Louisiana Laws and Restrictions for Carolina Squat Vehicle Lifts

Thinking about getting a Carolina Squat lift modification on your truck? Before you do, make sure you know Louisiana's laws and restrictions so you don't wind up in hot water.

What Is The Carolina Squat?

The Carolina Squat is an aftermarket modification, usually seen on trucks, in which the front end is raised higher than the back, putting the vehicle at an angle.

The vehicle looks like it's squatting, therefore the name Carolina Squat was given to the modification.

As jdpower.com points out "the change results in problems such as vehicle weight imbalance, worn-out tires, poor braking, and inappropriate steering, it is not beneficial, especially in terms of safety."

The name Carolina Squat originated in Carolina, but its style actually originated in California. As such, the mod is also called "California Lean" or "Cali Lean".

The Carolina Squat got its start with Baja racing, so its origins actually have function over form.

From jdpower.com -

"Baja racing teams soon discovered that a negative rake angle would prevent a truck from being damaged when it had to land after a jump.

But the main reason is that the truck's rear will touch the ground first, lessening the impact's force and limiting any harm to the truck and the driver."

Louisiana Laws and Restrictions for 'Carolina Squat' Vehicle Lifts

The Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office recently posted to Facebook the Louisiana laws concerning Carolina Squatted vehicles.

On August 1, 2022, a new Louisiana law went into effect outlining what is and what isn't allowed concerning Carolina Squat vehicle modifications.

The law is titled "Prohibited vehicle modifications; wheel well".

According to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office -

"If the bottom of the front fender is six (6) inches or greater than the height of the bottom of the rear fender the vehicle is in violation.

The vehicle may also be in violation of the laws pertaining to the height and direction of the front headlights as described in a previous segment.

No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon any highway if, by alteration of the suspension, frame, or chassis, the height of the front fender is six or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender."

You can read the full explanation of the law below from the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office.