The American appetite for strange vehicles can be pretty wild at the best of times, but few can be as odd as the trend to drive “Carolina Squats”. 

These are large pick-up trucks with raised suspension at the front. The design came about originally in California and was a trend for mimicking sand dune racing trucks, designed to land on their rear axles after jumping. 

The strange design became popular in many Southern States, not least Carolina, hence the name. However, you do not have to be a safety expert to see possible flaws in the customisation. Driver visibility is certainly more restricted and at night headlights are either lighting the sky or blinding other drivers. Modifiers also use some kits that are not entirely safe, while the dangerous to pedestrians and other road users are greatly increased. 

For these reasons most states have banned squat trucks but not without issues. South Carolina introduced a ban last year, although this still allows a 3 inch difference between front and rear. The other issues is that there are three fines of $100 rising to $300, before any thought of a ban. Theses fines have therefore become more of a badge of honour than a genuine deterrent. 

Another issue is that drivers of these trucks are now insisting that the regulations are just another example of the government targeting them and taking away their human rights. There are also practical considerations such as the willingness of the Police to pull over drivers.