A new law in South Carolina makes it illegal to drive vehicles with significantly raised or lowered front fenders. The law took effect on November 12, 2023, but law enforcement will only issue warning citations for the first 180 days. After that, drivers of these vehicles will be ticketed.
The law defines a “squat” vehicle as one with a front fender at least 4 inches higher or lower than the rear fender. Violators face fines of $100 to $300, and their driver’s licenses could be suspended for repeat offenses.
The law is intended to improve safety on South Carolina roads. Squat vehicles can be difficult to see over, and they can also be more likely to roll over.