New Hampshire Truck Mud Flap Law
New Hampshire requires flaps or guards behind the wheels of every truck, bus and trailer (RSA 266:57). The inspection rule spells out the shape: the flap must be at least as wide as the tire it protects and hung low enough to block spray thrown upward or to the rear (Saf-C 3226.03). No fixed inch clearance. A missing or too-narrow flap fails state inspection and draws an equipment ticket. Roadside, an officer checks width and position, not a set number.
What New Hampshire makes you run
New Hampshire requires flaps or guards behind the wheels of every truck, bus and trailer (RSA 266:57). The inspection rule spells out the shape: the flap must be at least as wide as the tire it protects and hung low enough to block spray thrown upward or to the rear (Saf-C 3226.03). No fixed inch clearance. A missing or too-narrow flap fails state inspection and draws an equipment ticket. Roadside, an officer checks width and position, not a set number.
Coverage and clearance
- Required: Yes
- Coverage: Flap must be at least as wide as the tire it protects (Saf-C 3226.03), and strong enough to stop stones passing through.
- Ground clearance: No fixed inch figure. The flap must hang low enough to block spray thrown upward or to the rear (Saf-C 3226.03).
- Fine: Equipment violation and an inspection-rejection item under RSA 266:57 / Saf-C 3226.03; failed inspection plus a fine. Correctable.
New Hampshire Mud Flap FAQ
Are mud flaps required on trucks in New Hampshire?
How low can mud flaps hang in New Hampshire?
What is the mud-flap fine in New Hampshire?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/title-xxi/chapter-266/section-266-57/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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