Yes, squatted trucks—vehicles modified with elevated rear axles—are legal in Colombia, but their operation is strictly controlled under national and municipal frameworks. The Ministerio de Transporte (Ministry of Transport) and Secretarías de Movilidad (local mobility authorities) enforce compliance with safety and structural integrity standards. Recent 2026 amendments to Decreto 1077 de 2015 (Transport Regulation Code) introduced stricter axle-load limits and mandatory inspections for modified vehicles, particularly in Bogotá and Medellín, where enforcement is prioritized.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Colombia
- Structural Modifications: Vehicles must retain original suspension geometry; aftermarket lifts exceeding 15% of factory height violate Resolución 1600 de 2023 (Safety Standards for Modified Vehicles). Unauthorized alterations risk immediate impoundment by traffic authorities.
- Axle Load Limits: Modified trucks face axle-weight caps of 8.5 tons (single axle) and 16 tons (tandem axle) under Decreto 1077, with penalties up to COP 15 million (≈USD 3,700) for violations. Local authorities in Cali and Barranquilla conduct random weigh-ins.
- Operational Restrictions: Squatted trucks are banned from high-capacity corridors (e.g., Autopista del Sol in Bogotá) and must display visible compliance stickers issued by INVÍAS (National Infrastructure Agency). Nighttime operation is prohibited in urban zones per Ordenanza 891 de 2024 (Medellín).