Illegal Vehicle Modifications: Squatted Trucks, Lift Kits, and Bumper Height Laws in Mississippi
Under Miss. Code Ann. § 63-7-105, "squatted" trucks-where the front fender is raised 4 or more inches higher than the rear-are strictly illegal in Mississippi. Violations can lead to escalating fines and a one-year driver's license suspension for repeat offenders.
Customizing your truck with a lift kit is a massive part of car culture in Mississippi. However, the state recently cracked down on a specific trend known as the Carolina Squat. Because this modification severely limits a driver's forward visibility and alters headlight angles to blind oncoming traffic, lawmakers decided to ban it entirely. Whether you are driving through Southaven, Tupelo, or Gulfport, law enforcement is actively ticketing vehicles that violate these suspension laws. If your license is at risk due to repeat modification tickets, finding a skilled traffic defense lawyer in our US Lawyer Directory is your safest option to keep you legally on the road.
The Mississippi Squatted Truck Ban Explained
In response to fatal accidents and safety concerns, the state enacted Miss. Code Ann. § 63-7-105. This law specifically targets passenger vehicles where the suspension, frame, or chassis has been altered so that the height of the front fender is raised four (4) or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender. If a deputy from the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department, Hernando spots your truck leaning heavily backward, they will pull you over. The law is strictly enforced to ensure headlights illuminate the road rather than blinding oncoming drivers.
Fines for Squatted Trucks
The penalties for violating the squatted vehicle ban escalate rapidly to deter repeat offenders. The statute outlines the following strict punishments:
- First Offense: A mandatory fine of $100.
- Second Offense: A fine of $200.
- Third Offense: A $300 fine, and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Jackson will automatically suspend your driver's license for 12 full months.
Offenses are tracked over a five-year rolling period. If you receive a third ticket within five years, you will lose your driving privileges entirely.
Maximum Bumper Heights and Lift Kit Limitations
Unlike some states that heavily regulate bumper heights based on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Mississippi is relatively lenient regarding standard, even-leveled lift kits. The state does not have a strict bumper height law explicitly written into the code. However, standard commercial and passenger vehicles are bound by general dimension laws. A lifted truck cannot exceed a maximum overall height of 13 feet, 6 inches. As long as your truck is lifted evenly (not squatted) and your headlights do not exceed maximum height restrictions under general lighting laws, standard suspension lifts are perfectly legal.
Street Legal Tire Size Limits and Mud Flaps
Putting massive mud tires on your lifted truck looks great, but it triggers other legal requirements. If your tires extend far past the body of the truck, they can throw rocks and debris into the windshields of drivers behind you. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 63-7-73, commercial vehicles and heavy trucks are required to have proper mud flaps or rear wheel protectors to prevent splashing. While enforcement on standard pickup trucks varies by municipality, local police can still cite you for operating unsafe equipment if your massive, uncovered tires pose a clear hazard to other motorists.
How to Clear an Illegal Modification Ticket
If you receive a Uniform Traffic Ticket under Miss. Code Ann. § 63-9-21 for driving a squatted truck, simply paying the fine means you are pleading guilty. If you continue driving the truck without fixing it, you will get pulled over again the next day, triggering the harsher second-offense penalties. The most effective legal strategy is to immediately take your vehicle to a mechanic, level the suspension, and bring photographic evidence and mechanic receipts to your hearing at the DeSoto County Justice Court, Hernando or your local municipal court. An attorney can present this evidence of compliance to the prosecutor to negotiate a dismissal or a reduction to a non-moving violation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are all lift kits illegal in Mississippi now?
No. Standard suspension lifts are perfectly legal. The law only outlaws the "squatted" modification where the front of the vehicle is intentionally raised four or more inches higher than the rear.
Will the police impound my truck for being squatted?
Usually, no. Unless the vehicle is deemed so dangerously modified that it cannot safely be driven away, officers will typically issue a citation and allow you to drive home. However, repeat offenses leading to a suspended license will result in a tow.
Does this law apply to classic cars with hydraulics?
The law is written broadly to apply to passenger motor vehicles altered to raise the front fender four or more inches above the rear. If a classic car with hydraulics is driven on a public highway in that squatted position, it technically violates the statute.
Can out-of-state drivers get a squatted truck ticket in Mississippi?
Yes. If you drive a squatted truck registered in a different state through Mississippi, you must obey Mississippi traffic and safety laws. State troopers can and will pull you over and issue a citation.
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