No, squatted trucks—vehicles modified to sit lower than legal height limits—violate Brazil’s Resolução CONTRAN 960/2022, which enforces minimum ground clearance (250mm for cargo trucks). The Departamento de Trânsito (DETRAN) in each state actively fines operators under Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (CTB) Art. 230, citing safety risks. Recent 2026 compliance crackdowns by Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF) target modified trucks on highways like BR-116.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Brazil
- Ground Clearance Mandate: Res. CONTRAN 960/2022 sets a 250mm minimum for cargo trucks; violations trigger CTB Art. 230 penalties (fines + vehicle retention).
- State-Level Enforcement: DETRAN agencies (e.g., DETRAN-SP, DETRAN-RJ) conduct roadside inspections, collaborating with PRF to remove non-compliant vehicles from circulation.
- 2026 Compliance Deadline: Federal decree Portaria Denatran 12/2024 requires all modified trucks to revert to factory specs by March 2026 or face permanent deregistration.