News Summary
Myrtle Beach has emerged as a leader in enforcing the ban on Carolina squat truck modifications, having issued 171 citations within a year of the law’s implementation. The legislation prohibits excessive vehicle modifications that elevate or lower chassis beyond set limits. Police Chief Amy Prock has highlighted public safety concerns linked to these modifications, particularly following incidents that have involved squatted trucks. Despite the decrease in violations, some community concerns persist, prompting ongoing discussions about compliance and safety.
Myrtle Beach has taken the lead in enforcing the ban on the Carolina squat truck modification, issuing 171 citations in less than a year since the law went into effect on July 1, 2023. The legislation prohibits vehicles from being modified to elevate or lower their chassis by more than six inches, with specific restrictions for pickup trucks. This law aims to enhance road safety and visibility, addressing community concerns following incidents involving squatted trucks.
From May 10, 2024, to May 16, 2025, law enforcement across South Carolina issued a total of 388 tickets related to the Carolina squat modification. Horry County, home to Myrtle Beach, topped the state with 133 tickets. Following behind were Kershaw County with 56 tickets and Florence County with 29 tickets. The Myrtle Beach Police Department’s proactive measures to enforce this law have positioned the city at the forefront of this initiative.
The enforcement of the law has seen significant attention, especially after local police chief Amy Prock testified during state legislative hearings about the dangers posed by squatted trucks, particularly highlighting safety concerns tied to a pedestrian fatality in 2021. In response to these issues, Myrtle Beach has worked diligently with state and local partners to both educate the public about the regulations and promote compliance.
Since the law’s enactment, there has been an observable decrease in the number of squatted trucks on Myrtle Beach streets. The legislation, which incorporates increasingly severe fines for repeated offenses—$100 for the first violation, $200 for a second, and $300 for a third—also allows for potential license suspensions for habitual offenders. These measures reflect the goal of reducing visibility-related dangers inherent to squatted vehicles.
Local law enforcement has reported a decline in violations in Horry County since the ban went into effect. However, despite this progress, recent weekends have still seen complaints concerning continued squat truck violations. This suggests that while enforcement efforts are robust, community concerns remain, highlighting ongoing challenges regarding compliance with the new law.
Critics of the squat modification have pointed to serious safety risks associated with poor visibility due to the elevated nature of these vehicles. As Myrtle Beach is a key hub for this trend, particularly during its peak summer tourism season, the impact of the squat truck ban is being carefully monitored to ensure public safety. Discussions around the law have also sparked a dialogue among auto enthusiasts, weighing personal freedom against the necessity of public safety.
It is worth noting that Myrtle Beach is not alone; other states, like North Carolina and Virginia, have introduced similar regulations prohibiting the Carolina squat modification. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need for harmonized traffic safety measures across the region.
The enactment of the ban included a six-month grace period for vehicle owners to adjust their vehicles in compliance with the new regulations before law enforcement began issuing citations. As the community continues to adapt, the Myrtle Beach Police Department remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring that roadways are safer for all residents and visitors.
The ongoing efforts in Myrtle Beach demonstrate a unified approach to address public safety concerns related to squatted trucks and signify a strong commitment to improving roadway conditions, marking a significant development in traffic regulation enforcement within South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- WMBF News
- Post and Courier
- ABC News 4
- The State
- Wikipedia: Carolina Squat
- Google Search: Carolina Squat trucks
- Google Scholar: Carolina Squat truck safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Carolina Squat
- Google News: Carolina Squat ban Myrtle Beach
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
