No. Squatted trucks violate Japan’s Road Traffic Act by altering vehicle dimensions beyond safety limits. The National Police Agency (NPA) and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) enforce strict height and suspension modifications, with 2026 revisions tightening penalties for non-compliant vehicles.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Japan
- Height Restrictions: Modified trucks exceeding 2.5 meters in height face immediate confiscation under NPA guidelines, as per Article 9 of the Road Traffic Act.
- Suspension Alterations: Any aftermarket modifications reducing ground clearance below manufacturer specs violate MLIT’s 2023 vehicle safety standards.
- Inspection Failures: Vehicles failing roadworthiness tests due to squatting are barred from re-registration, per MLIT’s 2026 enforcement updates.
Local traffic bureaus (交通安全課) conduct routine checks, particularly in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, where modified trucks are frequently targeted. Owners risk fines up to ¥500,000 (≈$3,300) and mandatory suspension repairs. Imported squatted trucks are also scrutinized under customs regulations, requiring pre-approval from MLIT’s Vehicle Safety Division.