Youngkin signs law banning 'Carolina Squat' truck modification in Lynchburg Monday

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Trucks raised in the front are now illegal in Virginia after the trendy modification has been tied to a Mecklenburg County father’s death.

According to Richmond ABC affiliate WRIC, Jody “BJ” Upton Jr., 27, was killed after his vehicle was hit by a modified truck. Authorities believe that driver might not have been able to see over a hill when he crashed into Upton’s vehicle.

RELATED: 'Carolina Squat' now banned on North Carolina roads

The modification is called a “Carolina Squat.” The front of the car is lifted, but the back is kept low. Officials say that makes it far more difficult for drivers to see ahead.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin visited Lynchburg Sheriff’s Office at 8:30 a.m. Monday to sign Senate Bill 777, to ban the Carolina Squat.

“These trucks are dangerous,” Del. Tommy Wright (R-Lunenberg) wrote in an opinion piece.

Wright represents Mecklenburg and co-signed the bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Mark Peake (R-Lynchburg).

RELATED: Drivers find a way to keep their "Carolina Squat" truck modification after ban

Under the bill, if someone drives a car or truck on a public highway that’s raised four or more inches higher in the front than the back, it’s a traffic violation, and the vehicle can be towed away on the spot.

The bill unanimously passed the Virginia General Assembly in both the House and Senate.

Most Virginia bills go into effect July 1; however, this bill carries an emergency clause that would immediately ban the Carolina Squat on public highways throughout Virginia.

It's been banned in North Carolina, and the state senate in South Carolina has also voted to ban it there.