A ‘tragic problem:’ SC lawmakers renew push to get Carolina Squat trucks off the road

It’s likely just a matter of time before asphalt-hugging trucks known as Carolina Squats are lifted off state roadways.

The Senate Transportation Committee on Jan. 18 approved legislation restricting a vehicle’s back-to-front height difference to four inches — with fines of between $100 and $300 for violators.

Chronic offenders could even have their license taken away. Lawmakers also agreed with a suggestion by Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock to let the law take affect 180 days after it’s signed — down from the 12 months as suggested in the bill’s initial form.

Prock and North Myrtle Beach Police Chief Dana Crowell were in attendance at Wednesday’s meeting.

“We’ve had, really, kind of a tragic problem with this in our community. It’s something that we’ve been dealing with and law enforcement’s been dealing with for a while,” state Sen. Greg Hembree, R- North Myrtle Beach, said.

Attempts last year to outlaw the low-riding rigs popular along Horry County’s oceanfront drives were derailed at the last minute, preventing it from getting to Gov. Henry McMaster before the session ended.

Lawmakers hope quick floor votes will get the proposal on McMaster’s desk within weeks.

If it becomes law, South Carolina would be the third state to prohibit the trucks: North Carolina and Virginia have already done so.

A nearly identical bill is waiting for action in the S.C. House.

The Myrtle Beach City Council last month included a Carolina Squat truck ban on its list of legislative priorities.

“Two words, ‘public safety,’ city spokesman Mark Kruea told The Sun News Dec. 21. “When vehicles are tilted in an extreme manner, the driver’s visibility is affected. Headlights are also usually tilted, blinding oncoming traffic.”

A pedestrian in the summer of 2021 was killed in the city after being struck by a Carolina Squat — an incident Myrtle Beach police discussed with lawmakers last year while testifying in favor of their ban.