The Controversial Carolina Squat: Regulations and Risks

In South Carolina, being able to legally drive vehicles that have front fenders aimed at the heavens and their rears considerably lower (a configuration known as “Carolina Squat,” and technically a “reverse rake” for hot-rodders’ comprehension) is officially a thing of the past!

Senate Bill 363, prohibiting operating cars and primarily trucks and SUVs that are modified so their front fenders are four or more inches from the height of their rear fenders, was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster in November 2023.

A six-month grace period allowed violators to get off with only a warning. However, as of May 10, the law is now in full effect. Drivers will be issued tickets for the infraction and subjected to paying fines of $100 or more if the front end isn’t down in a week’s time, and with possible license suspension based on frequency of the offense. In Myrtle Beach, a popular cruising spot for all types of vehicles, police have issued this message to Carolina squatters: “Make changes or stay off the roads.” With the Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, it will be interesting to see how many enthusiasts follow that directive.

Moreover, North Carolina and Virginia have also banned the squatting, with Virginia’s ruling predicated by the tragic death of Jody “BJ” Upton Jr. of Mecklenburg, who was killed by a truck that was modified for the Carolina Squat appearance. With this alteration, typically achieved by installing only the front components of a lift kit and removing rear blocks, the nose’s height can be as high as 6 to 10 inches. This creates aggressive angles that make it nearly impossible for any driver to see anything beyond a vehicle’s dashboard … like the road ahead.

Carolina Squat’s Off- and On-Road Origins

Interestingly, the squat’s origins are far removed from North or South Carolina. The rough terrain of Baja, Mexico, is where off-road racers learned that turning the rake around and making a truck’s front end higher protects it from sustaining damage.

The back end typically lands first when the truck is blasted over jumps. Consequently, a squatted rear end and long-travel front suspension reduce the force of impact when the truck hits the ground.

All roads lead to Southern California as being the home for this squatted look on the street, known as the “Cali Lean” (it’s also referred to as the ‘Bulldog’).

Like most hot trends, photos and videos posted on social media and the internet are the catalysts for the radical modification’s widespread and nearly instant popularity across the U.S.

Liabilities

When it comes to liabilities created by the Carolina Squat, there are many. On the mechanical side, the modification promotes premature tire wear, steering problems, and brake failures. The weight shift brought about by raising the front so high also affects handling significantly.

The potential for squatted rigs to cause devastating accidents is another serious concern. A side impact from a modified vehicle can result in a rollover, and it’s daunting to consider the intricacies that could lead to catastrophic outcomes in head-on crashes. The configuration often results in a front end being high enough for a car to literally drive into the bottom of the modified truck.

Don’t Do It

For the record, iBestTravel does not condone altering trucks or any other vehicles for a Carolina Squat/Cali Lean/Bulldog appearance. South Carolina is now the third state to crack down on this modification. Therefore, if the squat-fueled accident and casualty rate continues to increase, many others are likely to follow in the years to come. It is advisable to properly lift or lower your vehicle sensibly, especially if it is driven regularly. Period.

Photos provided by James Elkins