South Louisiana Police Cracking Down on ‘Carolina Squat’ Trucks

CENTRAL, La. - "Carolina Squat" trucks have been the subject of strong opinions across South Louisiana for quite a while now, and their once again back in the spotlight with law enforcement.

The modified trucks are now leading to traffic stops, citations, and in some cases, vehicles being towed off the road across Louisiana.

Police in Central, Louisiana believe "Carolina Squat" trucks pose a serious enough danger that they're now in full crackdown mode when it comes to these trucks on the road.

What Is A Carolina Squat Truck?

The “Carolina Squat” is a truck modification where the front end of the vehicle is raised significantly higher than the rear. The style became popular through truck culture and off-road trends, especially in the Southeast.

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While drivers of the squatted trucks obviously love the way they look, many law enforcement agencies argue it creates dangerous driving conditions.

Officials say the modification can reduce driver visibility, alter steering and braking performance, and misalign headlights, making roads more dangerous for other drivers according to WAFB.com.

Is The Carolina Squat Illegal In Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana officially banned extreme Carolina Squat modifications in 2022.

Under Louisiana law, a vehicle cannot have its front fender sitting six inches or more higher than the rear fender when measured from the ground through the centerline of the wheel. The rule applies when the vehicle doesn't have a trailer attached.

Why Police Say Squatted Trucks Are Dangerous

Police departments across Louisiana say the biggest concern is safety. Drivers may have difficulty seeing vehicles, pedestrians, or objects directly in front of the truck because the front end sits unnaturally high.

Headlights often shine upward into oncoming traffic instead of illuminating the road properly, potentially blinding other drivers at night.

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According to WAFB, law enforcement officials also say the uneven suspension setup can negatively impact braking, turning, and emergency handling, especially at higher speeds.

In a post to Facebook, the Central Police Department issued a warning to drivers of "Carolina Squat" trucks saying -

If you are driving a vehicle that has been modified to look like this and you choose to operate it on the roadway in the City of Central, you will not only be ticketed, but your automobile will be towed.

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