1. Rear Mud Flaps: Mandatory for Trucks.
- All trucks are required to have rear mud flaps or other suitable protective devices to minimize the spray or splash of water or other road surface materials thrown into the air as the vehicle travels.
2. Mud Flap Dimensions and Location:
- Rear mud flaps must be at least 12 inches in width, measured horizontally from the outer periphery of the rearmost tire.
- The bottom edge of the mud flap must not be more than 24 inches above the level road surface when the truck is fully loaded and in a non-braked condition.
3. Coverage and Extension:
- Mud flaps must extend past the full width of the truck's rear tires.
- The rear bottom edges of the mud flaps must extend to within 12 inches of the edge of the pavement or road surface.
4. Special Considerations for Trailers and Semi-Trailers:
- Trailing vehicles in a combination (semitrailers or trailers) are exempt from the mud flap requirements if the lead vehicle has sufficient rear mud flaps that meet the requirements and protect the public from any potential spray.
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Violations of mud flap regulations may result in fines or other penalties.
It's essential to note that these regulations may be subject to changes, and specific exceptions or modifications might apply in certain situations. For the most up-to-date information, it's advisable to refer to the official resources provided by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the relevant local authorities in the state.
