19 Dangerous Cars You Can Legally Own Anyway

Car safety has advanced so much over the last few decades, it makes vehicles that are still out on the road feel like a massive gamble to drive. Many of those old cars, despite their questionable engineering or tendency to spin out of control, are still perfectly legal to own and drive.

This is why we wanted to include some of these cars in one handy list. The type of vehicles we’re talking about are things like 3-wheelers and overpowered cars that shouldn’t be on the streets. We’ve also included some questionable aftermarket modifications that somehow fly under the radar of local traffic laws.

Reliant Robin Three Wheeler

England brought us this notorious 3-wheeled automobile that is famous for being incredibly prone to rolling over. Part of the appeal was that you did not even need a standard driver’s license to take it for a spin.

First Generation Dodge Viper

The original 1992 Dodge Viper quickly earned a reputation as one of the most terrifying and intimidating sports cars anyone could drive. It had massive power, but it lacked the safety features needed to keep it easily controlled.

Classic Ford Pinto Hatchback

Gearheads often view this subcompact as one of the most dangerous cars ever built. It became notorious for major safety issues and fiery wrecks, especially after an infamous incident where a rear-ended Pinto immediately burst into flames.

Peel P50 Microcar

This incredibly tiny 3-wheeled machine is still road-legal in the UK under their specific 3-wheeler category. Surprisingly, you can also legally drive it on streets in the US, assuming you feel safe in something this extremely small.

Suzuki Samurai Compact SUV

Safety experts deemed this compact SUV incredibly dangerous due to its terrifying tendency to flip over during sharp maneuvers. On top of the rollover risk, it also faced recalls for serious tire and seatbelt safety issues.

Ariel Atom Track Car

This high-performance open-wheel car is totally road-legal despite looking like it belongs solely on a race track. It features a prominently visible chassis with no roof or windows, offering only a small optional windscreen for any protection.

Porsche Carrera GT Supercar

Considered a brutally unforgiving supercar, it combined massive power with a light weight and zero computer assists to save the driver. A fatal crash involving Paul Walker even prompted a major lawsuit regarding its lack of safety.

Extremely Lifted Pickup Trucks

While compact models like the 4-door Ford Maverick sit relatively close to the ground, extremely lifted trucks create massive blind spots. These towering suspensions make it terrifyingly easy for the driver to completely miss seeing smaller vehicles.

Smart Fortwo City Car

Since 2020, the manufacturer has only sold battery electric vehicle versions of this tiny city car. While easy to park, driving something this incredibly small next to massive modern SUVs can feel like a genuine safety risk.

Yugo GV Economy Car

Sold in the United States as a budget-friendly subcompact hatchback, this car was heavily criticized for its awful safety, poor design, and terrible reliability. Driving one was always a massive gamble on the highway.

DeLorean DMC Twelve Coupe

This famous coupe might look incredible, but its stainless steel body and unusual doors can pose some unique hazards in an emergency. Despite those quirks, you can still completely legally purchase and drive one on public roads.

Morgan Three Wheeler Roadster

Produced by a British manufacturer from 2012 to 2021, this roadster was officially unveiled at a 2011 motor show. Its unique setup leaves the driver incredibly exposed to the elements and any potential impacts on the road.

Pontiac Fiero Sports Car

This sporty little car faced heavy criticism for major safety issues when it first hit the streets. Engineers constantly had to modify the design over its lifespan to try and resolve those terrifying mechanical problems for buyers.

Geo Tracker Mini SUV

Produced in Ontario as a mini SUV under various brand names, this little vehicle sat high but had a very short wheelbase. That combination made it feel incredibly unstable and prone to tipping during any sudden movements.

First Generation Ford Mustang

Manufactured from March 1964 until 1973, this classic ride created the popular new class of pony cars. However, lacking modern safety standards like collapsible steering columns makes driving one a real risk in a modern traffic collision.

Civilian Hummer H1 Off Roader

Originally designed strictly for military use, this massive utility vehicle was eventually released to the civilian market. Its huge width and heavy blind spots make it a complete hazard to navigate through tight suburban streets and traffic.

Caterham Seven Open Top

Based on a lightweight sports car sold from 1957 to 1972, this super-lightweight UK model is wildly fast. It lacks doors, a proper roof, and any modern safety cages, making it a thrilling but incredibly dangerous drive.

Campagna T Rex Trike

Created in Quebec, Canada, this two-seat motor vehicle is powered by an in-line 4-cylinder motorcycle engine. It offers very little structural protection from other cars on the road, but you can still legally drive it in traffic.

Amphicar Model Seven Seventy

Combining a boat with a passenger vehicle sounds like a wildly fun idea until you actually drive one. The strange dual-purpose design means it compromises on basic road handling, making it surprisingly tricky to steer through traffic.