SQUATTED TRUCK BAN GOES INTO EFFECT TODAY (JULY 1ST, 2024)

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - If you have a “squatted vehicle,” it is now illegal to drive it on public roadways in Mississippi.

The law went into effect today.

On Wednesday, May 8, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety announced that Gov. Tate Reeves had signed H.B. 349, which makes it a misdemeanor to drive a “squatted vehicle.”

Squatted vehicles are those that have been modified to have their front fender four or more inches higher than the rear fender.

A first offense would net a person a $100 fine and a misdemeanor conviction; a second offense would come with a $200 fine; and a third or subsequent offense within five years would net a $300 fine and suspended license.

“The main goal of this new law is to keep everyone safe on the roads and encourage safe and smart driving habits,” the MDPS said in a social media post. “Modifying vehicles in ways that affect visibility isn’t just risky for the driver, but for everyone sharing the road.”

The bill was passed by the House on March 13 and approved by the Senate on March 10. The House concurred on changes made by the Senate in a vote on April 17.