These Car Issues Will Get You Pulled Over in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin

When it comes to driving, we are all aware that speeding runs you the risk of being pulled over by a police officer. However, there are also basic maintenance components on your car that can draw the attention of law enforcement.

The website AutoTailor has dutifully compiled a list of basic maintenance issues with your car that could result in getting pulled over, or worse, a hefty fine. These apply to Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and with winter quickly approaching, it's important to double-check to make sure your vehicle is street-safe and reliable.

Broken Turn Signals, Headlights, and Taillights:

Non-functioning/faulty turn signals, headlights, and taillights are the first things AutoTailor notes on their website. One of the most obvious infractions to patrol officers and law enforcement are broken lights:

When you think about it, if law enforcement is there to keep people safe, they have to pull you over if your turn signals, headlights, or taillights don’t work for some reason. They’re usually relatively easy to fix, but they can cause serious danger if they don’t work when they’re supposed to. - per AutoTailor

Cracked or Modified Windshield:

I believe most of us leave our windshields alone. Some people tint them, along with their windows, but the degree of tint varies by state.

• The Iowa Department of Transportation requires that windshields have at least 70% light transmittance. Front-side windows must have at least 70% visible light transmittance (VLT). Back seat side windows: any tint darkness can be used. Rear window: any tint darkness can be used.
• Things are a bit more minute in Illinois:
  
  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
  • Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
  • Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• For Wisconsin, front side windows must have more than 50% VLT. Back side windows and rear windshield must allow over 35% of light in.

Loud Exhaust System:

Per AutoTailor, a modified or damaged exhaust system can also lead to a fine in many states:

• Per Iowa law, "Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke, and no person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway."
• Per Illinois law, Illinois laws require passenger and other vehicles under 8,000 pounds in weight to emit no more than 76 DB A on highways where speed limit is under 35 miles per hour, or 85 DB A on highways with speed limit over 35 miles per hour.
• Per Wisconsin law, No muffler or exhaust system on any vehicle [....] shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device nor shall there be installed in the exhaust system of any such vehicle any device to ignite exhaust gases so as to produce flame within or without the exhaust system. No person shall modify the exhaust system of any such motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and such original muffler shall comply with all the requirements of this section.

Braking and Steering Issues:

Braking and steering are the two most basic functions necessary for a safe vehicle. If your vehicle has faulty brakes, you shouldn't be driving that vehicle at all. You can read more about common braking and steering infractions here.

You can read more about common car issues that could result in getting pulled over or a moving violation on AutoTailor's website.