Reckless driving crackdown sparks debate over 'Carolina Squatted' trucks in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) addressed reckless driving during last week’s winter storm by seizing vehicles, including what appeared to be a “squatted truck,” drawing significant attention on social media.

One of the Facebook post's featuring a truck loaded onto a tow truck surrounded by law enforcement vehicles, emphasized the office’s focus on enforcing traffic safety. Using hashtags like #CleanOutYallTrucks and #HappyFriday, LPSO warned drivers to resolve violations or face consequences.

“This here is what we call - 1, 2, 3 strikes - You’re out!” the post read, advising drivers to address violations before returning to the road.

The Law on "Squatted Trucks"

Squatted trucks, or “Carolina Squatted” vehicles, are prohibited under Louisiana law, which states that no vehicle may be modified so that the height of the front fender is six or more inches greater than the rear fender. This law, effective August 1, 2022, applies to vehicles with no payload or trailer attached and aims to mitigate road hazards.

The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office has previously highlighted the dangers of squatted trucks, which include:

1. Misaligned headlights that blind oncoming drivers.
2. Increased risk of “drive-over” accidents with smaller vehicles due to misaligned bumpers.
3. Obstructed views for the driver.
4. Instability at certain speeds caused by aerodynamic imbalances.

The LPSO stated that their enforcement actions during the storm focused on drivers with prior warnings who failed to comply. While the crackdown wasn’t solely targeting what appeared to be squatted trucks, at least one of the vehicles seized appeared to fall under this category.

Social Media Buzz

The post generated over a thousand reactions, with many commenters applauding enforcement against squatted trucks, while others criticized it as unfair. LPSO encouraged residents to follow the law, emphasizing that safety on the roads is their primary concern.

Reckless Driving During the Storm

Livingston Parish faced a rise in reckless driving complaints during last week’s icy conditions, prompting the sheriff’s office to intensify patrols. Lori Steele, the LPSO public information officer, noted that warnings were issued before vehicles were seized.

“Citizens are asked to follow all rules of the road for the safety of all,” she said.

This law enforcement action highlights the broader debate surrounding squatted trucks and other controversial vehicle modifications. Residents are encouraged to report unsafe driving to local authorities and ensure their vehicles comply with Louisiana state laws.

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