NC law targeting 'Carolina Squat' for vehicles takes effect

Some new laws took effect in North Carolina on Wednesday, including one that forbids drivers from raising the front of their vehicle.

Posted 10:55 a.m. Dec 2, 2021 — Updated 5:27 p.m. Dec 2, 2021

Some new laws took effect in North Carolina on Wednesday, including one that forbids drivers from raising the front of their vehicle.

The modification is commonly referred to as the "Carolina Squat."

According to the law, a vehicle would be in violation "if the height of the front fender is 4 or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender."

There is no language in the ratified bill that allows for "grandfathering" of existing modified vehicles. In short, it reads, "A private passenger automobile shall not be operated upon any highway or public vehicular area ..." if the front fender is more than 4 inches higher than the rear fender.

NBC affiliate WYFF reports the modification is hazardous because the driver’s view of the road can be obstructed due to the angle of the vehicle. Additionally, the tilted modification can affect how the truck brakes.

Drivers risk having their license revoked if they are in violation more than two times in a 12-month period.

Gov. Roy Cooper signed the bill in September.

The Carolina Squat has also been nicknamed the “California Lean” and the “Tennessee Tilt.”

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