Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Bill Cops the Squat

 Squat trucks may soon be a relic of the past if State Representative Freddie Shanks has his way.  Mr Shanks authored a bill that will ban the controversial fad in Mississippi.  HB #349 states: 


SECTION 1. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a passenger motor vehicle on the public roadways of this state which has been elevated or lowered, yet still leveled, more than six (6) inches by a modification, alteration, or change in the physical structure of the vehicle. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00). However, the provisions in this subsection shall not apply to motor vehicles commonly referred to as "pickup trucks."

(2) (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a passenger motor vehicle, including vehicles commonly referred to as pickup trucks, on the public roadways of this state if, by alteration of the suspension, frame or chassis, the height of the front fender is raised or lowered four (4) or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender. For purposes of this subsection, the height of the fender shall be a vertical measurement from and perpendicular to the ground, through the centerline of the wheel, and to the bottom of the fender. As used in this subsection, "fender" means the pressed and formed part mounted over the road wheels of a motor vehicle to reduce the splashing of mud, water, or similar substances.

(b) A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction:

(i) For a first offense, shall be fined One Hundred Dollars ($100.00); (ii) For a second offense, shall be fined Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00); and (iii) for a third or subsequent offense, shall be fined Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) and have his or her license suspended by the Department of Public Safety for twelve (12) months from the date of conviction. (c) Only offenses which occur within five (5) years of each other, including and immediately preceding the date of the last offense, shall constitute a prior offense within the meaning of this subsection.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.

The bill was referred to the House Judiciary "A" Committee where it awaits action.  

 

61 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didn't know squat about this issue until now. I support this legislation. But a $100 fine isn't squat. Make the first offense more like $500.

The state's texting statute should be amended to include talking on the phone while driving, except for hands-free, and until then LEOs should be a little more proactive in enforcing the existing statute.

The seatbelt statute should be amended to only include minors. Do motorcycles have seatbelts? My seatbelt, my choice.



Anonymous said...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4QMffMAwAU

Wait til they get ahold of the wooo-WOOOOOOOO!

Anonymous said...

Safety hazard, one of these unfortunately ran over a child in Smith County not to long ago. Tragic

Anonymous said...

Please note window tint laws, then go sit in the corner.

Anonymous said...

This sounds personal.

Anonymous said...

I can’t see a damn thing when these trucks are oncoming a night with there tilted up headlights !

Anonymous said...

I had to google "squat trucks" to see what these things look like.

If these are dangerous to others on the road they need to be banned. If they are only dangerous to the idiot who destroys their own truck then leave 'em be - the sooner the trucks and idiots driving them are gone, the better.

Anonymous said...

Perception of doing his job. All that needs work in this state, yet this is what we spend our time on. I am no fan of the squatted trucks either, and do think they are dangerous, there is a lot more that needs to be done while in session.

Kingsized said...

Really? It's just a fad. Let it die like all fads do. No need for a law against ugly trucks.

Anonymous said...

I’d say this problem should take a number behind covered tags, altered mufflers, and tinted windows. Law enforcement turns a blind eye to all three of those, why would the enforce a law against squat trucks?

Anonymous said...

Why can't we pass legislation to tighten our uninsured motorist laws to where if your insurance cancels or lapses your tag and registration is null and void? Many other states have this. Mississippi has where if you get caught without, you can go get it the next day and they'll waive the no insurance ticket. Then the offender just cancels it until they get caught again. Far too many people riding around without car insurance than squatted trucks.

Fred, also consider raising the state minimum liability limits higher than 25/50/25. Most vehicles on the road these days are worth more than $25,0000. These real issues are affecting people far more than the squatted trucks.

Anonymous said...

so much for freedom of expression

Anonymous said...

1:10 - These fuckers raise their fronts ends up so that they can't see vehicles or people right underneath them in front. Additionally, they line these freakshows-on-wheels with LED lights that are brighter than a star and they hit you right in the face when they're oncoming so that you can't see where the hell you're going at night for a good two minutes. Lastly, there are so many of these brain-dead, affluent shitheads that you can't get from A to B without losing your eyesight for the rest of the night IF you don't run off the road from blindness. They don't give a fuck who it affects so yes, this law is needed badly.

Anonymous said...

They already had a very similar law but I think it was repealed along with the vehicle inspection requirement.

Anonymous said...

@12:51 IKR?! Also, did you ever notice that window tint rules don't apply to LEOs? Some marked police cars have windows so dark that you can't tell whether or not there is a person driving it. (I'm talking to you Flo-Po)

Anonymous said...

1:06 - So, if I understand what you are saying, the entire legislature should determine what the number one issue in the state is, resolve that, then move on to #2. I'm certain the man is capable of multi-tasking.

Anonymous said...

They are illegal in several states -- as they should be. They are ridiculous looking at that!

Anonymous said...

If I thought these little redneck boys would only kill themselves, I would not object to these hideous trucks at all. I would welcome them as a tool to cull the herd and improve the gene pool.

But I do think there is a valid argument for the safety of the non-stupids who must share the road with these abominations.

