California Truck Mud Flap Law
California requires fenders, flaps, splash aprons, or a body that blocks rear spray on any vehicle with three or more wheels, plus trailers and semitrailers (CVC 27600). The one hard number is width: at least as wide as the tire tread. The code sets no inch clearance, so the common '10-inch' figure on vendor charts is not law here. Trailers under 1,500 lb unladen and pre-1971 lightweights are exempt. Roadside it is a correctable fix-it ticket.
What California makes you run
California requires fenders, flaps, splash aprons, or a body that blocks rear spray on any vehicle with three or more wheels, plus trailers and semitrailers (CVC 27600). The one hard number is width: at least as wide as the tire tread. The code sets no inch clearance, so the common '10-inch' figure on vendor charts is not law here. Trailers under 1,500 lb unladen and pre-1971 lightweights are exempt. Roadside it is a correctable fix-it ticket.
Coverage and clearance
- Required: Yes
- Coverage: At least as wide as the tire tread.
- Ground clearance: No clearance number in the statute. The flap, fender, or body just has to adequately minimize rear spray. The one hard spec is width. Vendor charts citing '10 inches' are not in the code (CVC 27600).
- Fine: Correctable 'fix-it' infraction; typically dismissed on proof of correction for a nominal fee (about $25).
California Mud Flap FAQ
Are mud flaps required on trucks in California?
How low can mud flaps hang in California?
What is the mud-flap fine in California?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=27600&lawCode=VEH. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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