The penalty is “mandatory revocation of license” for at least a year.

[Grumpy old man]

Awe , Nc outlaws the Carolina squat !

https://www.wate.com/news/nc-gov-coo...pickup-trucks/

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Among a list of 11 North Carolina bills Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law last week was one generically called “Restrict Certain Vehicle Modifications.”

The inconspicuous new law, also called House Bill 692, will essentially do away with a polarizing (and some say dangerous) height adjustment of pickup trucks called the “Carolina Squat.”

The squat is much like its name — the back of a pickup truck is lowered or kept the same and the height of the front of the truck is raised. That makes a truck appear as if it is “squatting.”
‘Carolina Squat’ the target of new NC bill

Some say this is dangerous because the driver is positioned well above the front of the truck with a view obstructed by the angle of the vehicle. The driver is not able to see down the road or cars just in front of their truck, critics of the design say.

The new bill outlawing the modifications goes into effect on Dec. 1.

The new law says that a vehicle would be violating the law “if the suspension, frame, or chassis, the height of the front fender is 4 or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender.” The language of the bill also describes how the measurements are obtained.

More than 70,000 people signed an online petition demanding representatives make the modification illegal.

The “Carolina Squat” trend started ” an emulation of off-road racing trucks that feature a lower rear to help land jumps,” according to Autoweek.

— WSPA-TV contributed to this report

Whats next dropped / lowered trucks ?

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Whats next dropped / lowered trucks ?

Yep! Lowered truck are hazardous to road reflectors, speed bumps and maybe certain ant hills.

[Liz]

Living in NC I agree with squatted trucks being an issue. I told Josh this bill is hard. I hate to see what may be next.. But same time I prefer not to share the road with squatted trucks, cars etc.

[Steeveedee]

We have guys driving trucks like that here in California. I'd like to know if there is enough adjustment to put the headlight aim into compliance. I'd personally consider that stance for off-road use only.

[burnin oil]

I Hate legislation but don't mind seeing this idiot fashion going away. I see idiots all the time with the front 8-12" above the rear. People are watching airplanes and not the road. Atleast pizza cutter wheels with big old Mickey Thompsons let you see the road!!! I hate all car legislation but I think these idiots are worse than the old soup jobs with no front brakes. I don't always agree with the way people mod their cars but try and keep a even keel since laws effect us both but the carolina lean has almost taken me out more than a few times. Way more than cell phones or distracted drivers. They can't see infront of themselves or in the mirrors and It shows as they attempt to share the road. I feel old in saying that I don't mind seeing this fashion being hit.

[4u2nv]

Originally Posted by burnin oil

I Hate legislation but don't mind seeing this idiot fashion going away. I see idiots all the time with the front 8-12" above the rear. People are watching airplanes and not the road. Atleast pizza cutter wheels with big old Mickey Thompsons let you see the road!!! I hate all car legislation but I think these idiots are worse than the old soup jobs with no front brakes. I don't always agree with the way people mod their cars but try and keep a even keel since laws effect us both but the carolina lean has almost taken me out more than a few times. Way more than cell phones or distracted drivers. They can't see infront of themselves or in the mirrors and It shows as they attempt to share the road. I feel old in saying that I don't mind seeing this fashion being hit.

Idiots ??? No , take a look at all the car , truck statements , fashion what ever called over the years , it would be boring if all the same .
The visibility for sure doesn't seem that great

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by 4u2nv

Idiots ??? No , take a look at all the car , truck statements , fashion what ever called over the years , it would be boring if all the same .
The visibility for sure doesn't seem that great

True, as long as the things are safe on the road, and some of that stuff shouldn't be driven anywhere but off and back onto a trailer at a car show.

[GOPAPA]

Back in the 50ies ,,it was a style to have the front end raised or back end lowered and it was referred to as "Moon Shot" same thing as squat and I agree it is bad for vision to see clearly ahead of you . While I am on this raised and lowered thing ,,If you dropped the front end and left the rear end up..or raised it .. that was called (SP)"Deggo "

[AJs72K5]

While I am no fan of the squatted look, this bill sets dangerous precedent for a whole mess of vehicle mods that many of us here have done to our own vehicles.

