Mudflaps: A Small Part That Makes a Big Difference
When you drive on Manitoba highways, you see all kinds of weather and road conditions. Gravel, slush, mud, and loose stones can fly off the tires of large vehicles and hit the cars behind them. This can crack windshields, block visibility, or even cause crashes. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is by making sure regulated vehicles have proper mudflaps.
Mudflaps might seem like a small detail, but they play a big role in keeping everyone safe. They stop debris and spray from being thrown backward by the tires. Because of this, the law in Manitoba says that any regulated vehicle —such as heavy trucks, truck tractors, and trailers—must have splash and spray protection behind every wheel that is not already covered by the body of the vehicle. In simple terms, if the tire is exposed and can throw things backward, the vehicle needs a mudflap. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle is old, new, or only being driven a short distance. If it’s on the road, it must follow the rules.
A proper mudflap must cover the full width of the tire and hang down close enough to the road to block debris. The bottom of the mudflap can’t be higher than 210mm, 8.25 inches, from the ground (measured unloaded). It doesn’t matter if it’s fallen off, mounted too far forward, torn, curled up, hanging loosely, etc. The mudflap also needs to be strong enough to stay in place while the vehicle is moving, but flexible enough not to break.
Occasionally we hear explanations for these violations that “it must have just happened” (which can happen, but often during inspection we see weathering to show that the damage is old), or that they are intentionally shorter because they get ripped/torn when loaded in a pit. But these rules exist for a reason. Every year, debris from large vehicles causes broken windshields, damaged headlights, and dangerous spray clouds that make it hard for drivers to see. Motorcyclists are especially at risk. All of this can be prevented with a basic piece of equipment that costs far less than the damage it prevents.
In the end, mudflaps are one of the easiest safety items to check. A quick look before you leave the yard or pit can prevent a ticket, a repair bill, or a dangerous situation on the highway. If your vehicle is missing proper splash and spray protection, you’re not just breaking the rules—you’re putting other people at risk. And if officers see you out there without them, they’ll be having a conversation with you that could’ve been avoided.
Stay safe out there,
Paul
