No, squatted trucks—vehicles modified to lower ride height—are illegal in China under national and local vehicle safety standards. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) enforce strict height and modification rules, with provincial traffic authorities conducting roadside inspections. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Road Traffic Safety Law propose harsher penalties, including vehicle confiscation and driver license suspension, for non-compliant modifications.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in China
- GB 7258-2023 Standard: Mandates minimum ground clearance (250mm for M1/N1 vehicles) and prohibits structural alterations that reduce ride height below this threshold.
- Local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Enforcement: Cities like Beijing and Shanghai deploy AI-powered traffic cameras to detect modified vehicles, issuing fines (¥200–¥2,000) and mandatory re-inspection.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed amendments classify squatted trucks as “dangerous vehicles,” requiring owners to restore original specifications within 30 days of notification or face permanent deregistration.
Non-compliance risks extend beyond fines: insurers may deny claims for accidents involving modified vehicles, and commercial operators face contract termination under SAMR’s 2024 Vehicle Modification Guidelines. Foreign-registered squatted trucks are also barred from entering China under customs regulations.