Virginia House of Lunenburg Member Delegate Tommy Wright joined Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin on Monday, March 21, in an immediate ban on the modification of the “Carolina Squat” truck on public roads in the Commonwealth.

Under the new law, a truck or car driven on the raised pavement four inches or more in the front than the rear will be considered a traffic violation and the vehicle may be towed on the spot. .

The popular modified “Carolina Squat” in which trucks and SUVs are raised up front has been blamed for several motor vehicle fatalities over the past two years. More recently, the death of a 27-year-old man from the county of Mecklenburg.

Authorities believe Jody “BJ” Upton Jr. was killed after his vehicle was hit by a “Carolina Squat” truck on Feb. 16.

The 2016 Chevy pickup driven by 19-year-old Anthony Newcomb crossed the center line of Skipwith Road near Wootton Road in the Skipwith area of ​​Mecklenburg County.

Authorities say the driver of the truck may not have been able to see over a hill when he crashed into Upton’s vehicle.

Wright, who represents Mecklenburg County and is co-signing the bill, said the trucks were dangerous.

On Monday, when the Youngkins signed Bill 777, the Upton family was present.

“I am honored today to be here with BJ’s family, the officials who moved quickly to move the legislation onto my desk to solve the problem, and the law enforcement heroes who will enforce this new law. and make our roads and highways safer,” Governor Glenn Youngkin said. “Nothing can bring BJ back, but with faith, time and love, we can begin to heal from the pain of losing him. But Virginia’s spirit is strong, and when Virginians see a problem, they stand up. gather and act.

According to a release, SB 777 prohibits “Carolina squat” style modifications on Virginia highways further specifying that within the absolute minimum and maximum height ranges, the height of the front bumper must not be greater than over four inches to the height of the rear bumper.

“Suspension modifications alter the function and handling of the vehicles,” the statement said. If the front of the vehicle is higher than the rear, the headlights are aimed skyward instead of illuminating the road ahead. The tilting of the truck compromises the driver’s view and impairs the dispersion of mechanical force in the event of a collision.