Michigan mud flap laws

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by ZVar, Jul 31, 2013.

  1. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    I'm unable to find an answer so I thought I would ask here.

    Does anyone know where I can find MI specific laws on mud flaps? Specifically work said that in MI it's fine to not have mud flaps on the tractor if there is a trailer connected. They read the law as only the back most tires need them. Can anyone show me how many are needed such?

    Thanks
    -Steven
     
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  3. Horse Whisperer

    Horse Whisperer Light Load Member

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    The rule is valid in all 48 states... as long as the trailer is attached, the tractor's flaps can be missing...
     
  4. MI Guy

    MI Guy Bobtail Member

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    I do not know about any state other than MI, but you do not need them on the truck or truck-tractor if you are pulling a trailer. The mudflap requirement is measured from the last axle in contact with the road.

    See page 13 of this guidebook - Michigan Center for Truck Safety Guidebook (also check the ht/wt/length/width section if you will be operating off I/M/US routes to make sure you are familiar with the road classifications and don't get caught overweight or length)

    See page 4 of this guidebook to make sure you meet the conspicuity requirements of 393.11, whether you are attached to a trailer of not - FMCSA Conspicuity Requirements
     
    ZVar Thanks this.
  5. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    in utah. cops have been known to put dump trucks OOS for missing mud flap. even though they have there trailers.

    so if it's legal in all 48. guess utah is collecting free money. wonder what the bonus is for the cops.
     
  6. Rocks

    Rocks Road Train Member

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    Mud flaps.... I remember once... can't remember where I was... highway patrol pulled me to the shoulder and officer said that my mud flaps were swinging too much... :biggrin_25523: Gave me a "defective mud flap" warning... Good thing there was no roadside inspection or CSA then, or I might have gotten points for that "violation"... :biggrin_2552:
     
  7. snoracerx

    snoracerx Light Load Member

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    I'm from Wisconsin we don't even have to have flaps on any truck that is self unloading
     
  8. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Thanks MIGuy, thats exactly what I was looking for.

    -Steven
     
  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Well it should be under part 257 of the statues but there is no mention of mud flaps or defining them or I missed them when I did a search.

    I have on two trucks mud flap weights that are polished stainless steel, when I was bring one of the trucks home from the seller, I was pulled over and cited for improper mudflaps, I asked the MSP HQ where the regulations are so I can bring it to court and have it thrown out - there wasn't an answer so when I went to court, it was dismissed.

    That said, I have been near trucks that didn't have rear flaps on them and always ended up with stones hitting the car, it is frustrating to have that done with a new paint job and being in two lanes away from the truck. So I would think that having them is a good thing to have for the sake of others.
     
  10. Sublime

    Sublime Road Train Member

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    And I still don't understand why not. How is it dump truck owners/drivers in every other state are somehow able to make mudflaps stay where they belong but you Wiscosinite's can't? :biggrin_25524:
     
  11. MI Guy

    MI Guy Bobtail Member

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    It is not under chapter 257, it is under the Motor Carrier Safety Act (chapter 480)

     
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