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Truck Driver's Guidebook
Mud Flaps
Michigan Vehicle Code

Table of Contents

Mud Flaps:

MVC 257.714a
A commercial vehicle, except a truck tractor traversing between terminals at a speed not to exceed 25 miles per hour, and a combination of a commercial vehicle and trailer or semitrailer, when used on a highway, shall be so constructed or equipped as to prevent water or other road surface substances from being thrown from the rear wheels of the vehicle or combination at tangents exceeding 22.5 degrees measured from the road surface. If a flap type device is used, it shall not have attached any type of lamp, breakable reflective material or reflecting buttons; nor may the device extend beyond the 96-inch maximum width or the vehicle of combination.

Measurements are to be made while vehicles are unloaded.


The above diagram can be used as a guide in determining whether your vehicle is required to have mud guards or flaps. Compliance may be determined by whether the rear wheels of a commercial vehicle throw road surface substances back and up at an angle greater than 22.5 degrees.

(1) In inches, measure from the point of rear-most tire contact to the point on the road surface below where the mud flap is or will be installed.

(2) Take the measurement and multiply by .4142.

(3) Measure up by the amount arrived at after the multiplication factor. That point is where the mud flap must be at or below.

Examples:

  • A. 18 inches times .4142 = 7.45 (or fewer) inches off the ground
  • B. 60 inches times .4142 = 24.85 (or fewer) inches off the ground

Quick Check: Measure 5 inches of vertical for every 12 inches of horizontal.

Table of Contents

Due to frequent changes in federal and state regulations, the Michigan Center for Truck Safety cannot ensure the accuracy of the material contained in the Guidebook beyond the date of publication. For current information, contact the Center at (800) 682-4682. This document is not intended for legal purposes.


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