BATON ROUGE, La. — In response to rising reports of reckless driving during last week’s winter storm, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) took swift action by seizing vehicles, including one that appeared to be a “squatted truck.” The move sparked significant attention on social media, where the sheriff’s office emphasized its commitment to traffic safety enforcement.
A Facebook post from the sheriff’s office, featuring a truck being loaded onto a tow truck surrounded by law enforcement vehicles, quickly garnered thousands of reactions. The post made clear that LPSO was focusing on enforcing traffic laws, using hashtags such as #CleanOutYallTrucks and #HappyFriday to underline the importance of addressing violations. “This here is what we call – 1, 2, 3 strikes – You’re out!” the post read, encouraging drivers to resolve their violations before returning to the road.
The crackdown came as the parish faced a rise in reckless driving complaints during icy conditions. Lori Steele, the public information officer for LPSO, noted that warnings were issued to violators before vehicles were seized. “Citizens are asked to follow all rules of the road for the safety of all,” Steele said.
The Law on Squatted Trucks
Squatted trucks, also known as “Carolina Squatted” vehicles, have become a controversial issue in Louisiana. The state’s law, effective August 1, 2022, prohibits any vehicle modification that raises the front fender six or more inches higher than the rear fender. This regulation, which applies to vehicles without a trailer or payload, aims to reduce road hazards caused by these modifications.
The law addresses several risks associated with squatted trucks, which include misaligned headlights that can blind oncoming drivers, an increased risk of “drive-over” accidents with smaller vehicles due to mismatched bumpers, obstructed driver views, and instability at higher speeds caused by aerodynamic imbalances. In 2022, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office also called attention to the dangers posed by squatted trucks in an effort to raise awareness among local drivers.
While LPSO’s winter storm enforcement efforts were not solely focused on squatted trucks, one of the seized vehicles appeared to fall into this category. The sheriff’s office confirmed that their actions targeted drivers who had received prior warnings for traffic violations and had failed to comply.
Social Media Response and Public Debate
The sheriff’s office’s social media post sparked mixed reactions from the public. Many residents supported the enforcement, applauding the department’s efforts to make the roads safer during a hazardous weather event. “Glad to see them taking action! Too many people drive unsafe vehicles,” one commenter wrote.
However, some voiced criticism, arguing that the crackdown was unfair and disproportionate. “I’ve had my truck like this for years, and it’s never been an issue,” one person remarked. Others questioned whether squatted trucks should be singled out or if the focus should be on more general issues of reckless driving.
Despite the differing opinions, LPSO’s message remained clear: traffic safety is a priority, and drivers are encouraged to follow all applicable laws to prevent accidents and road hazards.
Continued Focus on Road Safety
The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office has stressed that enforcement actions will continue, particularly in response to dangerous driving conditions during winter weather. As local authorities remind drivers to adhere to traffic laws, the debate over vehicle modifications like squatted trucks is likely to persist. Residents are urged to report unsafe driving to the sheriff’s office and ensure their vehicles comply with state regulations.
Ultimately, LPSO’s actions serve as a reminder that, during hazardous conditions, road safety should be the primary concern for all drivers—whether they are navigating icy streets or cruising on more temperate days.