Drivers in South Carolina have less than a week left before their squatted vehicle could see them copping a fine.
The grace period for a state law prohibiting what’s commonly known as the “Carolina Squat” ends on May 10, after which authorities will begin issuing initial fines of $100 instead of warnings for drivers with vehicles clearly in contravention of the law.
The law came into effect in November last year after receiving nearly unanimous support from the state’s legislature, with the 180-day grace period now coming to an end.
The Carolina Squat is a modification in which the front end of a pickup truck or SUV is higher than the rear.
Under the law, drivers aren’t allowed to have a vehicle where the front wheel arch is raised four or more inches (about 10cm) above the height of the rear wheel arch.
The primary concern for the modification is safety, with authorities citing visibility issues and mechanics citing undue strain to a vehicle’s drivetrain as key factors.
First-time offenders will receive a $100 fine, and those caught for a second time will receive a $200 fine.
Third and subsequent offences could attract a $300 fine and the possibility of the driver having their licence suspended for a year.