House Bill 349

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO IMPOSE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON THE ELEVATING OR LOWERING A MOTOR VEHICLE; TO PROHIBIT MOTOR VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS THAT RESULT IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE'S FRONT FENDER BEING RAISED FOUR OR MORE INCHES ABOVE THE HEIGHT OF THE REAR FENDER; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER OF MEASURING THE HEIGHT OF THE FRONT FENDER IN RELATION TO THE REAR FENDER; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a passenger motor vehicle on the public roadways of this state which has been elevated or lowered, yet still leveled, more than six (6) inches by a modification, alteration, or change in the physical structure of the vehicle. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00). However, the provisions in this subsection shall not apply to motor vehicles commonly referred to as "pickup trucks."

(2) (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a passenger motor vehicle, including vehicles commonly referred to as pickup trucks, on the public roadways of this state if, by alteration of the suspension, frame or chassis, the height of the front fender is raised or lowered four (4) or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender. For purposes of this subsection, the height of the fender shall be a vertical measurement from and perpendicular to the ground, through the centerline of the wheel, and to the bottom of the fender. As used in this subsection, "fender" means the pressed and formed part mounted over the road wheels of a motor vehicle to reduce the splashing of mud, water, or similar substances.

(b) A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction:

(i) For a first offense, shall be fined One Hundred Dollars ($100.00);

(ii) For a second offense, shall be fined Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00); and

(iii) for a third or subsequent offense, shall be fined Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) and have his or her license suspended by the Department of Public Safety for twelve (12) months from the date of conviction.

(c) Only offenses which occur within five (5) years of each other, including and immediately preceding the date of the last offense, shall constitute a prior offense within the meaning of this subsection.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.