Having mud flaps on vehicles is a requirement in most states, however, more measures are put in place to ensure that trucks and trailers adhere to their usage and the recommended requirement for installation.
Not using a mud flap may be overlooked in some states but not in all. If you decide not to use a mud flap, then, know that you are violating the law. Now, the question is which law, the law or DOT? Is a missing mudflap a DOT violation?
No, a missing mudflap is not a DOT violation, it is a state violation since the state is responsible for regulating mudflaps.
Is a Missing Mudflap a DOT Violation
A missing mudflap does not violate DOT.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is a department in a state with various agencies and therefore does not necessarily regulate mud flaps. The state itself regulates mud flap, so if you are missing mud flap you are violating the state law and not DOT.
Having the wrong size mud flap may also be considered a violation of the law, however, depends on the state as the law regarding missing or wrong size mud flap vary from state to state.
How Much Clearance do you need for Mud Flap?
The requirement on how much clearance is needed for mud flap vary from state to state since mud flaps are regulated by the state and not the federal government.
In order to ensure mud flaps are not too close or too high from the ground, it is recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers that it be at least the full width of the tire while ensuring that the bottom is not more than 1/3 distance from the center of the rear tire which is where the mud flap is located.
Although some states are not specific about how much clearance is needed for mud flaps, there are some that have provided specific requirements, some of such requirements are:
- The mud flap must reach within 8 inches of the ground while some others say it must be within 10 inches of the ground
- It must extend from the top of the tire and must be at least the same distance as the width of the tires
- The mud flap must cover 2/5 of the vertical area of the tire, some states say it should be 1/2 to 2/3. This is so it will be able to stop water or debris that is leaving the tire.
To be safe, if you are not sure what the required clearance is for the state you are in, use the standard requirement which is the mud flap shouldn’t be more than 6 inches or 8 inches from the ground. This should keep you out of trouble irrespective of where you are driving.
Are Mud Flaps Required in Indiana?
The requirement for mud flaps in Indiana depends on the type of vehicle that is being driven, for commercial vehicles, it is not a requirement to have mud flaps. This however does not include trucks, trucks in and from out of state are required to have a mud flap.
If a truck is coming from out of state to Indiana, it is expected that they have a curved contoured mud flap whether it is already present on the truck or they have it installed in the state.
Like other states, the law regarding mud flaps on vehicles is regulated by the state and violators may be charged in court.
Are Mud Flaps Required in Arkansas?
Yes, mud flaps are required in Arkansas however it is only required in trailers, trucks, truck tractors, and semi-trailers.
Trucks and trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating that exceeds 10,000 lbs and that are operated on the highway in Arkansas are required by the state commission to have mud flaps attached.
The mud flap should be attached directly to the rear of the rearmost wheels while making sure it is hanging perpendicularly at the right angle of the body of the truck.
On trucks and trailers, mud flaps should be attached with specifics in order to prevent substances picked up from the road from being thrown on the windshield of a vehicle coming behind.
Is it Illegal to Drive without Mud Flaps?
Whether it is illegal to drive without mud flaps depends on the state as the law regarding mud flap usage varies from state to state.
In some states, it is illegal to drive any kind of vehicle without mud flaps while in others it becomes illegal if you are driving a truck or trailer without mud flaps.
It can be hard knowing which state requires the use of mud flaps on vehicles, if you are not sure about the requirement in your state it will be in your best interest to find out in order to avoid violation.
How far off the Ground should Mud Flap be?
Mudflap should be between 6 to 8 inches far from the ground, although the requirement in some states is 10 inches.
It is important that mud flaps are not too far from the ground so as not to defeat their purpose, if mud flaps are too high, they won’t protect the tire and vehicles coming behind. It can’t be too low either to prevent it from folding underneath the tire, this may happen in trucks with empty beds.
Specific requirements and specifications are put in place, especially for industrial trucks that are known for carrying heavy loads.
Will Mud Flaps Decrease Mileage?
On whether mud flap will decrease mileage, there is really no one answer that fits all. It is possible that there be a decrease in gas mileage when the mud flap is installed, however, it may not be noticeable.
A decrease in mileage may happen because mud flaps create aerodynamic drag as a result of wind block. A drag will bring about a reduction in fuel economy which results in spending more on fuel.
In the case where the mud flap comes with the car, there is really no way for the car operator to know if there is a decrease or not because he will take the current gas mileage as the real thing.
Are Mud Flaps Required by Law in Ontario?
By law, motor vehicles and trailers in Ontario must have a mud flap or fender covering the width of each tire, the only exception to this are passenger cars. Passenger cars are exempted because they are designed with fenders that cover the wheel area.
Conclusion
Not sure what your state requirement is on mud flaps installation? Find out. Ignorance shouldn’t be an excuse for violating the law as a severe penalty may be given to violators.