Defected for no Mud Flaps

[davistev]

Yesterday my young son was defected (minor - only needs to show up at station with repair done) because his old car did not have mud flaps on the rear. This was in Adelaide, South Australia. I thought this was a joke but sure enough, Regency Park Inspection center requires mud flaps.

Then I noticed that many newer cars do not come with mud flaps - what gives? Indeed, my 2012 Maxima does not have mud flaps - does this mean I was sold a vehicle that is not roadworthy under SA law?

Sure enough, all of SA Police Commodores have mud flaps installed on them.

I am confused, the law seems pretty clear about mud flaps in SA, but many new dealerships sell mud flaps as an option. Can they do this? Or is there something that says that modern plastic rear ends are technically one big mud flap!

Confused in the land of the crows!

[sbutler]

Mudflaps are an aftermarket item & dont come standard. I'd fight it..

[Brazen]

Government cars have them for resale, less marks and scratches when they are sent off for auction.

There is no requirement for rear mudflaps, do we know everything? Is it a light commercial vehicle or light truck or 4wd - where the body sits higher off the ground which covers less tyre.

[MrEL]

The tyre has to be covered to a point no more then 300mm off the ground. Cars do this by their design.
Tray back utes , 4x4's etc dont so they need mud flaps.
Ive been done before for no mud flaps on my 4x4.

[davistev]

Originally Posted by MrEL

The tyre has to be covered to a point no more then 300mm off the ground. Cars do this by their design.
Tray back utes , 4x4's etc dont so they need mud flaps.
Ive been done before for no mud flaps on my 4x4.

Yeah, he was driving a tray top.

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by davistev

Yeah, he was driving a tray top.

Thats why then.

[kempy311]

Originally Posted by davistev

Yeah, he was driving a tray top.

That would be your reason then a lot of stuff can flick up off the road with no mud flaps on a 4x4.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by davistev

Yeah, he was driving a tray top.

That explains it. You need mud flaps.

Go fit some and get the defect cleared, no biggie.

Originally Posted by H.G

Best thing about no mudflaps on my 4x4.... No tail gaters!

Hopefully you get defected soon, as we don't need people inconsiderate to other road users on the road.

[TheInterceptor]

I was under the impression 4wd's had to have mudflaps, but passenger cars, id say nope given so many cars dont have it..

[staity]

ADR 15.2.4 Wheel guards may consist of either permanent body structure or part structure and other components, including mud flaps, provided the specified protection is retained during vehicle operation.

ADR 15.2.5 states that: Notwithstanding the requirements specified above (groups of axles) the wheel gaurd including a mud flap (if fitted) need not be less than 230mm from the ground for other than off- road vehicles, or 300mm in the case of vehicles designed for off- road operation.

ADR15.3.2 The wheels of a vehicle and the wheel of a side car must be fitted with wheel guards of width not less than the section width of the tyre. The wheel guards must be so designed as to protect other road users, as far as practicable, against thrown up stones,mud, ice snow and water and to reduce for those users the dangers due to contact with the moving wheels.



Stolen from another forum

[davistev]

Originally Posted by staity

ADR 15.2.5 states that: Notwithstanding the requirements specified above (groups of axles) the wheel gaurd including a mud flap (if fitted) need not be less than 230mm from the ground for other than off- road vehicles, or 300mm in the case of vehicles designed for off- road operation.
Stolen from another forum

In that case, my brand new Nissan Maxima straight from the dealer could be defected as the clearance on the rear wheel is 280mm - a mud flap is needed if the rear of the vehicle sits higher than 230mm

see http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2006L03056

It would seem that many new vehicles have failed to comply with this standard.

[H.G]

Best thing about no mudflaps on my 4x4.... No tail gaters!

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by H.G

Best thing about no mudflaps on my 4x4.... No tail gaters!

Be aware that you are liable for any damage you inflict on following vehicles, I had this happen to me.

[irish2]

Originally Posted by H.G

Best thing about no mudflaps on my 4x4.... No tail gaters!

No regard for other road users is a major problem on the roads today.

Maybe you wouldn't have tailgaters if you drove at the speed limit and kept left when no overtaking. I don't get tailgated and I stick to these simple rules.

[OffRoadFalcon]

Originally Posted by irish2

No regard for other road users is a major problem on the roads today.

Maybe you wouldn't have tailgaters if you drove at the speed limit and kept left when no overtaking. I don't get tailgated and I stick to these simple rules.

This method doesnt often work in country areas. I can be sitting at 110 on a one lane country road and have someone whose doing 120 on my tail (because they know theres rarely cameras or cops) and they cant go past because of corners etc.


Anyway, very interesting to learn about these mudflap rules, since I like them so much.

[SSD-85]

Originally Posted by irish2

Maybe you wouldn't have tailgaters if you drove at the speed limit and kept left when no overtaking. I don't get tailgated and I stick to these simple rules.

