Your Guide for Driving a Jeep Without Doors | GetJerry.com (2024)

The Jeep Wrangler is iconic for many reasons—the removable top, the off-roading capabilities, the rugged-chic style to name a few—but none are quite as quintessentially Wrangler as doorless driving. It’s no secret that Jeep inspires many loyal fans—“it’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand.”

Luckily, driving without doors is completely legal in most circ*mstances.

However, the lack of side mirrors is not often legal. Every state requires a vehicle to have a certain amount of mirrors to ensure that the driver can see properly.

On Jeep Wranglers, the side-view mirrors are attached to the doors. To make your doorless Wrangler legal on the road, you’ll have to find a way to reattach or add your mirrors to the frame of the Jeep. Each state has different requirements when it comes to mirrors.

Mirror laws can vary pretty significantly among states. Some states only require one mirror, and other states mandate two or three. A few states dictate that you have at least one side mirror with a rearview mirror. Others require that your mirrors be fixed in certain locations on your vehicle, so be sure to check the specific mirror law for your state if you’re unsure.

Here are the states that require one mirror:

The states requiring two mirrors include:

Other states have more unique laws, like the following:

If you’ve never experienced riding a Wrangler without doors, you may be wondering what the big deal is.

Here are a few of the perks to cruising doorless:

Removing the doors may seem like an obvious choice for your Jeep Wrangler, but there are still a few risks and disadvantages to consider as well.

It may go without saying, but without the extra layer of thick steel, you’re less protected in the event of an accident. Doors are the only thing between your body and the road or another car in a collision, so removing them also removes a significant line of defense.

Depending on your location, you may be more susceptible to inclement weather. For instance, summers in the South can produce spontaneous thunderstorms, turning ideal Jeep weather into a wet and cold day out. Who wants to deal with mildewed seats?

Summer cruising can also amplify UV exposure.

When you’re unsure of whether or not driving doorless is legal or appropriate, you won’t enjoy the ride as much. It’s best to err on the safe side and keep the doors on if you’re in doubt—it’s not worth risking being pulled over or questioned by law enforcement.

Or, if you’re feeling brave, you can always just tote the doors around with you in the back.

Whether you’re new to the Wrangler world, new to the door-removal arena, or just want to make sure you’ve got the most efficient method, here are a few pointers for removing and storing your Jeep doors.

Newer models of the Wrangler typically come equipped with a door-removal toolkit in the glovebox, so consult your owner’s manual to see if your Jeep came with one.

If you got your Jeep secondhand, however, you don’t have to stress or buy a new toolkit online—you’ll only need a few simple supplies:

You’ll need to be careful not to stick your fingers in the hinges while maneuvering the doors around. Here are the steps for proper removal:

1. Fold the side mirrors to ensure the mirrors don’t get damaged or broken.

2. Roll the windows down so you’re able to have easy access to both sides of the door. This will also help you avoid accidentally shattering the glass during the process.

3. Remove the black safety strap, which you should find on the inside of the door jamb.

4. Disconnect the wiring. If your Jeep has power windows and locks, disconnect the wiring harness attaching the door’s electrical elements to the vehicle.

5. Remove all nuts and bolts from the doors, taking care not to scratch the paint with the wrench.

6. Pull the doors up and off the vehicle, being careful not to smash your fingers in the hinges.

7. Disable the door alarm and light if necessary. This will include disconnecting the battery, removing the door jamb fuse, and reconnecting the battery. Consult your owner’s manual for details for your specific model.

Since these are key parts of your vehicle’s body, it’s crucial to store them safely and properly.

Here are a few common methods of door storage:

1. Cover them in a thick, protective blanket and keep them in a dry storage area. You can lay them on the floor or lean them against a sturdy wall. Be sure they’re fully wrapped, tucked in, and in a place they’re not likely to be knocked over. While this is the cheapest and simplest option, it’s not the most protective.

2. Mount the doors on a wall with a sturdy wall hinge. This will require a fair bit of wall space. You can either purchase specific mounting kits made for Jeep doors, or you can make your own if you’re feeling handy.

3. One of the more convenient options is simply purchasing a Jeep door storage cart. They’re generally portable and take up less space, though they can be pretty pricey.

The best part? The average Jerry user saves $800+ on annual car insurance premiums!