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Bill

HB 35

Motor vehicles; Alabama Squat Truck Law; prohibitions on the alteration of the height of the fender of a vehicle, provided

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Bolton

Alabama bill prohibits raising vehicle front fenders higher than rear (squat truck mods) to prevent safety hazards from altered headlight angles and vehicle instability.

Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety)
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Bill Summary · HB 35

Legislative bill overview

HB 35 prohibits the alteration of vehicle fender height in Alabama, commonly known as "squat truck" modifications where the front of a vehicle is raised significantly higher than the rear. The bill aims to regulate this cosmetic vehicle modification practice that has gained popularity in certain communities.

Why is this important

Squat trucks create safety concerns including altered headlight angles that can blind oncoming drivers, compromised vehicle stability and handling, and potential visibility issues. The bill represents an attempt to address public safety issues while regulating a specific vehicle modification trend that has drawn law enforcement attention in multiple states.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: The bill's language around what constitutes prohibited "alteration of the height of the fender" may be vague, potentially leading to inconsistent enforcement or unintended restrictions on legitimate suspension modifications
  • Free modification rights: Vehicle enthusiasts argue that owners should have autonomy over their vehicles' appearance and performance, viewing this as government overreach into personal property
  • Enforcement practicality: Determining violation standards (how much height difference triggers the law) and enforcing the regulation consistently across different vehicle types presents administrative challenges
  • Cultural and socioeconomic dimensions: The modification is associated with specific communities, raising questions about whether enforcement might be applied disparately

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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