Is Squatted Trucks Legal in Mexico After the 2026 Framework Overhaul?

No. Squatted trucks—vehicles modified with elevated suspensions—violate Mexico’s Reglamento de Tránsito in most states, as they compromise road safety and emissions standards. The Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) and local transit authorities (e.g., Secretaría de Movilidad in CDMX) enforce height restrictions (typically ≤ 2.1m for light vehicles) under NOM-068-SCT-2000. Recent 2026 amendments to Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal tighten penalties, including fines up to MXN 50,000 and mandatory inspections for non-compliant vehicles.


Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Mexico

  • Height Limits: Federal and state regulations cap vehicle height at 2.1 meters for passenger vehicles; squatted trucks often exceed this, triggering violations under NOM-068-SCT-2000.
  • Emissions & Safety: Modified suspensions may void manufacturer warranties and fail NOM-042-SEMARNAT-2003 emissions tests, leading to impoundment by PROFEPA or local transit agencies.
  • Local Ordinances: Cities like Guadalajara and Monterrey impose additional restrictions via municipal Reglamentos de Tránsito, banning “vehículos modificados” outright in urban zones.