Government intervention and over reach is also never the answer. Seems I am going to be a mostly unconcerned member of the peanut gallery on this debate.

Anonymous said...

Instead of trying to impress his Niknar LEO buddies with this dumb-ass bill, Shankie should be concerned with adding teeth to existing laws that deal with things that obscure plates, the currently unenforced tint-law and blue headlights that resemble police lights from a mile away at night.

Those are the things that would actually assist LEO and the motoring public.

And seein' as how Rankin is the state's leading county for roadside Sears-freezers used as garbage containers, he could have worked up something to prohibit that...or at least paint them camo.

Anonymous said...

Always gotta ruin the fun. I don’t personally care for the style, but someone’s always gotta cry and then make a buck off of it. They used to come after me for hydraulics on my car, people crying about it’s dangerous and now when the cops see me they want me to hit the switch, funny how things change.

Anonymous said...

Mississippi law enforcement won't do a damn thing if it is passed. We have laws against running stop signs, traffic lights and I've never seen anyone pulled over for this. Speed limits are a joke, very few jurisdictions enforce them. And what about the distracted drivers who must text while driving. Jackson PD is guilty of not even trying to stop people unless they deem them no threat to them. And what about putting more state troopers on the highways, and game wardens on our lakes? We eliminated Safety Inspections because of what? The highway patrol wouldn't or couldn't ensure the cars and trucks were really being inspected for safety items....no brake lights, only one headlight, bald tires. Give the local sheriff's the ability to use radar to spot the speeders....

Anonymous said...

Low rider don't use no gas now
Low rider don't drive too fast
Low rider don't want this bill to pass

Anonymous said...

I think a better way to solve the problem is to require any vehicle raised or lowered to have their headlights re-aligned. Raised trucks that aren't "squat trucks" still blind people when they don't have their headlights adjusted to the new ride height. All that is easily fixed by having the headlight beams lowered so that the beam doesn't raise with the truck.

Anonymous said...

When they came for the squat trucks no one spoke up......

Anonymous said...

1:56 - There are tactical reasons that police vehicles utilize tint in that manner. To name one, K9 units have it to minimize the heat inside the vehicle to keep the dog cool during summertime. Otherwise, if you've never worn a badge or taken a bullet because you were wearing one, you wouldn't understand anyway.

Anonymous said...

2:34 - I guarantee that you and others in this post are talking out of your ass. Furthermore, I'll bet you my next truck payment that law enforcement agencies were some of the people that requested legislators create the bill to put the law on the books.

Anonymous said...

Cops don't stop drivers for texting because the cops are too busy texting to notice. You just can't see them doing it behind their dark-tint windows.

Anonymous said...

If they wanted to do something meaningful along these lines they would outlaw covering you license plat with a dark plastic lens.

Anonymous said...

@1:20, Mississippi needs to bring back the annual vehicle inspection and a lot of this would stop. I’m seeing a lot of junk that shouldn’t be on our roads and highways. I know it was a hassle for mechanics and service stations but law enforcement can’t do everything.

Anonymous said...

The members of the legislature have to keep introducing BS bills like this so they can delay the closing of the session and continue to draw their per diem money and drink free liquor.

Anonymous said...

3:02 - That would require the owner to be responsible enough to take that action. The people that do this to their trucks don't care and I'd even wager some of them like the fact that it blinds people because they're mean little shits. Thus the need for this bill.

Anonymous said...

enforce the laws we have first!!!

Anonymous said...

We don’t need anymore laws on the books, but I thought there was a headlight height law that was already in place. Maybe someone here knows if that’s the case.

Anonymous said...

When I was a kid we Jacked the Ass End Up...My how Things Have Changed!
On the subject of Bright Lights- The New Big Ford Trucks Can Have SIX lights on the front running at the same time- On DIM! I know yall have seen them...

Anonymous said...

@ "There are tactical reasons that police vehicles utilize tint in that manner. To name one, K9 units have it to minimize the heat inside the vehicle to keep the dog cool during summertime."

Sooo... cop dogs are more important than people or other dogs?


@5:42. If memory serves, it was 54" maximum distance up from the road, but I think that was repealed along with the inspection law.

the former ersatz 'mayor.' said...

'Squat' is a new moniker for 'dropped'
An entire car culture has developed around these re-engineered suspensions, and many young men (and a few girls) became inventors & successful mechanics.
Are y'all old enough to realize where advancements like fuel injection, supercharging,
and many other automotive improvements came from?
Just like 'squattin' and droppin' these days. Adjust the headlights, boys, and
let the LEO's start doing their jobs, as reviewed above...

Anonymous said...

These should no doubt be banned as they are a danger to pedestrians and other drivers. However, the fine is going to have to be more significant to have the desired effect.

Anonymous said...

To all of you who think this falls under "freedom of expression" or "my ride, my choice," your rights stop exactly where they pose a danger to someone else. This trucks do exactly that.

Anonymous said...

