States Continue to Prohibit Squatted Trucks, Leading Critics to Reconsider Their Stance

      I'm not sure there's any automotive modification trend as widely disliked as the Carolina Squat—where trucks and Tahoes are raised excessively at the front while retaining stock height in the rear. This modification has sparked numerous complaints online, and in 2021, the backlash led North Carolina legislators to ban it. Following suit, Virginia, South Carolina, and Tennessee enacted similar laws, and on Wednesday, Arkansas became the most recent state to prohibit this modification, citing concerns for road safety.

      The legislation, known as SB411, was introduced on March 10 and passed through Arkansas' state Congress in less than a month. It explicitly bans modifications to the suspension, chassis, and frame that raise a vehicle's front bumper by four inches or more above the rear bumper. Offending drivers face a $250 fine for a first offense, escalating to $500 for a second offense, and a third instance could result in a one-year suspension of their license.

      As a resident near the Missouri-Arkansas state line, I'm part of several local car groups on Facebook. The discussions are as contentious as one might expect—far from amicable—but opinions on the legislation are mixed. Some individuals are pleased to see these "eyesores" removed from the roads, while others warn that this kind of legislation could lead to a "slippery slope." Their reasoning is sound; if this modification is banned so quickly, others might follow. Relying on government officials to determine acceptable modifications could lead to restrictions on your project car or daily driver.

      I’m not here to take sides, and fortunately, that’s not my role. However, this debate has been ongoing for years. I recall Ezra Dyer's blog on Car and Driver after North Carolina's ban on squatted trucks, and it’s clear that others share this sentiment: The modification isn’t favorable, but should it be illegal? That depends on who you ask.

      We'll see if SB411 effectively keeps squatted trucks off the road. Personally, I have my reservations. Arkansas' decision will contribute to the ongoing conversation, and I wouldn't be surprised if other states join in on this trend soon.

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