The six-month grace period for “citations only” on the Carolina Squat is rapidly coming to an end. Driving a squatted vehicle on South Carolina roads became illegal in November of 2023. The code reads, “it will be illegal to operate a ‘squatted’ vehicle on South Carolina roads. ‘Squatted vehicles include those with a front or rear fender raised four or more inches higher than the other.” Drivers of squatted vehicles would only be given citations for six months after the effective date of November 12, 2024. This would permit drivers to begin alterations of their vehicles to become complaint with the new code. Beginning May 10 tickets will start being issued for violations. The progression of penalties is as follows:
1. 1st offense-$100 fine
2. 2nd offense-$200 fine
3. 3rd offense-$300 fine and a license suspension by the Department of Motor Vehicles for 12 months from the date of conviction.
If you would like to read S. C. Code § 56-5-4445 in its entirety visit https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php#56-5-4445
