Jeeps without Doors

Jeep Doors, or doors on any vehicle, cannot be removed without the approval of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). A door is considered a "safety device" or "safety equipment" because of the protection it provides when driven on a highway. Removing a door from a Jeep or any vehicle is similar to removing a seat belt or airbag.

The Jeep manual often provides information on how to remove a door. Doors on Jeeps are made to be removed. Jeep manuals and dealers will often advise customers/drivers that doors can be removed when the vehicle is not being driving on a public highway. When a vehicle is driven on a public highway the operation of that vehicle is subject to the rules of the road, including TA 22-104 "Alteration of Safety Devices."

§ 22-104. Unlawful to remove or alter safety device or equipment

A person may not willfully or intentionally remove or alter any safety device or equipment that has been placed on any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer in compliance with any law, rule, regulation, or requirement of any officer or agency of the United States or of this State, if it is intended that the vehicle be operated on highways in this State, unless the removal or alteration is permitted by rule or regulation adopted by the Administrator.

Consider this: An injury occurred because a Jeep door is removed. A person falls out of a vehicle because the door was not installed and shut correctly. Who's at fault? The Jeep manufacturer certainly will not take blame. They warned you when they cautioned you in their manual about safety.