When Are Fender Flares REQUIRED?

[Tulsa618]

Just one more week and I’ll be turning in my stock 265/75 Michelins for 315/75 BFGs. I read a lot about fender flares and the many reasons to have them – including “making you street legal. ” That’s the part, I’m afraid I have no information on. What’s the criteria for flares being required to make you street legal? Does it vary from state to state? Any input on this would be great! Thanks!

 

[Rob Thomas]

Not sure about the legalities of the flares, but your paint will appreiciate it if you got them when you get 315's, especially if you go with 10" wheels.





Rob

 

[Tulsa618]

Rob, I'm sure you're right about the paint! I've been contemplating Line-X for the rockers - to include the metal part in the fender. I'm having to stick with the original 8" wheels for now. BFG specs indicate 8-10 would work (and for some reason, all these tire manufacturers use 8. 5" for their spec sheets for the 315/75 tires... ), so I think I'll be OK if I watch the wear carefully and make sure I keep pressure optimized.

 

[Rob Thomas]

My first 2 sets of 315 BFG's were on 8" wheels (factory) they wore pretty decent, 40k on the first set and 42k on the 2nd. On the 8" wheel the tire is somewhat rounded and sucked in at the rim. The 10" wheels I have know fit the tire much better IMO, very square and flat on the sidewal, I expcet to get more miles out of the tire now. Also, I rotate the tires every 5k. l Downside to the 10" wheel, with 4-1/2" back spacing they stick out very far, my paint hates it, LOL.



Rob

 

[CPjMech]

Here in WA State as far as I know the fender flares are supposed to cover the tire tread, and mud flaps are to cover the tread and extend down to the center of the axle (so 98% of the cars and trucks sold here are "illegal").

 

[krs]

The requirement varies a little state by state and most states have something. Most states will have their rules on the net by now. Use words like "kansas state vehicle equipment standards" or the like to find yours.



In Washington state it reads:



"(1) Except as authorized under subsection (2) of this section, no person may operate any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is not equipped with fenders, covers, flaps, or splash aprons adequate for minimizing the spray or splash of water or mud from the roadway to the rear of the vehicle. All such devices shall be as wide as the tires behind which they are mounted and extend downward at least to the center of the axle" and is found in title 46 of the RCW.

 

[Tulsa618]

Well, I read the entire Kansas motor code section dealing with equipment and I couldn't find anything that pertains to tires narrower than 14". (The BFGs are a mere 12. 5! ) I guess it's just up to me to determine whether or not I need them then... ? Thanks for the suggestion!