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Doors optional on Jeeps, Broncos thanks to new Pennsylvania laws

Drivers can soon enjoy a popular year-round pastime without fear of facing trouble with the law.

YORK, Pa. — They can take tight turns and tackle tough terrain.

"It's an iconic brand, it's been around forever," said Eric Walther, the general manager of Stetler Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and RAM in York.

Jeeps and Broncos thrive in the outdoors.

Many are designed to get the driver closer to the wilderness, letting owners lose their doors and feel the fresh air.

Walther said it's a major selling point.

"Off-road is exactly where the mindset is with Jeep owners," Walther said. "[They're] very versatile [and] fun. It's a great activity to do just to be outside and have the doors off and the windows down."

While doorless dirt driving has always been a delight, drivers who leave their doors behind could see flashing red and blue lights if they hit the road.

"Some municipalities didn't seem to mind, that they would drive with their doors off," said State Senator Devlin Robinson, a Republican who represents Allegheny County. "Some police officers would pull them over and fine them or issue them warnings for driving on Pennsylvania roadways with the doors off."

Pennsylvania is the only state in the country where Jeep and Bronco drivers had to keep their doors on if they wanted to head out on the road, but a new law signed this week will change the game.

Robinson sponsored Senate Bill 298 to clear the way for doorless driving in vehicles with doors designed to be removed.

The Ford Bronco owner said he didn't know he could be breaking the law when he removed his doors and roof.

He said the new law clears up the confusion.

"Everybody kind of said, it kind of makes sense," Robinson said. "If the doors are meant to be taken off, it should be legal."

The bill was signed into law on Monday, but the change doesn't take effect right away.

Jeep and Bronco owners can officially blow off the doors on September 13.

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