No, squatted trucks—vehicles modified to ride significantly lower than factory specifications—are illegal in South Korea under the Road Traffic Act (제15조) and related enforcement decrees. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) classifies such modifications as structural alterations that compromise vehicle safety and roadworthiness. Recent 2026 compliance directives mandate stricter inspections by local traffic authorities, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Division, targeting modified suspension systems. Penalties range from fines up to ₩3 million (≈$2,300) to forced suspension of registration.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in South Korea
- Road Traffic Act (제15조): Prohibits structural modifications that alter a vehicle’s original design, including lowering its suspension below legal height thresholds (typically ≥140mm for passenger vehicles under MOLIT’s 2023 guidelines).
- Enforcement Decree of the Road Traffic Act (시행령 제15조): Empowers traffic officers to issue immediate stop orders for vehicles deemed unsafe, with mandatory re-inspection at certified facilities like those operated by the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI).
- Local Ordinances: Seoul, Busan, and Incheon enforce additional zoning restrictions, banning squatted trucks from designated urban areas during peak hours (7 AM–9 AM, 6 PM–8 PM) to mitigate road hazards.