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Fines for driving 'squatted' vehicles go into effect Friday in SC

Drivers of trucks with the "Carolina squat" modification could face up to a $300 fine and one-year license suspension.

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Owners of trucks and SUVs with the "Carolina squat" modification could face fines in South Carolina. 

Squatted trucks are vehicles that are modified to make the front sit higher than the back. South Carolina passed a law banning the Carolina squat in November, but lawmakers included a six-month grace period for drivers to comply before fines were issued. North Carolina made the modification illegal in 2021.

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Supporters of the law say squatted vehicles are dangerous because drivers can't see what's in front of them. The new law requires a vehicle's front fenders to be no more than 4 inches higher than the rear fenders. 

"When the front of the vehicle is lifted so much that the lights are not on the road in front of them or they can't see the distance, pedestrians or animals in front of them, it causes a safety issue," Rock Hill Police Lt. Michael Chavis said. 

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Drivers caught with squatted trucks will be fined for each offense. The penalty escalates with each ticket and could lead to a license suspension. 

"The first offense is a $100 ticket, but your second offense is a $200 ticket," Chavis said. "Your third offense is a $300 ticket, but also upon conviction, you can have your license suspended for 12 months."

Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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