Was that sarcasm?

Because I think most tailgaters do it just to get their jollies out of ****ing people off. And even if that isnt the case & they are tailgating for the reason you provide, how does that make them any better?

Im not defending the post youre quoting, because yes that is inconsiderate as well.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by irish2

Maybe you wouldn't have tailgaters if you drove at the speed limit and kept left when no overtaking. I don't get tailgated and I stick to these simple rules.

Yes, because no one blatantly speeds and sits on your butt no matter how fast you go...

[my_gxl]

Originally Posted by irish2

No regard for other road users is a major problem on the roads today.

Maybe you wouldn't have tailgaters if you drove at the speed limit and kept left when no overtaking. I don't get tailgated and I stick to these simple rules.

I got tailgated my a merc in sydney, when i was in the left lane at 80kph on an 80 kph twin lane road (and the right lane was clear). I could just see the base of his windscreen. The bugger did not get hint when i flashed the brakes lights, but decided to get closer.
I found it pretty awesome when there was fine gravel all over the road 2 k's up the road....1 x booted XR8 and 265 rears sprayed the bugger.

And at 210mm its within legal limits (and the rear tyres are within the guards)

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by davistev

In that case, my brand new Nissan Maxima straight from the dealer could be defected as the clearance on the rear wheel is 280mm - a mud flap is needed if the rear of the vehicle sits higher than 230mm

see http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2006L03056

It would seem that many new vehicles have failed to comply with this standard.

For your son to be defected for this, the copper must have had a bad day or your son had an attitude.

I'd be fitting some mudflaps, get the defect removed and move on....Don't even argue with the cop over it, otherwise they'll get nastier and try for other things...ie more defects

[ratter]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

For your son to be defected for this, the copper must have had a bad day or your son had an attitude.

I'd be fitting some mudflaps, get the defect removed and move on....Don't even argue with the cop over it, otherwise they'll get nastier and try for other things...ie more defects

this x 2

[gtxb67]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

For your son to be defected for this, the copper must have had a bad day or your son had an attitude

i am not having a go at your post, but it is amazing how many victims talk about the copper having a bad day

if the victims didn't give attitude, then the coppers would probably be having a good day

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by gtxb67

i am not having a go at your post, but it is amazing how many victims talk about the copper having a bad day

if the victims didn't give attitude, then the coppers would probably be having a good day

I generally find, getting out all smiles and cheer, the coppers tend to smile back, therefore starting them on the right foot to begin with.....

So yes, starting with a good attitude to begin with, generally helps the coppers get over any previous bad attitude drivers....and keep the good attitude up, whilse on the side of the road.....saves standing there for a long time...even for a licence, rego and breath check....

[irish2]

Originally Posted by davistev

In that case, my brand new Nissan Maxima straight from the dealer could be defected as the clearance on the rear wheel is 280mm - a mud flap is needed if the rear of the vehicle sits higher than 230mm

see http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2006L03056

It would seem that many new vehicles have failed to comply with this standard.

The measurement is to the bottom of the quarter panel behind the wheel. I am yet to see a maxima with 280mm of ground clearance to panels.

[Valid8]

Originally Posted by staity

ADR 15.2.4 Wheel guards may consist of either permanent body structure or part structure and other components, including mud flaps, provided the specified protection is retained during vehicle operation.

ADR 15.2.5 states that: Notwithstanding the requirements specified above (groups of axles) the wheel gaurd including a mud flap (if fitted) need not be less than 230mm from the ground for other than off- road vehicles, or 300mm in the case of vehicles designed for off- road operation.

ADR15.3.2 The wheels of a vehicle and the wheel of a side car must be fitted with wheel guards of width not less than the section width of the tyre. The wheel guards must be so designed as to protect other road users, as far as practicable, against thrown up stones,mud, ice snow and water and to reduce for those users the dangers due to contact with the moving wheels.



Stolen from another forum

I was curious so I measured the xr8. 230mm behind the wheel.

[davistev]

Originally Posted by Valid8

I was curious so I measured the xr8. 230mm behind the wheel.

You all good. I wonder how many other passenger vehicles would not pass the 230mm rule.

[ratter]

Police are human and do show emotion, it is possible that he was having a bad day or just dealt with several rude people before hand, but many fail to realise that a good attitude can help with the Policemans final actions, a lot of people start with the negative attitude towards the police straight away.

[svo supporter]

Not tailgating doesn't mean a rock won't get flicked up and take a windscreen out.....The mudflaps are designed to deflect the rocks downwards...It also reduces the chances of the rock being flung at any other traffic on the road.

So I can see the reasoning behind having them and why the coppers would defect for not having them...

[Dave R]

Grinzy must have joined the police force.

[Mark^^]

I am buying a new 4x4 and not looing forward to buying mud spats, cost is $660 for the 4 of them.

[Auslandau]

Think the question has been asked and has been answered well and truly. Lets leave it there