[lolife99]

Yep.
This is ridiculous,…

[burnin oil]

Originally Posted by 4u2nv

Idiots ??? No , take a look at all the car , truck statements , fashion what ever called over the years , it would be boring if all the same .
The visibility for sure doesn't seem that great

I agree with the things would be boring statement but that doesn't mean let style hinder the basic safety of others either. It's a slippery slope that I try and avoid but the fact is I see alot of these vehicles on the road and they are a Hazzard. The drivers just can't see what is going on around them. Most drive like they have black spray paint on their windows for tint. I fully admit that I don't like alot of things about our hobby as far as owners tastes go but don't have an issue with it otherwise. I don't care for Chip Foose wheels on a classic muscle cars. I also don't care for slammed vehicles but alot of that probably comes from driving on roads that make them impractical since they are sharing them with farm tractors. I don't see the point of a 12" lift either. My opinion doesn't matter on tastes since it is mine. I just don't want to loose my truck to someone who can't physically see the vehicles around them. That is stupid. Do as you like. Slam it , lift it, subframe, or paint it to what ever color you like. It's yours. I will respect the work you did even if it isn't my personnel taste. I just ask you keep it safe enough to not draw unneeded attention. Same concept as the diesels running around blowing black smoke like its a 1970 detroit hauling 80k pounds up a shear cliff. Quit giving the hobby a bad name. Everyone here wants the freedom do play with our trucks as we feel fit.

[Blue GMC]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Yep.
This is ridiculous,…

Agree! The thing with this mod is not only being able to see where you go but the people you can’t see crossing the street. There is no way you would see a child run out into the road after a ball until something tragic happened. What would also happen if you got into a front end collision, would the other car go under yours and cause the way you rigged your vehicle to collapse on top of them? Can you even get anything out of the headlights except see a cat stuck in a tree.

Yes this could be bad for laws like this to start popping up but there has to be a way to have some type of common sense on the road for everyone’s safety. Yes I hate to be the guy on this side of the fence.

[special-K]

I hate regulations. That's why we must regulate ourselves using common sense. As long as that happens, no new regulations. Ok, that ain't happening here. That's for sure. Idiots? Absolutely. We aren't hating on the style... that I don't like but would accept if not for the obvious safety concerns. Would it be idiotic to try to drive down the road with your eyes closed, or even squinted? Would it be idiotic to drive without clearing ice, snow, or heavy dew off your windshield? Would it be idiotic to drive in heavy rain with no windshield wipers?. There are laws regulating how much windshield is obstructed by banners, hanging objects, etc. That law right there already regulate this if you go by how much line of view (of the roadway) is available to the driver. But this fad is so ridiculous it needs a specific law and you can thank the non-self-regulating inconsiderate of safety for others idiots who followed this fad.

All that said, here in Maryland they have bumper height laws. This white truck shown is a clear violation of that. Enforce the laws on the books!

[FleetsidePaul]

I am no fan of the look either. But the question is does it really pose a threat to public safety? Are these guys driving these trucks around with the front end in the air or pumping them up just to show off? It's like doing a burnout. Is that safe? No. Do you do it all the time? No. I've done a lot of burnouts and never hit anything but I could have got a nasty ticket for doing it.

The same can be said for tinted windows. I've had tinted windows for years and have never put a scratch on any of my vehicles. I remember my friends getting popped for having tinted windows back in the day. Now the police cars have them.

My Corvette has tinted windows and no front license plate. I'm sure that I could get pulled over for that but never have. I guess the police aren't interested in an old man going to the drug store to pick up his Viagra.

Public safety? Bar's have parking lots. What do they think is going on in there?

Laws have been on the books for years about altering your vehicle. This is nothing new.

[jjzepplin]

Good for drive in movies?

[Getter-Done]

This guy in the video does not like them

In a later video, He tears it apart and sells pieces of the truck

Link: https://youtu.be/kzji7m50ENc









,,,...////

[kipps]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

This guy in the video does not like them

In a later video, He tears it apart and sells pieces of the truck

I've wondered if WhistlinDiesel's videos on the subject popularized the "Carolina Squat" enough that folks decided to legislate it away. Interestingly, most of the news articles about the new legislation are featuring his truck as an illustration.

I've also wondered how much the legislation is because of safety, and how much is a matter of statehood shame. I.E., who would want their state name associated with THAT?

Another interesting observation is that it seems most of the squatted trucks are gmt800's. That might just be because the 1/2-ton and gas 3/4-ton versions of those trucks are more numerous than other brands overall.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by AJs72K5

While I am no fan of the squatted look, this bill sets dangerous precedent for a whole mess of vehicle mods that many of us here have done to our own vehicles.

Yes it does.

-klb

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by kipps

I've wondered if WhistlinDiesel's videos on the subject popularized the "Carolina Squat" enough that folks decided to legislate it away. Interestingly, most of the news articles about the new legislation are featuring his truck as an illustration.

I've also wondered how much the legislation is because of safety, and how much is a matter of statehood shame. I.E., who would want their state name associated with THAT?

Another interesting observation is that it seems most of the squatted trucks are gmt800's. That might just be because the 1/2-ton and gas 3/4-ton versions of those trucks are more numerous than other brands overall.

Yes
Yes and
Yes.

In My Opinion
Over the Years it has been

Jack the front up/ Jack the back up.
Lower it.
Lift it.

Gasser. California rake . 4WD or Low rider.

All those are Okay in a certain way IMHO.

