If you think police won’t pull you over for the Carolina Squat, this 4Runner owner’s experience says otherwise.
On December 1, 2021, the North Carolina House signed into law House Bill 962 which effectively banned vehicles modified specifically to have the front end higher than the rear.
Since then, North Carolina residents wondered if police are actually spotting, pulling over, and citing SUVs and trucks in violation of H.B. 692.
According to Danilo DiRico, yes!
DiRico recently shared photos taken at a parking lot showing a North Carolina State Highway Patrol officer with tape measure in hand actually measuring the front and rear tire gap of a late model Toyota 4Runner.
Check out his photos below.
“I can say one thing, NCSHP are serious about that squat b***s***,” DiRico’s caption reads.
In DiRico’s first post we can see a 4Runner set up clearly with its front bumper higher than its rear.
According to North Carolina House Bill 692,
“…if the suspension, frame, or chassis, the height of the front fender is 4 or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender”
…the offending vehicle is in violation of the law.
In DiRico’s second post we can see a NCSHP officer with his tape out, gathering the evidence that there’s a sizeable difference between the front and rear ride heights.
Violating HB 692 is punishable by one year revocation of your driver’s license.
While that may seem harsh, it’s been close to nine months since the law went into effect.
I’d find it hard to believe this 4Runner owner didn’t know he’s driving around in a rolling violation.
And, there’s good reason for such a harsh punishment, the Carolina Squat reduces your driving visibility (i.e. it’s downright dangerous.)
According to WRIC news, just this past March, a Virginia family says the reason a driver in a Cadillac Escalade slammed into the back of their family member’s truck was because the SUV was modified with a Carolina Squat saying,
“…the after-market trend may have kept the person who slammed their truck into Upton’s from seeing over the hill he was driving on when the crash occurred.”
That aforementioned victim unfortunately succumbed to his injuries as a result of the collision.
HB 692 was signed into law to specifically stop accidents from the one I mentioned from happening.
Thankfully, it looks like this bill has some actual teeth, local law enforcement actually putting it to practice.
And, how can they not?
You stick out like a sore thumb, you’re just asking to get your license taken away.
Drivers with a Carolina Squat be warned, your days with a license are numbered.
