'Carolina Squat' driver feels singled out as Myrtle Beach police crack down

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — If you've ever been on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, there's a chance you've seen a squatted truck. But the street was a little more barren on Monday after dozens of squatted truck drivers were pulled over this past weekend by law enforcement, some even getting arrested.

This situation has taken social media platforms like TikTok by storm after Myrtle Beach resident Brett Michaels posted multiple videos advocating for those who have the Carolina Squat.

I actually had some buddies, they went to jail for whether their headlights were too tall, they were doing burnouts on the strip, their exhaust, their music. Stuff like that," Michaels said.

Myrtle Beach Police Cpl. Chris Starling said the trucks were pulled over for things like disorderly conduct, open containers and noise violations.

Even though police said they weren't targeting those with the Carolina Squat, Michaels said they still feel as though law enforcement is coming after them for what they drive.

"I've been a resident down here for 20 years, and squatted trucks, no matter what they look like they're obviously going to get more attention than regular cars. So, we're kind of like a sore thumb sticking out," he said.

Squatted vehicles aren't illegal in South Carolina yet, although a bill has been introduced to ban the squat. That bill was passed by the state Senate but still sits in the House.

But for Michaels, he said the squat brings the truck community together with many spending thousands to achieve the look, and he said this shouldn't be such a big concern for law enforcement.

I don't want to say discrimination, but it's almost like we're viewed and treated differently because of what we drive, and honestly it's kind of unfair. I know they're trying to pass bills and laws about it right now, but I feel like there are bigger problems," he said.

WPDE spoke with local businesses on Ocean Boulevard to see how they feel about squatted trucks driving by, and many said they're annoying to look at and are way too loud.

WPDE also asked people walking around Myrtle Beach how they felt about the squat, and many said it's a safety concern.

Other states like North Carolina and Virginia have banned the Carolina Squat, saying it makes it too difficult for the driver to see over the truck's dashboard.