When you raise the front of a Truck to the point of
The Driver has no Clue of what is in front of the vehicle.
That is just.









,...../////

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by FleetsidePaul

I am no fan of the look either. But the question is does it really pose a threat to public safety? Are these guys driving these trucks around with the front end in the air or pumping them up just to show off? It's like doing a burnout. Is that safe? No. Do you do it all the time? No. I've done a lot of burnouts and never hit anything but I could have got a nasty ticket for doing it.

The same can be said for tinted windows. I've had tinted windows for years and have never put a scratch on any of my vehicles. I remember my friends getting popped for having tinted windows back in the day. Now the police cars have them.

My Corvette has tinted windows and no front license plate. I'm sure that I could get pulled over for that but never have. I guess the police aren't interested in an old man going to the drug store to pick up his Viagra.

Public safety? Bar's have parking lots. What do they think is going on in there?

Laws have been on the books for years about altering your vehicle. This is nothing new.

The trucks have full lift kits in the front they stay like that all the time . Nothing like a low rider that can lift the front ,rearor both.

The problem with this "look" is the driver cant see in front of his vehicle . Wouldn't see a person entering the crosswalk and other cars hitting the brakes in front of him . The laws here on tints are to protect police during a traffic stop . No way to tell untill the window is down who you are dealing with or if there is a gun pointed at you .

But this look would have been covered by the bumper being to high from the pavement . Guys get around it by lowering the bumper on lifted trucks . My chevelle front bumper is technically illegal as I lowered the front and its bottom edge is 10 inches from the pavement reg is between 16 and 20 inches.

[67ChevyRedneck]

I'm not a fan of legislation to eliminate automotive trends, no matter how dumb the trend, because you never know when you'll be next. Don't think it's impossible to finally push through some BS legislation that bans 20 year old and older cars... with the climate things they're pushing... we're not far off.

There are several laws on the books already they could hit these guys with if they really wanted to, most of these trucks are newish so they could hit them with pedestrian crash standards, headlight height and/or adjustment... etc. My point is, a new, specific law is not necessary.

[FleetsidePaul]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

The trucks have full lift kits in the front they stay like that all the time . Nothing like a low rider that can lift the front ,rearor both.

The problem with this "look" is the driver cant see in front of his vehicle . Wouldn't see a person entering the crosswalk and other cars hitting the brakes in front of him . The laws here on tints are to protect police during a traffic stop . No way to tell untill the window is down who you are dealing with or if there is a gun pointed at you .

But this look would have been covered by the bumper being to high from the pavement . Guys get around it by lowering the bumper on lifted trucks . My chevelle front bumper is technically illegal as I lowered the front and its bottom edge is 10 inches from the pavement reg is between 16 and 20 inches.

I thought they were on air bags. Driving around like that all the time is a really bad idea. It's an accident waiting to happen.

While I am not a fan of government regulations. If some fad endangers people's lives by knuckleheads just trying to look cool. That's not cool.

[Big Kev-O]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

I'm not a fan of legislation to eliminate automotive trends, no matter how dumb the trend, because you never know when you'll be next. Don't think it's impossible to finally push through some BS legislation that bans 20 year old and older cars... with the climate things they're pushing... we're not far off.

There are several laws on the books already they could hit these guys with if they really wanted to, most of these trucks are newish so they could hit them with pedestrian crash standards, headlight height and/or adjustment... etc. My point is, a new, specific law is not necessary.

Totally agree, and while I do see the danger presented this is indeed a slippery slope. Reminds me of the law California put into place 1957 to make lowered vehicles illegal. The law had nothing to do with safety and was put in to place because a bunch of white dudes who thought gang violence was somehow related to lowered cars. In actuality the car culture was giving young guys something to do other than sit around the hood gang banging. The Lowrider scene in CA is actually a very peacefull environment. Today any modification to a vehicle's suspension or exhaust is illegal in CA, that is some communist B.S. That is when hydraulics came in to the picture, so guess there is an upside.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol put on a presentation about squatted truck safety but when they were contacted about the information they provided they could provide no actual data. A separate report stated that North Carolina State Highway Patrol doesn’t track accidents relating to squatted vehicles. Guess they are trying to prevent a problem before it happens... Or they just have a stick up their rear about something they feel is deviant behavior.

Now if my child was struck by a squatted vehicle I would probably feel a ban may be in order. On the other hand my parents always told me to stay out of the street. That damn stealty electric Prius driven by a 16 y.o. is probaly 1000% more dangerous to pedestrians than a squatted truck. Maybe we should ban teenage drivers & electric vehicles too.

[leddzepp]

Just stick your head out the side window like a dog and your line of sight returns. Problem solved

[BASE]

I hate seeing new laws passed like this one. It would be easier for me to swallow if it were written against "restricted visibility"... maybe. I think some places already have laws on the books for that.