KF, I think the stupid comments on this post might reach a new level; people bitching because there was a proposed law dropped when there are 'other things' that Shanks should be focused on; people that bitch because this is a freedom of expression and the government should keep the f**k out of the business; people that want to focus on 'other laws' that should be focused on rather than this; and of course, people that just want to bitch over their other favorite belief (bring back the inspection; tint on windows for/against; amount of the fine; already have enough laws; only doing this to get more per diem; and of course, its a Stankin/Rankin issue ----- damn, how many different, stupid reasons can one come up with to comment about a reasonable possible new law to be discussed.

In the meantime, Rep Shanks, keep up the good work. This certainly deserves a discussion and action.

Anonymous said...

You think squatted looks like @$$ just wait until you see "stanced" cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjnYqALbRiY

Anonymous said...

“those fuckers…” said everything I need to know about this blog.

Bunch of old white party poopers who can’t help but want to control others’ lives. This is why we will stay last at everything.

Anonymous said...

6:41 - When "those fuckers" do things that put the rest of our lives at risk, I wouldn't exactly call it trying to control others, rather curtail their reckless activities. Your use of the race card here tells me everything I need to know about you.

Anonymous said...

This crap originated in South Carolina. Its called the Carolina Squat. Ban All of them !!!

Anonymous said...

I have always enjoyed laughing and pointing at them, I’ll miss that.

Anonymous said...

a law for about 100 trucks statewide? so stupid.... do something that will mean something.

Anonymous said...

9:01 there's over 100 in Rankin and Madison county alone. Much less adding the coast, Desoto county, etc.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, February 28, 2024 at 10:23 PM

Anonymous said...

In some states, you cannot get a license plate without proof of insurance.

And, these oversized vehicles, even some not altered are a hazard when one parks on either side of a standard vehicle. You cannot see well, even with cameras someone looking for a parking place when you are about to pull out.

Guys...a big vehicle does NOT make you more attractive and most women don't like to climb into one. Grow up! Please! It suggests instead that you are either insecure or a show off. Smart women don't want a fool who loses a helluva lot of money when he drives off the sales lot.

Anonymous said...

Car suspension hydraulics is still a thing???

Anonymous said...

"freedom of expression", there are no rights on public roads. Anything that requires a license is a privilege.

Anonymous said...

Are y'all old enough to realize where advancements like fuel injection, supercharging,
and many other automotive improvements came from?


Not from the predecessors equivalent to those perverting these suspensions today. Your exaggerations continue to be extremely tired.

Anonymous said...

Need to enforce the existing laws about the blinding bright lights these squat bois and gurlz mount underneath their trucks and inside their donk rimz shining out.

These jerkys light up everything but where they are going brighter than an airport in the fog.

No new laws needed, as vehicle lights are already well regulated.

Law Enforcement could probably find more dope and underage alcohol possession and consumption by enforcing this than they do enforcing the window tint laws.


Anonymous said...

Who would we point at and laugh then?

Anonymous said...

@ 10:23 (aka Shanks or a 'close relative')...You pretty much covered the landscape of this thread. But I'm left wondering why the fuck YOU commented.

Anonymous said...

Hello, 1:48. You said, "No new laws needed, as vehicle lights are already well regulated."

Wrong. There is no law regulating colored headlights...bright blue, green, orange or 'bar lights' mounted above windshields. Just as there are no regulations to prohibit the tractor and trailer of an 18 wheeler from being lit up like a damned rolling Christmas tree in order to cater to the 'little dick' driving it.

Anonymous said...

I passed many of these laughable redneck trophy trucks on Hwy 49 recently on a trip to the coast.

I wanted to see the face of the idiot driver to see if he matches my mental assumption but asla, the headlights had melted my retinas.

I guess we'll just all have to join the hideous fad and purchase similar rides if we want to keep our ocular rods and cones intact.

You Can Call Me Shanks or You Can Call Me Squat said...

Every laptop in both chambers has been on this blog and this thread for at least three days. (assuming they're gaveled in)....

The Shanks vs Ford contest is noted.

Anonymous said...

@10:00 AM. If that true......Legislators, get moving on SB 2628.

Anonymous said...

@ 4:51 pm "Wrong. There is no law regulating colored headlights...bright blue, green, orange or 'bar lights' mounted above windshields. Just as there are no regulations to prohibit the tractor and trailer of an 18 wheeler from being lit up like a damned rolling Christmas tree in order to cater to the 'little dick' driving it."

Vehicle lighting laws ARE in place in MS. Too much to paste here. Go see Mississippi Code section 63-7-11 to 63-7-45.

But in particular I will note 63-7-23(4): "Any lamps illuminated when the vehicle is in motion, other than those expressly required or permitted by the provisions of this chapter or other law, shall, if visible from the front, display only a white or amber light; if visible from either side, display an amber light; and if visible from the rear, display a red light.

This Ain't Squat said...

Thanks, 12:01 - Then I suggest Tindall quit making commercials about Truckers and Troopers and tell his subordinates to start writing tickets. And implement a random drug-screen policy.

Anonymous said...

We now know a drug-screen policy should be implemented for elected city officials.

It's obvious that Tindall should do the same but would not dare.

If I were king, I'd also require it of legislators every Monday afternoon when they gavel back in.


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