They might require the MFG to install them on new tractors, but there is no law that says you have to use it, like there is for seatbelts.
to the OP: When you do remove it, follow these 10 simple steps
1. Make sure tractor is parked on level ground, PTO disengaged, tractor off, keys in your pocket, brake set, and wheels chocked.
2. have someone there to help you, ROPS are heavy. Bend at the knees and not the back.
3. better yet, use a chainhoist, but make sure it has a saftey factor of about 100x's. This would require at least a 5-ton.
4. Make sure the beam that said chainhoist is hooked to is about the size used on bridges that clear span 100+ft.
5. Wear heavily padded gloves, that way when the bolts break loose, you save your knuckles. No sense in getting a recordable insident or lost time accident removing the ROPS.
6. Have a phone handy to call for help incase of injury
7. Once it is removed, lay it flat. Don't stand it up or it might fall over.
8. Put up barriers or cones around it so someone doesn't trip over it.
9. Put warning lables all over stating the dangers and that you removed the rops.
10. Call befor you DIG.




If I forgot anything, feel free to chime in.