Colorado Truck Mud Flap Law
Colorado calls them splash guards and wants them on the rearmost wheels of most trucks (42-4-1407.5). They cover the full tread, hang within 10 inches of the road when empty, and stay perpendicular in normal driving. Trucks and tractors 10,000 pounds or less empty, pole trailers, and converter dollies are exempt. A missing or short guard is a class B traffic infraction, a low-dollar correctable ticket, not out-of-service. Officers check the empty gap and full-tread coverage.
What Colorado makes you run
Colorado calls them splash guards and wants them on the rearmost wheels of most trucks (42-4-1407.5). They cover the full tread, hang within 10 inches of the road when empty, and stay perpendicular in normal driving. Trucks and tractors 10,000 pounds or less empty, pole trailers, and converter dollies are exempt. A missing or short guard is a class B traffic infraction, a low-dollar correctable ticket, not out-of-service. Officers check the empty gap and full-tread coverage.
Coverage and clearance
- Required: Yes
- Coverage: Wide enough to cover the full tread of the tire or tires being protected.
- Ground clearance: Within 10 inches of the road when the truck is empty; hangs perpendicular and stays that way in normal driving (42-4-1407.5).
- Fine: Class B traffic infraction. Low base penalty (statutory $15 plus surcharge where no specific amount is set); a correctable fix-it cite.
Colorado Mud Flap FAQ
Are mud flaps required on trucks in Colorado?
How low can mud flaps hang in Colorado?
What is the mud-flap fine in Colorado?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_42-4-1407.5. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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