Is Squatted Trucks Legal in Saudi Arabia After the 2026 Law Changes?

No, squatted trucks—vehicles modified to lower ride height—are illegal in Saudi Arabia under traffic safety regulations enforced by the General Directorate of Traffic (GDT). Modifications altering suspension height beyond manufacturer specifications violate Saudi Standard SASO 2663:2019 and Road Traffic Law (Royal Decree M/178/2020), risking vehicle registration denial or impoundment. Recent 2026 compliance directives prioritize road safety, targeting non-compliant modifications, including squatted trucks, with stricter inspections and penalties.


Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Saudi Arabia

  • Suspension Height Compliance: Vehicles must adhere to SASO 2663:2019, which mandates suspension systems remain within original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Deviations exceeding ±2% of OEM height trigger automatic rejection during GDT inspections.
  • Traffic Law Enforcement: Article 56 of Royal Decree M/178/2020 prohibits modifications that compromise vehicle stability or visibility. Squatted trucks face fines up to SAR 5,000 and mandatory rectification within 30 days, per GDT Circular 2025-12.
  • Inspection & Certification: All modified vehicles must pass GDT-approved technical inspections at authorized centers. Failure results in registration suspension; compliance requires recertification under Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON) standards.