Oregon Mud Guard/Mud Flap Law

Every state has different laws for driving and vehicle requirements. We have looked through the Oregon vehicle and Safety Standards to see what exactly they say about having mud flaps or mud guards on your vehicle. This is not meant to be a definitive guide. It is always recommended that you check the laws yourself or with your local DMV to confirm.

Since you reside in the great state of Oregon you will need mud flaps/mud guards or fenders that are within 27 inches of the surface of the pavement. SharpTruck.com has just what you need we offer a wide array of mud flaps and guards for whatever your vehicle or need. These Truck Hardware Razorback mud flaps are a great choice. They are made of high quality materials, are designed to be universal fit, and look great once they are installed. The best part is they won’t stress your wallet too much.

 

Here is the Oregon DMV Contact information - http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/Pages/contact_us.aspx

For general information, you may call:
Bend..............................(541) 388-6322
Eugene...........................(541) 686-7855
Medford..........................(541) 776-6025
Portland Metro Area.........(503) 299-9999
Roseburg........................(541) 440-3395
Salem Metro Area............(503) 945-5000
Statewide Relay................7-1-1

DMV central support staff may be reached from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday, excluding statewide holidays and mandated closures. Hours of operation at local DMV offices vary by location.

Here is the Oregon law verbatium:

http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/815.180


815.180¹
Standards

This section designates fender and mudguard standards for ORS 815.185 (Operation without proper fenders or mudguards). Except as specifically provided by an exemption under ORS 815.190 (Exemptions from mudguard and fender requirements), a vehicle is in violation of ORS 815.185 (Operation without proper fenders or mudguards) if the vehicle is not equipped with fenders or mudguards as required under ORS 815.185 (Operation without proper fenders or mudguards) or if the fenders or mudguards do not meet the standards of this section or are not of the type required by this section. The standards for fenders and mudguards are as follows:

(1) There are three different types of fenders and mudguards. Any vehicle required to have fenders and mudguards may be equipped with any fender, cover, flap or splash apron to comply with the requirements of ORS 815.185 (Operation without proper fenders or mudguards) for fenders and mudguards as long as the fenders and mudguards meet all of the following standards:

(a) The width of any fender or mudguard required under this section must be of sufficient size so that the fender or mudguard extends at least to each side of the width of the tire or combined width of the multiple tires when measured against the cross section of the tread of the wheel or the combined cross sections of the treads of the multiple wheels.

(b) Any fender or mudguard required under this section must be of sufficient size and must be so constructed as to be capable at all times of arresting and deflecting any dirt, mud, water or other substance that may be picked up and carried by the wheels.

(2) The following types of fenders or mudguards must cover the wheels of the vehicle in the manner described in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this subsection:

(a) Type I fenders or mudguards must extend in full width from a point on the wheels that is above and forward of the center of the tires over to a point at the rear of the wheels that is not more than 10 inches, or, if attached to the rear of a dump box that elevates for unloading, not more than 13 inches, above the surface of the highway when the vehicle is empty.

(b) Type II fenders or mudguards must extend downward in full width from a point behind the wheels that is not lower than halfway between the center of the wheels and the top of the tires to a point at the rear of the wheels that is not more than 10 inches above the surface of the highway when the vehicle is empty.

(c) Type III fenders or mudguards must extend in full width from a point on the wheels that is above and forward of the center of the tire over a point at the rear of the wheel that is not more than 27 inches above the surface of the highway. [1983 c.338 §483; 1985 c.16 §252; 1993 c.314 §2; 2001 c.335 §9; 2003 c.158 §13]

Make sure that when you are driving Oregon roads that you have your vehicle properly outfitted to meet state laws. If not you will end up paying a citation and buying mud flaps to get in line with the law. So save yourself some time, money and headaches and check out. Here are all the mud flaps SharpTruck has to offer to make sure you truck is ready to go.

Here is a quick FAQ compiled by the Oregon DMV to help clear up any questions you may have

  1.  Does my vehicle need mud flaps/mud guards?

    Answer: Non commercial vehicles (under 8,000 lbs.) need fenders or mud guards (mud flaps) within 27 inches of the pavement behind the tire. Commercial vehicles need fenders or mud guards (mud flaps) within 10 inches behind all wheels. (ORS 815.180)

    Fenders and mud guards (mud flaps) must cover the entire tread width of the tire(s). (ORS 815.180)

  2. How far can a vehicle sit off the ground before mud flaps are required?

    Answer: For a vehicle that is less than 8,000 lbs. the law states: "...fenders or mud guards must extend in full width from a point on the wheels that is above and forward of the center of the tire over a point at the rear of the wheel that is not more than 27 inches above the surface of the highway." (ORS 815.180 (2) (c) The issue is not how far the truck can sit off the ground so much as making sure that fenders or mud flaps are in place not more than 27 inches from the surface of the highway.

  3. Where do you measure that height from, lowest point of back bumper?

    Answer: As stated above, you would measure the height from the ground and make sure it is not more than 27 inches.

  4. How far are tires allowed to stick out from the side of a vehicle before you must get fender flares?

    Answer: A fender or mud guard must cover the complete width of the tire's tread. This is in ORS 815.180 (1) (a). The fender or mud guard must also be of sufficient size and constructed so that it is capable of deflecting or arresting any dirt, mud, water or other substance that may be picked up and carried on the wheels.

https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/Pages/Vehicle-Equipment.aspx

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