Are Mud Flaps Required by Law? A 50-State Guide (2025 Edition)

When shopping for vehicle accessories, many drivers wonder about mud flaps. These practical add-ons are more than cosmetic; they protect your vehicle, reduce road spray, and help keep other drivers safe. But the big question is: are mud flaps required by law? The answer depends on where you live. Regulations vary from state to state, and some have very specific rules. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive 50-state guide for 2025 so you can see what applies in your area.

Why Mud Flaps Matter

Before diving into the laws, it’s important to understand the purpose of mud flaps. Mud flaps, sometimes called splash guards, serve as a barrier between your tires and the road. They minimize the amount of water, mud, rocks, and debris kicked up while driving. This not only protects your own vehicle’s paint and undercarriage but also prevents road spray and flying debris from hitting pedestrians, bicyclists, or other motorists. In short, mud flaps improve safety and reduce damage.

Federal vs. State Rules

There is no overarching federal law requiring mud flaps on passenger vehicles. Instead, states create their own vehicle equipment requirements. These laws are often found in state traffic codes or vehicle equipment statutes. While commercial trucks and trailers are more strictly regulated nationwide, passenger cars, pickups, and SUVs fall under state-level rules.

States with Clear Mud Flap Requirements

The following states explicitly require mud flaps, splash guards, or similar protective devices on certain vehicles:

• Arizona: Vehicles with a certain width or weight must have mud flaps or fenders covering the tires to minimize spray.

• Texas: Commercial vehicles and larger pickups must have mud flaps if the body does not cover the full tire tread.

• Oklahoma: Requires trucks, trailers, and semis to have mud flaps wide enough to block spray.

• Washington: Mud flaps are mandatory on trucks, buses, and similar vehicles, with clear length and height specifications.

• Oregon: Trucks and larger vehicles must use fenders or mud flaps to reduce road spray.

• Minnesota: Commercial trucks and large vehicles must use protective devices behind the rear tires.

• Utah: Similar to its neighbors, Utah requires certain classes of vehicles to use splash guards.

These states emphasize reducing road spray, especially during rain or snow, where visibility can become a serious hazard.

States with Conditional Requirements

Some states only require mud flaps for certain vehicle types or in specific circumstances:

• California: Commercial trucks and trailers must have mud flaps, but passenger vehicles typically do not.

• Colorado: Trucks and large vehicles require splash guards, though passenger cars are generally exempt.

• Nevada: Similar to Colorado, with requirements tied to vehicle weight and design.

• Idaho: Certain vehicles, including commercial trucks, need mud flaps.

• North Dakota: Large trucks and semis require splash guards.

• South Dakota: Conditions depend on the weight and use of the vehicle.

In these states, whether or not you need mud flaps depends largely on whether you are driving a passenger car, a pickup, or a commercial vehicle.

States Where Mud Flaps Are Not Explicitly Required

Many states do not have specific mud flap laws for passenger vehicles. Instead, they use broader language requiring vehicles to have fenders or body panels that cover the tires adequately. Examples include:

• Florida: Requires vehicles to be equipped so that tires do not throw excessive spray but does not mention mud flaps outright.

• Georgia: Laws require fenders or body protection but leave mud flaps optional.

• Illinois: Regulations are vague but generally satisfied by factory-installed fenders.

• New York: No mud flap requirement for standard passenger vehicles.

• Pennsylvania: Similar approach, emphasizing fenders but not additional splash guards.

• Michigan: Fenders are required, but mud flaps are not mandated.

Drivers in these states often install mud flaps voluntarily for protection, especially those who live in rural areas or drive on gravel roads.

Regional Trends

Looking at the laws as a whole, regional patterns emerge. Western states with frequent snow, mud, or gravel roads tend to have stricter rules for mud flaps. This includes Arizona, Texas, Washington, and Oregon, where visibility and road safety are top concerns. Midwestern states with harsh winters, like Minnesota and North Dakota, also emphasize splash guard use. In contrast, many eastern states with denser populations and well-maintained roads rely on general fender laws rather than requiring separate mud flaps.

Do Factory Fenders Count?

One point of confusion among drivers is whether factory-installed fenders fulfill the legal requirement. In most cases, they do. If your car, SUV, or pickup has full wheel well coverage, you may not need to install separate mud flaps. However, lifted trucks and off-road vehicles with oversized tires often exceed the coverage provided by factory fenders. In those cases, additional mud flaps may be necessary to comply with the law.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If you drive without mud flaps in a state where they are required, you may face fines or a fix-it ticket. Penalties vary but typically fall under equipment violations. While these may not carry heavy fines, repeated offenses could add up. More importantly, failing to use mud flaps could expose you to liability if debris from your tires damages another vehicle or causes an accident. Compliance not only avoids tickets but also helps protect you legally.

Mud Flaps for Off-Road and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Off-roaders and outdoor enthusiasts often install mud flaps even when not required by law. When driving on dirt trails, forest roads, or rocky terrain, mud flaps protect your rig and reduce cleanup afterward. They also protect trailers, boats, or campers you may be towing. Many aftermarket mud flaps are designed with quick-release features, allowing off-roaders to remove them on the trail and reattach them for highway driving.

Choosing the Right Mud Flaps

If you decide to install mud flaps, consider the following factors:

• Material: Heavy-duty rubber is most common, offering durability and flexibility.

• Coverage: Ensure the flap covers the full tire width and hangs low enough to block spray without dragging.

• Style: Options range from sleek OEM designs to rugged off-road guards.

• Installation: Some flaps bolt directly into factory mounting points, while others require drilling.

The right mud flaps balance protection, compliance, and personal style.

Complete 50-State Snapshot

Here is a simplified summary for quick reference in 2025:

• Explicitly Required: Arizona, Texas, Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, Utah, Minnesota, North Dakota.

• Conditional (by vehicle type/size): California, Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, South Dakota.

• General Fender Laws (mud flaps optional): Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and many others.

Because vehicle codes change over time, always check your state’s Department of Transportation or Highway Patrol for the latest details.

Stay Safe, Stay Legal

So, are mud flaps required by law? The answer is yes in some states, sometimes in others, and not at all in many. What’s consistent everywhere is the benefit they provide. Whether or not your state mandates them, mud flaps reduce road spray, protect your vehicle, and keep other drivers safer. If you own a truck, SUV, or off-road vehicle, adding high-quality mud flaps is a smart choice.

At ARK Splash Guards, we take pride in making American-made, durable mud flaps right here in Phoenix, Arizona. As a family-owned business and lifelong outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the challenges of off-road driving and the importance of reliable protection. If you’re ready to safeguard your vehicle and explore with confidence, browse our selection today.