{"id":44858,"date":"2021-10-11T14:38:20","date_gmt":"2021-10-11T21:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=44858"},"modified":"2023-09-15T19:49:28","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T02:49:28","slug":"the-carolina-squat-and-six-other-car-modifications-that-could-get-you-in-trouble-with-the-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-carolina-squat-and-six-other-car-modifications-that-could-get-you-in-trouble-with-the-law\/","title":{"rendered":"The Carolina Squat and Six Other Car Modifications That Could Get You in Trouble With the Law"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_2f1c3f-e8 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-b72336  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-b3e7da\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_39ef4c-17, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_39ef4c-17[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_39ef4c-17\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_39ef4c-17 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_39ef4c-17[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_39ef4c-17\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_39ef4c-17 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_39ef4c-17[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_39ef4c-17\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading_39ef4c-17 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_39ef4c-17\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The Carolina squat is an illegal modification that reduces the driver&rsquo;s view of the road. It also compromises the vehicle&rsquo;s braking, suspension, and steering systems.<\/li><li>Other illegal modifications that could get you in trouble include extra-long swanga wheels, sky-high lift kits, and extreme negative camber.<\/li><li>Illegal modifications can vary per state. But if you&rsquo;re looking into customizations that can damage the environment and endanger yourself and the people around you, it&rsquo;s best to forget about them altogether.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Beginning December 1, 2021, the Carolina squat&mdash;a truck modification that lowers the rear suspension and raises the front&mdash;will become <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcnc.com\/article\/traffic\/carolina-squat-truck-modification-illegal-north-carolina\/275-5f5a3583-2407-42e7-a078-5ec53f83b81f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"illegal in North Carolina\">illegal in North Carolina<\/a>. So-called squatted trucks are questionable in many ways, as their raised front end compromises the driver&rsquo;s view of the road ahead and can blind oncoming traffic when the headlights are on. Plus, let&rsquo;s be honest: Squatted trucks look downright strange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, the Carolina squat isn&rsquo;t the only modification to be made <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/web-stories\/most-illegal-car-accessories\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"illegal\">illegal<\/a>. From &ldquo;rolling coal&rdquo; to massive lift kits, there are many customization trends that are potentially dangerous to motorists or the environment (or both), making them against the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seven Car Modifications That Could Be Illegal Where You Live<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ever since cars became commonplace in the early 1900s, drivers have been adding modifications to enhance performance and improve appearance. Some automotive trends, however, might not be safe for the street or good for the environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that&rsquo;s why government agencies step in to regulate certain customization trends. If you&rsquo;re considering performing one of the modifications on this list, you might want to think twice, as each one is prohibited on some level, either federally or locally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Carolina Squat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"'Carolina Squat' truck modification now illegal in North Carolina\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/69vRfIIhzAA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&rsquo;ve already touched on the puzzling Carolina Squat trend (also known as the &ldquo;California lean&rdquo; and the &ldquo;Tennessee tilt.&rdquo;). Not only does the modification reduce the driver&rsquo;s view of the road ahead, but it also compromises the vehicle&rsquo;s braking, suspension, and steering systems, reducing overall safety and causing components to wear out more quickly. The squatted truck look definitely isn&rsquo;t for everyone, either.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, North Carolina governor, Roy Cooper, signed a bill banning the Carolina Squat. Beginning December 1, 2021, trucks sporting the modification will be illegal in North Carolina. Violators could have their driver&rsquo;s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcnc.com\/article\/traffic\/carolina-squat-truck-modification-illegal-north-carolina\/275-5f5a3583-2407-42e7-a078-5ec53f83b81f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"license revoked for a year\">license revoked for a year<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extra-long Swanga Wheels <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ask 2 Traffic: Are swangas illegal?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LrwEt78MZH8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you first see a set of swanga wheels, you might wonder whether the modification is even legal. The trend involves protruding wheel spokes, known as elbows, that can stick out a foot or more from the vehicle. You&rsquo;re most likely to see cars with swanga wheels in Texas, where the trend began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the primary issues with swanga wheels is that they can stick out far enough from the vehicle to be illegal in some states. In Texas, for example, it&rsquo;s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.khou.com\/article\/news\/local\/exaggerated-tire-rims-are-they-legal\/285-567542949\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"illegal\">illegal<\/a> to have a set of rims that cause the car to be more than eight feet wide and\/or protrude into another lane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sky-high Lift Kits <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Two Quick Ways to Determine if Your Vehicle's Lift is Legal\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DHpbzfnjTC4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A modest lift kit improves ground clearance, thereby enhancing a vehicle&rsquo;s off-road ability. But when a truck is lifted sky-high, the modification can be both dangerous (since it compromises handling and braking) and illegal. Also, a massive lift kit puts additional strain on a vehicle&rsquo;s undercarriage components, causing them to wear out more quickly than usual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exactly how high of a lift kit is too high will depend on the laws in your state.  