On May 10, 2024, the grace period for the new “Carolina Squat” law ended. Passed in November 2023, this law now makes it illegal for vehicles to be “squatted.” A “squatted” car has a raised front fender, usually four inches higher than the rear fender. Pickup trucks are not allowed to have the front raised six inches or more, regardless of the rear fender height. The law went into effect after a six-month grace period, giving South Carolinians time to comply. Now, auto shops across the state are receiving requests to adjust squatted vehicles.
What Is the Carolina Squat Law?
The new Carolina Squat law, effective from May 10, 2024, prohibits operating a squatted vehicle on South Carolina roads (SC Code Section 56-5-4445).
To read the legislation (S. C. Code § 56-5-4445) in full, please visit: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php#56-5-4445
- Squatted vehicles: Cars with a front or rear fender raised four or more inches higher than the other.
- Law enforcement: They will issue warning citations for the first six months after the effective date.
- Penalties:
- 1st Offense: $100 fine
- 2nd Offense: $200 fine
- 3rd Offense: $300 fine and a 12-month license suspension by the DMV.
Why Was the Carolina Squat Law Created?
The appeal of squatting lies in the unique, eye-catching appearance it gives to a car. However, lawmakers passed this law due to safety concerns. Squatted vehicles limit the driver’s vision, increasing the risk of collisions. Additionally, squatting can damage the vehicle. It affects fluid circulation, which can harm the powertrain. This law aims to reduce these safety hazards, promoting overall road safety. As we know at The Ted Law Firm, car accidents are a major issue in South Carolina. Hopefully, this law will reduce some of these risks.
Fixing Squatted Vehicles in South Carolina
The average cost to fix a squatted car is approximately $700, although the precise cost of a given car will depend on the specifics of the case. The number of squatted vehicles in South Carolina is not currently known, but the number is suspected to be quite substantial. Part of the reason for this high number of cases is due to the ease by which squatting can be achieved. According to auto mechanics, the process of raising the front fender in this manner is evidently quite simple, particularly in comparison to other auto body adjustments. Likewise, the process for correcting squatted cars is apparently also simple.
Penalties for Carolina Squat Law Violations
The new Carolina Squat law provides the following penalties for violations: a first offense will lead to a $100 fine, a second offense will lead to a $200 fine, and a third offense will lead to a $300 fine the loss of one’s driving privilege for one year. Given these penalties, auto shops should continue to see a steady stream of calls to fix squatting into the future.
Contact the Ted Law Firm for More Information
If you would like more information on this particular law, or another related topic, contact one of the experienced car accident lawyers at the Ted Law Firm today by calling 888-333-5555
