No, squatted trucks—vehicles with lowered suspension—are illegal in Belgium under the 2026 Royal Decree on Roadworthiness, enforced by the Federale Overheidsdienst Mobiliteit en Vervoer (FOD Mobiliteit). Modifications altering a vehicle’s original height violate EU vehicle type-approval standards, risking fines up to €1,376 and mandatory roadside inspections by Vlaamse Wegeninspectie or SPW Mobilité et Infrastructures.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Belgium
- Type-Approval Violation: Any suspension modification that deviates from the manufacturer’s certified dimensions breaches Regulation (EU) 2018/858, monitored by Dienst Wegverkeer (DIV) for Flemish registrations.
- Inspection Bans: Vehicles failing height compliance during periodieke technische keuring (PTI) inspections (mandatory every 2 years) are immediately grounded until rectified.
- Local Enforcement: Municipal police and Federale Politie conduct targeted checks near Brussels’ R0 ring and Antwerp’s port zones, where modified trucks are frequently detected.
Recent 2026 amendments to the Wegenverkeerswet empower authorities to impound squatted trucks for up to 30 days if modifications pose “clear safety risks,” per Koninklijk Besluit van 15 februari 2026. Exemptions require pre-approval from DIV or SPW, with strict documentation proving no adverse impact on braking or stability systems.