Georgia regulates truck lifting, banning ‘Carolina Squat’

STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV) – Some call it the “Carolina Squat,” but it’s a familiar sight in the South that’s soon to be leaving Georgia roadways after the state passed a bill banning the modifications.

“If this law wasn’t in place, that would help me out more because it’s like you have other people doing bad things in the world,” said Anibal Garcia, owner of a squatted truck. “Somebody’s just trying to shoot their passion into their vehicle.”

Garcia says he has spent thousands of dollars modifying his truck. Under the new law he has to do some more work on it.

According to the bill, which went into effect Monday, vehicles between 4,000-7,000 pounds — that’s most four-door trucks — can’t be raised more than 4 inches in the front than they are in the back.

“I see how some people can ruin it for everybody else, but I really feel like in general, most everybody who trusts themselves building a truck like this or an SUV or whatever it may be, they’re pretty confident in their driving abilities and they’re not at risk and nobody else is at risk,” said Garcia.

In addition, the frame or “chassis” of any vehicle between 4,500-7,000 pounds can’t be raised more than 30 inches off of the ground.

“I do feel like there’s a level that’s way past this that does put people at risk,” said Garcia. “If you have 14 inches in the front and you can’t even see a car or a person in front of you, that’s the level I think that it’s dangerous and shouldn’t be on the road.”

News 3 reached out to some mechanics, many who were out for the holiday, but those we spoke with say there can be complications in vehicles that are squatted, like instability, limited visibility or even drifting fluids in the engine bay.

“With the back being so low, you do run into suspension problems but that just comes with it,” said Garcia. “People say, ‘You’ve got to pay to play,’ so you have to be able to put money and time into parts that you need to make it look like this and to make sure it’s safe and that you don’t break down while you’re driving.”

The bill doesn’t include any grandfather clauses to save those currently riding in lifted or squatted vehicles.

Those found in violation would be charged with a misdemeanor and likely fined.