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If you perform a quick search on the internet about suicide knobs, you will find many people claiming that you don't see them as much because they are illegal. However, this claim is likely one of those "car myths" that has spread because of the name. The term "suicide" has a dangerous connotation to it which probably made people assume they were illegal.
The Illegal Myth Suicide knobs have bad reputation on the internet. Most people wondering if they are illegal will search the internet and find a post asking this question with people answering that they are illegal. Then this answer is used as a reference to answer other people posting the same question. For example a post on Car Talk referenced a post on Yahoo Answers claiming they are illegal. The poster finally checked with their police and found they were not. Even Wikipedia claims they are illegal with no references.
State Laws Searching through each state's statutes, there were no laws in the 50 states banning the use of steering wheel knobs on regular cars. In fact, some states require the use of a steering aid if you are a handicapped person. Michigan has put in writing that they are not outlawed. However, there is a law against using them for construction vehicles that haul and handle materials. OSHA Law
City Laws Although there were no state statutes found regarding suicide knobs. Cities can have their own local laws and ordinances. You can go to http://www.municode.com to search your local city codes.
Below are links to each state's vehicle laws if you want to verify state laws. You can also call your local police to double check any city traffic codes.
Alabama No rules against knobs in the motor vehicle code.
Alaska No rules against knobs in Alaska's driver manual.
Arizona No rules against knobs in Arizona's vehicle code.
Arkansas No rules banning knobs in Arkansas's vehicle code. Title 27 (Transportation) Chapter 37 (Equipment and Regulations).
California No laws against knobs in the state motor vehicle code.
Colorado No rules against steering wheel knobs. Colorado vehicle code Title 42: Article 4
Connecticut No rules against knobs in Connecticut's vehicle code.
Delaware No rules against knobs in Delaware's vehicle code.
Florida No rules against knobs in Florida's vehicle code.
Georgia No rules against knobs.
Hawaii No rules against knobs.
Idaho No rules against knobs in Idaho's vehicle code.
Illinois No rules against knobs in Illinois' vehicle code.
Indiana No rules against knobs in Indiana's vehicle code.
Iowa No rules against knobs in Iowa's vehicle code.
Kansas No rules against knobs in Kansas' vehicle statutes.
Kentucky No rules against knobs in Kentucky's vehicle statutes. Does have law stating that the steering device not to be defective.
Louisiana No rules found against knobs in Louisiana's vehicle statues.
Maine No rules against knobs in Maine's vehicle statutes.
Maryland No rules against knobs in Maryland's statutes.
Massachusetts No rules against knobs in Massachusetts' laws.
MichiganSuicide Knobs: There is nothing in the Michigan Vehicle Code that specifically prohibits “suicide knobs” or “spinners” on steering wheels. Such knobs could actually be required pursuant to a restricted operator’s license for a person with a disability.
Minnesota No rules against knobs in Minnesota's statutes. Article where state trooper and driver and vehicle services division confirms no laws on knobs.
Mississippi No rules against knobs in Mississippi's vehicle statutes.
Missouri No rules against knobs in Missouri's vehicle statutes.
Montana No rules against knobs in Montana's vehicle code.
Nebraska No rules against knobs in Nebraska's state laws.
Nevada No rules against knobs in Nevada's statutes.
New Hampshire No rules against knobs in New Hampshire's motor vehicle rules.
New Jersey No rules against knobs in New Jersey.
New Mexico No rules against knobs in New Mexico's statutes.
New York No rules against knobs in New York's laws. New York requires an aid on the steering mechanism if handicapped.
North Carolina No rules against knobs in North Carolina's statues.
North Dakota No rules against knobs in North Dakota's statutes.
Ohio No rules against knobs in Ohio's vehicle codes.
Oklahoma No rules against knobs in Oklahoma's vehicle codes.
Oregon No rules regarding knobs in Oregon's statutes.
Pennsylvania No rules against knobs in Pennsylvania's statutes.
Rhode Island No rules against knobs in Rhode Island statutes.
South Carolina No rules against knobs in South Carolina's laws.
South Dakota No rules against knobs in South Dakota's statues.
Tennessee No rules against knobs in Tennessee code.
Texas No rules against knobs in Texas' statutes.
Utah No rules against knobs in Utah's vehicle code.
Vermont No rules against knobs in Vermont's statutes.
Virginia No rules against knobs in Virginia's vehicle code.
Washington Does not say anything about steering wheel knobs but mentions no steering attachments should catch clothing. Possible violation.
West Virginia No rules against knobs in West Virginia's code.
Wisconsin No rules against knobs in Wisconsin's statutes.
Wyoming No rules against knobs in Wyoming statutes.
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