Yes,
Squatted trucks—vehicles modified to sit lower in the rear—are legal in Colorado if they comply with state safety standards, but local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions. The Colorado State Patrol enforces federal FMVSS regulations, while municipalities like Denver and Colorado Springs may require inspections or prohibit excessive modifications that impair safety. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Colorado Vehicle Code propose stricter rear-end height limits to address rising accident reports linked to modified suspensions.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Colorado
- Federal Compliance: Vehicles must meet FMVSS 108 (lighting) and FMVSS 126 (electronic stability control) standards. Squatted trucks failing these tests during inspections face citations under CRS § 42-4-226.
- State Height Limits: Colorado mandates a minimum rear-axle-to-ground clearance of 10 inches for modified trucks (CRS § 42-4-237), stricter than the federal 8-inch minimum. Exceeding this triggers a $125 fine per violation.
- Local Ordinances: Denver’s Municipal Code § 54-24 prohibits squatted trucks from operating on public roads unless certified by a licensed inspector. Colorado Springs requires annual vehicle safety inspections, where squatted trucks are flagged for rear-end alignment violations.
Local enforcement varies; Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office prioritizes squatted trucks with inoperable taillights or obscured license plates. Operators should verify compliance with county-specific rules before modification. Consult the Colorado Department of Revenue’s 2026 compliance bulletin for updates on proposed height restrictions.