BROOKHAVEN — House Bill 349, which is dubbed the “squatted vehicle ban,” was approved by Gov. Tate Reeves on April 25 and will go into effect on July 1. We are a week from the warning period for the new law to begin. 

According to the legislation, a squatted vehicle is defined as any vehicle where the front fenders have been raised 4 inches or greater than the rear fender. The modification makes the vehicle look as if it is “squatting,” on its back tires. 

Motor vehicles with high clearance fenders to allow for increased suspension articulation are exempt from this law. Penalties for violating the law will go into effect 180 days after July 1 on January 27, 2025.

The first violation shall result in a fine of $100, second violation will be $200 and third violation will be $300 and the license could be suspended for 12 months. Offenses which occur within five years of each other would count as prior offense. 

State and local law enforcement shall issue warnings for the first 180 days after the law goes into effect on July 1.  

Fines collected from the violations will go into the State General Fund and will fund  Secondary School Driver Education and Training Programs as established by Senate Bill No. 2695, 2024 Regular Session according to the bill.