No, Vermont prohibits squatted trucks under 23 V.S.A. § 1201, classifying them as “unsafe vehicles” due to obstructed rearview visibility and impaired brake function. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces this via annual inspections, rejecting vehicles with altered suspension systems that elevate the rear axle above the front. Local law enforcement, including the Vermont State Police, may issue citations under municipal ordinances targeting nuisance modifications. A 2026 DMV rulemaking draft proposes stricter penalties, including mandatory corrective repairs for non-compliant vehicles.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Vermont
- Suspension Alterations: 23 V.S.A. § 1201 bans any modification that raises the rear axle higher than the front, violating federal FMVSS 108 lighting standards.
- Inspection Failures: Vermont DMV’s 2025 inspection manual explicitly flags squatted trucks, requiring owners to restore original suspension geometry before registration renewal.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Burlington and Rutland may impose additional fines under local traffic codes, targeting vehicles deemed hazardous or visually obstructive.
Non-compliance risks include $200–$500 fines, registration suspension, or impoundment under 23 V.S.A. § 1220. The DMV’s 2026 regulatory update aims to align Vermont with neighboring states like New Hampshire, where squatted trucks are already prohibited. Owners must consult a licensed mechanic to certify compliance before inspections.