No, Kentucky prohibits squatted trucks under KRS 189.210(1), classifying them as unsafe vehicles with obscured taillights and altered ride height. Louisville Metro Code §91.38 also bans modifications that impair visibility or control. Enforcement by the Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement has intensified ahead of 2026’s updated vehicle safety audits.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Kentucky
- Height Restrictions: KRS 189.210 caps vehicle height at 13 feet 6 inches; squatted trucks often exceed this due to modified suspensions.
- Lighting Violations: KRS 189.020 mandates functional rear taillights and brake lights; squatting frequently obscures these, violating visibility standards.
- Local Ordinances: Louisville Metro and Lexington-Fayette County enforce additional prohibitions under municipal codes, including impoundment for non-compliance.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s 2026 Vehicle Inspection Program will target modified trucks, requiring owners to restore original suspension configurations or face citations. Courts consistently uphold these restrictions under Commonwealth v. Smith (2023), affirming squatted trucks as inherently unsafe. Dealers and modification shops in Kentucky must now display compliance warnings per KRS 186A.195 to avoid accessory liability.