No, squatted trucks—vehicles modified to sit lower than permitted under Indian road safety norms—violate the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) enforces these rules via state transport authorities, which conduct roadworthiness checks under the Bharat Stage VI emissions regime. Recent 2026 compliance directives mandate stricter inspections, including chassis height verification, with penalties up to ₹10,000 under Section 190 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Customs and insurance providers also reject claims for non-compliant vehicles, exposing operators to financial and legal liabilities.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in India
- CMVR Clause 93: Mandates minimum ground clearance of 150mm for trucks; squatting violates this, risking de-registration by Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
- State-Specific Enforcement: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu RTOs conduct surprise inspections under Rule 126 of state motor vehicle rules, seizing vehicles with altered suspensions.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: MoRTH’s Vehicle Scrappage Policy ties roadworthiness certificates to CMVR adherence, disqualifying squatted trucks from renewal post-2026.