Texas Truck Mud Flap Law
Texas requires safety guards or flaps behind the rearmost wheels of trucks, trailers and semitrailers when the rear axle carries four or more tires or two super-singles (37 TAC 21.4). Buses, pole trailers, motor homes and bare truck-tractors are exempt. Flaps must be as wide as the tire and hang within 8 inches of the road, up to 12 inches with the tolerance. DPS writes an equipment ticket, not an out-of-service order, if yours is missing, torn or riding high.
What Texas makes you run
Texas requires safety guards or flaps behind the rearmost wheels of trucks, trailers and semitrailers when the rear axle carries four or more tires or two super-singles (37 TAC 21.4). Buses, pole trailers, motor homes and bare truck-tractors are exempt. Flaps must be as wide as the tire and hang within 8 inches of the road, up to 12 inches with the tolerance. DPS writes an equipment ticket, not an out-of-service order, if yours is missing, torn or riding high.
Coverage and clearance
- Required: Yes
- Coverage: At least as wide as the tires it protects; required when the rearmost axle carries four or more tires or two super-single tires (37 TAC 21.4).
- Ground clearance: Within 8 inches of the road at rest; a 4-inch tolerance applies, so the bottom edge may sit up to 12 inches while the vehicle is standing still (37 TAC 21.4).
- Fine: Equipment violation; Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $200 (Tex. Transp. Code 542.401 general penalty).
Texas Mud Flap FAQ
Are mud flaps required on trucks in Texas?
How low can mud flaps hang in Texas?
What is the mud-flap fine in Texas?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/texas/37-Tex-Admin-Code-SS-21-4. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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