If your business takes you through Minnesota, understanding the state’s mud flap regulations can help you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary equipment issues. Under Minnesota Statute 169.733, every truck, truck-tractor, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, and rear-end dump truck (excepting rear-end dump farm trucks) must have:
- Wheel flaps or other suitable protection above and behind the rearmost wheels of the vehicle or combination of vehicles to prevent, as far as practicable, the wheels from throwing dirt, water, or other materials on the windshields of following vehicles.
- The flaps or protectors must be at least as wide as the tires they are protecting and have a ground clearance of not more than 9 inches from the ground when the vehicle is empty.
Vehicles with conveyor belts must have flaps mounted as far to the rear of the vehicle as practicable and have a ground clearance of not more than 18 inches when the vehicle is loaded. Bottom-dump vehicles must meet the flap requirements listed for trucks and trailers and also have a center flap between the wheel flaps, which must have a ground clearance of 6 inches or less when the vehicle is fully loaded.
If the vehicle’s body allows it to meet the other requirements, then no protectors or flaps are required. But if the rear wheels aren’t covered at the top by fenders, body, or other parts of the vehicle, a flap or other protective means must extend at least to a point directly above the center of the rearmost axle.
Not meeting Minnesota mud flap laws can result in a fine of $125, not including other potential fines that come with Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score hits and downtime for inspections and updates.
Prioritize Mud Flap Compliance
Mud flap regulations are often treated like a small maintenance item, but for fleets, they affect safety, compliance, and equipment longevity. In Minnesota, changing weather and frequent roadway moisture can increase spray and debris, especially on highways, construction routes, and gravel roads. Properly fitted mud flaps can reduce visibility hazards for other drivers while also limiting damage to your own trailers, underride guards, and rear lighting components.
Check with local and national regulations on your route to ensure you’re aware of what Minnesota mud flap laws must be met. Inspect your mud flaps for cracks, tears, discoloration, or other warning signs of the flaps nearing the end of their lifespan.
Upgrade Mud Flaps for Longevity and Peace of Mind
Whether one mud flap needs to be replaced or you’re ready to update the whole fleet, Briargate Supply has options to meet your company’s needs. We supply mud flaps for semi-trucks, tractor trailers, utility trailers, and pickups in multiple sizes and materials.
Custom rubber mud flaps and durable poly options are available in multiple thicknesses and can be customized to feature your brand logo. If improving fuel efficiency is high on the list of goals to accomplish this year, opt for aerodynamic mud flaps that reduce drag and help fleets save on operation costs.
Our mud flaps are built to handle harsh environments, resist wear and tear, and stand up to even the harshest weather conditions Minnesota can present. Make sure your mud flaps are compliant with local laws and prepare for a future of safety and compliance. Contact us today to learn about your options and find the best solution to meet rules and regulations you may encounter.