No, squatted trucks—vehicles modified to sit excessively low—are illegal in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 39:3-70, which mandates minimum ground clearance for safety. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) enforces this via inspections, and local ordinances in municipalities like Newark and Jersey City further restrict modifications. Violations may result in fines or impoundment, with 2026 compliance audits targeting aftermarket suspensions.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in New Jersey
- Minimum Ground Clearance: N.J.S.A. 39:3-70 requires all vehicles to maintain at least 5 inches of ground clearance when loaded, prohibiting squatted configurations that reduce this measurement.
- NJMVC Inspection Standards: During biennial inspections, vehicles with altered suspensions failing clearance tests are cited under N.J.A.C. 13:21-10.4, risking registration suspension.
- Local Ordinance Enforcement: Cities like Trenton and Camden have enacted additional bans on “lowrider” modifications, empowering police to issue municipal citations for violations.