Posted on Tue, Feb. 22, 2005
Sure, yank the doors off that Wrangler
By Ron Hartung
TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
Dear Traffic Doctor,
I am a faithful Jeep Wrangler owner who loves the benefits of Tallahassee's warm climate in an open-top vehicle. Every spring, after what seems like a never-ending winter, I remove my Jeep's top and doors and head out on the road. NOTHING is better than the wind in your hair and the breeze on your legs.
When you remove the doors, though, you lose the side-view mirrors. Is it legal to drive without them?
TJ
Readers in Buffalo might curl their Arctic-chapped lips at your reference to our "never-ending winter." Nonetheless, your legs will be happy to hear Highway Patrol Lt. John Bagnardi say you can let the breezes blow.
"It is lawful to remove the doors and top of TJ's Jeep," he says, "as long as all necessary safety equipment is in operation."
Florida Statute 316.294 requires a mirror "so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear." He says the mirror mounted on the inside of your windshield serves that purpose.
http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/10958221.htm