For example, a vehicle <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/features\/0601st-truck-lift-kit-state-laws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"can&rsquo;t be lifted more than four inches\">can&rsquo;t be lifted more than four inches<\/a> in Connecticut, eight inches in Mississippi&mdash;and just two inches in Georgia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extreme Negative Camber<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Illegal Hellaflush Nissan 350z\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/z3jl54IeqUY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Camber is an alignment angle that refers to the inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle. When the top of the wheel is tilted inward, that&rsquo;s referred to as negative camber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For years, modifying a vehicle&rsquo;s undercarriage for extreme negative camber (a trend sometimes referred to as &ldquo;hellaflush&rdquo;) has been popular, particularly within the import tuner car community. Extreme negative camber isn&rsquo;t good for a car&rsquo;s tires, steering, or suspension&mdash;and it&rsquo;s also illegal in Qu&eacute;bec, Canada. The modification, which officials claim can have a negative effect on a vehicle&rsquo;s handling, has been <a href=\"https:\/\/jalopnik.com\/the-fascists-in-quebec-just-banned-your-hellaflush-car-1609831093\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"prohibited in the province since 2014\">prohibited in the province since 2014<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rolling Coal <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"'Rolling coal' protest drivers facing fines, criticism\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ogoIm9aB8a8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ldquo;Rolling coal&rdquo; is a semi-popular trend that involves modifying a diesel engine&rsquo;s control system so that black smoke billows from the truck&rsquo;s exhaust. Not only is the practice bad for the environment, but the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/smoke-from-exhaust-meaning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"black smoke\">black smoke<\/a> indicates that the engine is getting too much fuel, which is a waste of money. Over-fueling can also lead to internal engine damage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&rsquo;s more, the environmental protection agency (EPA) prohibits modifying or bypassing a vehicle&rsquo;s emissions control device(s), which effectively <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellinghamherald.com\/news\/traffic\/rules-of-the-road\/article216408610.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"makes rolling coal illegal\">makes rolling coal illegal<\/a>. Some states also have their own laws on the books banning the practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the EPA&rsquo;s Clean Air Act, a person can be liable for a civil penalty of up to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2020-12\/documents\/tamperinganddefeatdevices-enfalert.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"$4,819 for removing or modifying emissions equipment\">$4,819 for removing or modifying emissions equipment<\/a>. A dealer or vehicle manufacturer can face much higher penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The EPA also points out that: &ldquo;Tampering, including installation of a defeat device, can void manufacturer warranties. Also, tampered vehicles and engines may not be covered by insurance policies, and states may prohibit the registration of tampered vehicles and engines.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Super Loud Exhaust <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Does YOUR CAR Pass? California's Loud Exhaust Law Explained | WheelHouse\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xUa1jIVlQ_o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the dawn of hot rodding, performance mufflers and exhaust systems, which give a vehicle an aggressive sound, have been a popular modification. What you might not know, however, is that nearly every state has laws regulating loud custom exhaust systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>For instance, installing a cut-out device&mdash;a modification that opens up a pathway for exhaust gases to bypass the muffler&mdash;is illegal in several states. Many states also have rules on the books that limit exhaust noise. In Montana, for example, &ldquo;a person may not operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.semasan.com\/resources\/exhaust-noise-laws-state#Utah\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"emits a noise in excess of 95 decibels\">emits a noise in excess of 95 decibels<\/a>&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will You Actually Get Busted?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The million-dollar question is: Will you actually get busted for the modifications on this list (if they&rsquo;re illegal in your area)? The answer is that it depends on how strictly the laws and regulations are followed where you live. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But since most of the modifications on this list can be harmful to the environment, dangerous to other drivers, or damaging to your vehicle, it&rsquo;s often best to forgo them, regardless of whether or not there are laws in place. <\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Beginning December 1, 2021, the Carolina squat&mdash;a truck modification that lowers the rear suspension and raises the front&mdash;will become illegal&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-carolina-squat-and-six-other-car-modifications-that-could-get-you-in-trouble-with-the-law\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":44880,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3769,53],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[2622],"class_list":{"0":"post-44858","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-automotive-world","8":"category-features","9":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Carolina Squat and Six Other Car Modifications That Could Get You in Trouble With the Law - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From the Carolina squat to \u201crolling coal\u201d, there are many customization trends that are potentially dangerous, making them against the law.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-carolina-squat-and-six-other-car-modifications-that-could-get-you-in-trouble-with-the-law\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Carolina Squat and Six Other Car Modifications That Could Get You in Trouble With the Law - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From the Carolina squat to \u201crolling coal\u201d, there are many customization trends that are potentially dangerous, making them against the law.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-carolina-squat-and-six-other-car-modifications-that-could-get-you-in-trouble-with-the-law\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-10-11T21:38:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-09-16T02:49:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/shutterstock_1144500863-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2048\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1367\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/the-carolina-squat-and-six-other-car-modifications-that-could-get-you-in-trouble-with-the-law\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/the-carolina-squat-and-six-other-car-modifications-that-could-get-you-in-trouble-with-the-law\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"29\",\"name\":\"Mia Bevacqua\",\"jobTitle\":\"ASE Master Automobile Technician\",\"description\":\"Mia Bevacqua has over 14 years of experience in the auto industry and holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in Advanced Automotive Systems. 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