couldn't split rims be considered bead locks?
May pops on a set of widow makers, don't see many of those anymore.
I would not call a split rim a bead lock. You can bridge the gap and look at a set of 3-piece rims as well. A center with inner and outer rims. Loose the bolts in the middle and the whole thing falls apart. What is so different about then then a beadlock?
Anyway the lack of DOT (Department Of Transportation) certification. Just think of how many of those one off wheels lack the same thing (those high dollar TV shows from a few years ago, Foose, Boyd, etc.).
So it lacks DOT. Just don't run them on a commercial vehicle that gets DOT insoections. Probably not a good to be running 80,000 pounds across state lines hauling nuclear waste on a federal project on these rims. But you are not dealing with DOT regulations for a personal vehicle.
I do remember the offer over on Pirate about producing a law that made them illeagal. Last I knew the offer still stood as no one could claim it. But that was years ago. So I guess it still stands.