Penalties await for “Squatted” drivers in South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – South Carolina drivers who operate “squatted” vehicles will now face hundreds of dollars in fines and potentially lose driving privileges.

The “Carolina Squat” bill signed into law last year makes it illegal to significantly raise the front of a vehicle — most commonly a pickup truck — while lowering the back end.

Law enforcement began issuing warning citations after the law went into effect in November, but that will now change. Starting May 10, any driver found in violation will be ticketed.

Penalty violations according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety are the following:

• 1st Offense – $100 fine
• 2nd Offense – $200 fine
• 3rd Offense – $300 fine and a license suspension by the Department of Motor Vehicles for 12 months from the date of conviction.

To learn more about the “Carolina Squat” law, click here.