Driving around South Carolina is always an adventure. There are thousands of sights to see both on and off the road. One of the stranger sights on many highways is squat vehicles. But if you enjoy looking at these vehicles, you better look quickly. Starting in November 2023, the state is banning squat vehicles.
What Are Squat Vehicles?
Squat vehicles are a type of modified truck or car. The front tires of a squat vehicle are at least four inches higher than the rear tires. This height difference makes it look like the vehicle is squatting. That is where its name comes from.
Why Did South Carolina Ban Squat Vehicles?
Squat vehicles are more dangerous than other types of cars and trucks. Because the fronts of the vehicles are raised, drivers have difficulty seeing the road in front of them. This makes these drivers more likely to get into accidents with small vehicles or pedestrians.
Furthermore, these accidents are more dangerous. Pedestrians hit by squat vehicles are more likely to suffer injuries to their heads or neck. Often, they suffer severe injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord or nerve damage
- Eye damage
Conversely, when a normal car hits a pedestrian, they usually suffer less serious injuries.
Accidents between squat vehicles and normal cars are similarly dangerous. The raised vehicle is more likely to hit the weaker top parts of the car. These parts of the car don’t have as many safety features. Therefore, passengers are more likely to be badly hurt.
Following the Trend in Other States
South Carolina isn’t the first state to ban squat trucks and cars. North Carolina and Virginia have already banned this modification.
How South Carolina Enforces the Ban
While South Carolina has already passed the law, the ban doesn’t take effect until November 2023. Until then, police officers may pull over people driving squat vehicles to give them a warning.
Starting in November, police will ticket offenders. First-time offenders receive a $100 fine. The fine increases to $200 for the second offense. Finally, the third and later offenses cost $300. Furthermore, South Carolina can revoke your license due to a third or later offense.
What to Do if You Own a Squat Truck or Car
Thankfully, South Caroline won’t fully enforce the law until November 2023. You have time to remove the modifications or sell your vehicle. The same mechanic who added the modifications knows how to remove them. And there should be enough time to do that.
If you don’t live in South Carolina, you are safe as long as you don’t drive your vehicle in that state. Just be aware of where the state line is. There is no excuse, even if you only briefly drive in South Carolina.
Finally, the law only stops you from driving a squat vehicle in South Carolina. You will not get a ticket just for owning a squat vehicle. That means your modified car or truck can sit in your driveway forever. Sadly, it will probably deteriorate if it sits in your driveway for months or years. But no one will fine you for that.
Changing the Law
The law was passed with overwhelming support. Only two members of the assembly voted against it. It isn’t likely to be overturned any time soon.
However, you still have the right to speak to your representative. Tell them what you feel about the law. If enough people object, the law might be revoked. However, that won’t happen soon, and you should expect local police to enforce the law starting in November.
What to Do if You Are in a Squat Vehicle Accident
Contact The Joel Bieber Firm as soon as possible after a car accident. We will help you find a doctor that specializes in car accident injuries. That doctor will examine you and determine whether you have any injuries. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner we can take legal action on your behalf.
Thankfully, we will have an easier time proving your case if the other driver was in a squat vehicle. Driving such a vehicle is dangerous and disregards your safety. That means the other driver is probably liable for your injuries and owes you money.
Squat Vehicles Are Going Away in South Carolina
Even though they look cool, squat vehicles just aren’t safe. Because these vehicles lack visibility and are raised, they are more likely to cause fatal accidents than other cars. If you own one and enjoy driving it, you will soon only be able to use it on private property.
And if you are the victim of someone illegally driving a squat vehicle, you have the right to sue them for money for your injuries. Our personal injury lawyers will help you get the money you deserve so you can recover quickly.
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