Mud flap reflectors

non-toxic sailboat fuel

 

dispatcher brains

 

The FMCSR does not require mud flaps. Mud flaps or anti-spray devices are required by state laws.

Be safe.

 

SNAFU

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regu.../fmcsrruletext.aspx?chunkKey=0901633480023909

Check the charts, below table 1 is a picture of each type of vehicle and what is required. No mention of mud flap reflectors.

If you go to Landline's page use "mud" under the find tab to simplify the search.

Be safe.

 

S5.7.1.4.3 Rear of truck tractors. Retroreflective sheeting shall be applied to the rear of each truck tractor as follows:
(a) Element 1: Two strips of sheeting in alternating colors, each not less than 600 mm long, located as close as practicable to the edges of the rear fenders, mudflaps, or the mudflap support brackets, to mark the width of the truck tractor. The strips shall be mounted as horizontal as practicable, in a vertical plane facing the rear, on the rear fenders, on the mudflap support brackets, on plates attached to the mudflap support brackets, or on the mudflaps. Strips on mudflaps shall be mounted not lower than 300 mm below the upper horizontal edge of the mudflap. If the vehicle is certified with temporary mudflap support brackets, the strips shall be mounted on the mudflaps or on plates transferable to permanent mudflap support brackets. For a truck tractor without mudflaps, the strips may be mounted outboard of the frame on brackets behind the rear axle or on brackets ahead of the rear axle and above the top of the tires at unladen vehicle height, or they may be mounted directly or indirectly to the back of the cab as close to the outer edges as practicable, above the top of the tires, and not more than 1525 mm above the road surface at unladen vehicle height. If the strips are mounted on the back of the cab, no more than 25 percent of their cumulative area may be obscured by vehicle equipment as determined in a rear orthogonal view.

I would say that unless you have full rear fender you are required by FMCSA to have mudflaps.

 

49 CFR Part 571 applies to manufacturers, not trucking companies. Trucking companies must follow 49 CFR Part 393. Part 393 has no requirement for mud flaps.

To be honest neither does Part 571, you missed a crucial statement:

I'll stand by my original statement, the FMCSR, i.e. 49 CFR Part 393, has no requirement for mud flaps.

Be safe.

 

Our T-8 is a 1998 model, I know built in at least as early as April 1997 because I have the previous owner's maintenance records dating back to then. It doesn't have the reflective strips on it. I looked at the door label yesterday, and the 1997 is visible but the month is worn off. What documentation could I get that proves the date of manufacture? Would KW still be able to print a build sheet or something? Its been inspected at scales before and the lack of reflective tape either wasn't noticed by the officer or he didn't care, but I know if its ever put to much scrutiny, the worn off month is going to look suspicious. I know the simple thing would be to just put the tape on, but its ugly on the tractor and legally, that truck doesn't require it!

 

I have mulled this over and came to the conclusion that if a truck has mud flaps the retroreflective sheeting should be in place or the driver faces the possibility of being cited for the vilating Part 393.11 during a rosdside inspection:

Since Part 571.108 requires the retroreflective sheeting when mud flaps are present the sheeting should be there.

Kabar thanks for the reference.

Be safe.