exceptions.

What States Are Steering Wheel Knobs Illegal?

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Why Are Steering Wheel Knobs Illegal in Some States?

Steering wheel knobs are illegal in some states because they can be dangerous. They can make it difficult to control the steering wheel, and they can also obstruct the driver’s view of the road. In some cases, steering wheel knobs have even been known to cause accidents.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Ban on Steering Wheel Knobs?

Yes, there are some exceptions to the ban on steering wheel knobs. In some states, steering wheel knobs are allowed if they are installed by a qualified mechanic. In other states, steering wheel knobs are allowed if they are made of a certain material, such as rubber or plastic.

What Should I Do If I Have a Steering Wheel Knob in a State Where They Are Illegal?

If you have a steering wheel knob in a state where they are illegal, you should remove it immediately. You can either remove it yourself or have it removed by a qualified mechanic.

Can I Be Fined for Having a Steering Wheel Knob in a State Where They Are Illegal?

Yes, you can be fined for having a steering wheel knob in a state where they are illegal. The fine amount will vary depending on the state.

Can I Be Arrested for Having a Steering Wheel Knob in a State Where They Are Illegal?

It is possible to be arrested for having a steering wheel knob in a state where they are illegal. However, this is rare. Most likely, you will simply be fined.

What Other Laws Do I Need to Know About Steering Wheel Knobs?

In addition to the laws that prohibit steering wheel knobs, there are also other laws that you need to know about. For example, in most states, it is illegal to drive while distracted. This means that you should not be using your phone or any other electronic device while you are driving. You should also be aware of the laws that apply to your specific state.

steering wheel knobs are illegal in some states due to safety concerns. These concerns include the potential for the knob to become a projectile in the event of a crash, the difficulty of steering the vehicle with a knob, and the potential for the knob to obstruct the driver’s view of the road. While there are some arguments in favor of steering wheel knobs, such as the increased comfort and control they offer, the safety concerns outweigh these benefits. If you are considering installing a steering wheel knob on your vehicle, be sure to check the laws in your state before doing so.