No, squatted trucks are illegal in Switzerland under the Road Traffic Act (VRV) and Vehicle Construction Regulations (VCR), as they violate structural safety and homologation standards enforced by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and Swiss Association of Automobile Importers (auto-schweiz).
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Switzerland
- Homologation Mandate: All vehicles must comply with UNECE Regulation 107 or EU 2018/858, which squatted trucks fail due to altered chassis geometry and seat positioning.
- Federal Inspection (MFK): Mandatory annual technical inspections by Motorfahrzeugkontrolle (MFK) stations reject vehicles with modified suspension or seating that compromises crash safety.
- Local Enforcement: Cantonal police (e.g., Zürich Kantonspolizei) issue fines up to CHF 5,000 for non-compliant vehicles, citing Art. 31 VRV on vehicle modifications.
Switzerland’s 2026 Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) reforms tighten scrutiny on aftermarket alterations, including squatted trucks, aligning with EU conformity assessments. Imported squatted trucks face immediate confiscation under Customs Ordinance (ZollV) if lacking Swiss type approval. Exemptions exist only for vintage or racing vehicles with Sonderbewilligung (special permits), subject to cantonal approval.